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Donna MacMillan - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
Custom Remote QuickBooks Training
Professional Bookkeeping Services
D. L. MacMillan & Associates
Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
I am a corporate accountant who has over 30 years of experience setting up bookkeeping systems including the all important decisions of what software program to purchase, as well as setting up a business’s system right the first time, overseeing the system as the business grows and providing on-going training for both the business owner and their staff.
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- Success Through the Recession
[Business:Management] Are you anxious about the success of your business through the current recession? There are positive steps to take and opportunities to grow during a down economy. You just have to know what they are and be willing to do what it takes to not only survive but to succeed while others quake in fear.
- Should Basic Math Be on the Endangered List?
[Business:Customer-Service] Does anyone out there know how many items are in two dozen? This should be a question that any second grader could answer easily. The reason I am asking is that once again I have been amazed at the lack of common everyday knowledge that our young people are suffering from.
- A Great Interview
[Business:Small-Business] Typically there are two nervous people in an interview - the person being interviewed and the person conducting the interview. You the employer, however, can overcome these jitters and the result will be a "great interview" for both of you.
- Hiring Your First Employee
[Business:Small-Business] Whether you are just starting out and need to hire an employee for your new business or your business has grown and the need for help is eminent, there are several things you need to know before you jump into the hiring process. This series of articles will provide you with the information you need to meet this challenge and avoid the pitfalls.
- What Is A Good Bookkeeper Worth?
[Business:Accounting] I am often asked what is a reasonable fee to charge my clients. And on the opposite side of the coin - what should I expect to pay for a bookkeeper? A bookkeeper who is honest, trustworthy, reliable and knowledgeable is worth their weight in gold. You might find a good honest hard working person, but if they don't have the knowledge and experience that you need then you only have part of the solution you are looking for.
- Embezzlement 101
[Business:Management] This is not a course in how to get rich by embezzling funds from the company your work for but a group of suggestions on how to protect your company from this heinous crime.
- Airing Dirty Laundry
[News-and-Society] You can't pick up a newspaper or magazine, turn on the TV or checkout the on-line news sites without being barraged with all the nasty things the famous (or in some cases the infamous) people might or might have not done. And as a result the general public seems to have gotten the idea that it's okay for them to "tell all".
- You Have QuickBooks - Now What?
[Business:Accounting] You have either started a new business, decided to get your financial information in order for your existing business or your tax preparer has announced that he/she won't do your tax return anymore if you bring in one more year's receipts in a shoebox or plastic bag. So on the recommendation of friends, business associates, accountant, or other professional in the know you have purchased QuickBooks.
- Spring Cleaning At The Office
[Self-Improvement:Organizing] Even if you live in a part of the country where snow is still on the ground and temperatures are still below freezing, you know for sure that spring is right around the corner. And there is no better time to unclutter and spruce up not just your home, but your office as well. Whether you reside in a plush corner office or a small cubicle you can bring a breath of fresh air to your surroundings very easily.
- The Hope Credit
[Finance:Taxes] The Internal Revenue Service offers help to taxpayers paying for tuitions. One of these ways is the Hope Credit. You are allowed to take a credit of up to $1,650 per eligible student.
- International Women's Day - March 8th
[Womens-Interests] Since 1909 International Women's Day has been recognized as the day to globally celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women; connecting all women and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
- Customizing Your Chart of Accounts
[Business:Accounting] A chart of accounts is defined as a list of accounts used to categorize the financial transactions of a business. But if set up with thought it can be one of your most useful tools in analyzing your business.
- Shame On Us
[News-and-Society:Crime] This article is without a doubt outside of my usual postings, but certainly not outside of my personal beliefs and this particular subject is one in which I need to reach out to a wider audience then just those I converse with among my local community.
Early this week the news announced the finding of two boys, one missing for a few days and one missing for four years.
- What Do All Those Numbers Mean?
[Finance:Taxes] It's tax season once again and you are faced with a list of various tax forms identified by a number that makes no sense to you. Here is a brief description of the most common forms used by both individuals and businesses to file their returns:
- Are You A Spammer
[Computers-and-Technology] Spam, as we all know, are those pesky unsolicited emails our mail boxes are filled up with everyday. At their best, they are barraging us with advertising for things we have no interest in and at worst they bring the potential of viruses, identity theft, and possible destruction to our data files, software programs and computers. And they are produced and distributed by “evil” people out to annoy us or destroy us. So how does this horrid activity relate to you?
- Ring In The New Year
[Business] The New Year is almost here and most of us are thinking about how we might be healthier, happier, wealthier and more productive. Here are my suggested resolutions to help Bookkeepers, business owners and just about everyone else accomplish these goals.
- Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
[Finance:Personal-Finance] We read the headlines and almost every day there is a story about some person having their life turned upside down by this heinous crime. There a few simple steps to protect yourself.
- It's That Time of Year Again!
[Business] And no I am not referring to holiday cheer, parties, gifts and the like. And not even ringing in the New Year with its associated celebrations and resolutions. But, as all you bookkeepers and accountants are aware, year end for most companies is right around the corner.
- Gifting In The Workplace
[Business] Tis the season when we are wracked with indecision on who to buy for and what to buy. We don’t want to insult anyone, but neither do we want to bust our budgets. Here are some of my thoughts on this dilemma.
- Sony’s Play Station III™ – Don’t Have It? Don’t Worry
[Gaming:Computer-Games] At midnight all over the United States people went crazy. For days they had parked themselves outside of stores, on sidewalks, in tent cities for the opportunity to be the first to purchase the new Sony Play Station™. And at midnight the gates were opened and riots ensued, people were trampled and run over, and at least one young man was shot. Was it worth the price?
- What is a Controller?
[Business] Have you ever wondered just what the position of controller entails? The official definition of the controller position is a corporate officer responsible for the business’s accounting activities. Sometimes this position is referred to as the comptroller. What you may not be aware of are the legal responsibilities and obligations that a controller assumes.
- Bookkeeping For An Artist
[Business] Income in and expenses out being recorded into their proper accounts is the essential tasks of bookkeeping. However, each type of business needs special treatments of these items. And the art business has its own unique requirements.
- A Business Start-up (Chapter Three) – Planning For Action
[Business:Small-Business] You are likely familiar with the term business plan, but just what is a business plan and how do you put one together? It is not as complicated as you might think. And if you prepare one segment at a time, than it won't be an overwhelming task.
- Bookkeeping For A Non-Profit Organization
[Business:Non-Profit] You have the opportunity to join a non-profit organization as their bookkeeper and while you may have a great deal of experience working within the business for profit world there are some differences between the two types of organizations that are important to consider.
- Bookkeeping - Specializing
[Business:Careers-Employment] While your general bookkeeping education and experience can offer you the opportunity to reach into many types of business, specializing in one or more types of businesses or industries will allow you to work within areas that are of interest to you and perhaps are passionate about. Does the art world pique your interest? Would you like to feel like you are helping your favorite cause while also earning a living?
- A Business Start-up (Chapter Two) - Educating for Success
[Business:Small-Business] Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work? The first place to start is acquiring knowledge. You need to know all you can about business in general and your product or service specifically.
- A Business Start-Up
[Business:Small-Business] Quite a few of us have a dream of working for ourselves. It goes something like this – I will leave my job and take my idea into the world and achieve great success. But so many just dream. In order to make our dreams come true we need to take action, starting today. So just where do you start? At the beginning of course.
- Trouble in the Workplace
[Business:Workplace-Communication] More and more I am hearing about problems in the office revolving around people issues. We are all familiar with sexual harassment and discrimination of various types. But what if you are experiencing feelings of discomfort due to actions that fall within the cracks.
- Return on Expenses - Part Three
[Business:Small-Business] One of the biggest return on expense may be your marketing costs. If spending on marketing is done wisely and consistently the payback on this investment can bring many rewards.
- Return on Expenses - Part Two
[Business:Small-Business] In the last article we discussed cutting expenses on the income side. Let's go to the opposite side of your business now - cutting costs on what you pay out.
- Return On Expenses
[Business:Small-Business] Expecting returns on expenses seems contradictory. How can you earn money on what you spend? There are several areas to target and we will examine each one in this series.
- Preventive Care for Your Business
[Business:Small-Business] We have all seen the articles, TV ads and listened to our doctor's advice to take preventive measures with our health. We have yearly checkups and tests with our doctor and dentist. We try to eat the right foods and get some exercise all in the effort of keeping ourselves healthy. We also take this way of thinking into the care of our vehicles and homes. And yet in what maybe the most important area for preventive maintenance does not get scheduled. Your business and how efficiently and profitable it is running...
- Choosing the Best Software for Your Business
[Computers-and-Technology:Software] With so many products to choose from where do you begin? With you, your employees and of course your business.
- You Are The Boss
[Business:Management] If you are the owner of the company, or head of a department, if you have employees that fall under your direction, than you are the boss. And bosses are not just one of the gang.
- Get Organized To Be Effective
[Self-Improvement:Organizing] Do you feel overwhelmed at work? Does there never seem to be enough time to get things done? If so, the primary cause is probably a lack of organization.
- Inventory Costing
[Business:Management] There are several ways to determine the value of your inventory and each type of valuation has benefits. The most common type used by small businesses is average cost or weighted average costing. This is based on the average cost of identical units.
- Prepaid Expenses
[Business] Prepaid expenses belong on the balance sheet and can encompass costs such as rent, insurance, advertising, and any other cost that normally would be expensed on your income statement but is paid in advance of the period in which it is owed.
- Is It a Fixed Asset?
[Business:Management] I often am asked this question by bookkeepers and business owners alike. The Internal Revenue Service defines a fixed asset as property used in a trade or business or in an income producing activity that wears out or becomes obsolete and it must have a determinable useful life substantially beyond the tax year. This might include tangible real estate property and personal property and what is referred to as intangible property.
- What Ever Happened to Customer Service?
[Business:Customer-Service] In my humble opinion, the number one issue a company should be paying attention to is customer service. But it seems more and more that getting the sale is taking priority over making the customer happy. Below are several examples of poor service - how would your company handled each of these circumstances?
- Trapped in a Sticky Web
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online:Web-Hosting] If you are like most business owners you have either taken the plunge or are thinking about
having a web site. Whether you design you own site or hire someone to write it there comes the time to choose a hosting service. And there are so many out there – how do you choose?
- Stuck in Mud (Or I Really Hate My Job)
[Business:Careers-Employment] I have been thinking about a conversation I had last night with a young woman I used to work with and thought I would share what may be possible solutions for all of you who are feeling frustrated, angry, unappreciated and just plain crummy about getting up and going to work everyday.
- Setting Up Your Chart of Accounts
[Business] While installing your new accounting software you have most likely been asked whether you would like to use one of the default charts of accounts included with the program or develop your own. But you may ask what if I don’t need all these accounts and how do I know which accounts I should keep. And should I use a numbering system or not? Let me help.
- The Burden of Payroll
[Business:Accounting-Payroll] And I am not talking about the actual time and cost of getting your employees paid, but all those costs often not considered when providing a customer an estimate or proposal or not included in budgets and financial planning.
- Online Software
[Computers-and-Technology:Software] You have heard about it, may even know someone who uses this type of service, but is it for you? Mostly likely the answer will be yes and below you will see the benefits.
- Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping
[Business:Outsourcing] There are several distinct advantages to outsourcing your bookkeeping functions. First and foremost is saving money. Having said that don't step over dollars to pick up dimes. You get what you pay for and if you don't pay for quality than you won't have quality service.
- Construction Job Costing for Profit
[Business] It is not enough to look at the bottom line of your profit and loss statement to determine how profitable your company is, but to also examine each job for profitability. You could conceivably being making a company wide profit but loosing money on some jobs.
- Dealing With The Internal Revenue Service
[Finance:Taxes] The mail has arrived and oh, no there is a dreaded letter from the IRS. Don’t panic yet, it maybe something as innocuous as information they think you might need, a question of where to apply a payment you made or even a refund check for an overpayment. But should it be more serious, all is not lost.
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