Author: Complete Controller

Mistakes that can damage and affect an individual’s finances in the long term haunt the utmost; similarly, not handling your credit correctly can become a significant complication shortly. If an individual does not manage the credit correctly, it can be crucial for any financial institution to lend money to him because of his credit history. Moreover, even if an individual’s financial position seems well currently, it doesn’t mean that poor handling of credit cannot become an issue soon. Managing credit wisely can look tough, but it is essential to know its importance because your credit plays a vital role in your financial life.

To avoid indulging in following mistakes, one must understand the importance of how credit should be handled and used.

Having a Maximized Credit Card Balance: Credit cards have made life easier for many. However, if not used properly, they can also create problems with finances. According to the study, it is ideal for maintaining your credit utilization ratio at around 30% of the available credit. If the balance is creeping up towards your credit limit, this could be alarming as it can badly affect your credit. Hence, the lower the credit utilization ratio, the better.

Take Partial Responsibility for Someone Else’s Loan: Taking responsibility on your head for someone else can be risky, especially when money is involved. Co-signing a loan is to bear the responsibility of someone else who took the loan but failed to repay it. That can be problematic for one’s credit score because what will happen if the other person doesn’t act?

Not Being Mindful of Your Credit Report: If someone believes that looking up to their credit report is not essential, they might have a loss. Credit reports need to be looked at regularly so that you can spot mistakes and plan expenses accordingly. If a credit score is low, one can always change spending patterns. Believing that your credit is okay just because it was in good shape the last time you checked is nothing but a betrayal for one’s self. Mistakes and errors tend to appear on the credit report most of the time, and if not solved, these mistakes can lead to massive problems later on.

Over Spending & Failing to Keep Track of Your Budget: Many people do not check and balance their spending. That is one of the most common mistakes which disturb the credit or finances. Those who overspend cannot afford to save some money that might help them during tough times. It may, as a result, end up in over-drafting frequently. Thus, in times of crisis, they have no option other than to borrow or take loans that they have to repay with high interest.

Failure to Create a Budget & Plan Early: A big part of an individual’s financial future depends on the time he spent in his youth. Scrolling through social media and doing nothing productive will lead us nowhere. Build a strategy and follow it to avoid mistakes that can hurt your credit in the future.

It takes years to work on your financial plan and build your credit; however, it can ruin in a short period if not handled correctly. It may sound intimidating initially, but to avoid these mistakes, a person must avoid any tiny possibility that might disorganize the financial plan or credit.

Monitoring every expense should be made compulsory, whether it is a substantial expense or a small expense.

• Make sure you have a solid financial plan and that you follow it duly
• Make a habit of saving a little of whatever you as an individual or your business earns monthly

Taking these safety measures will help to avoid putting a strain on the budget. Even if you are not born with good credit, you can always handle it reasonably well by developing the earlier-mentioned habits. Thus, the more promptly these habits are developed and considered, the easier it becomes to maintain good credit.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Setting up a new business could be a lot of fun. You try to get in sync with as many avenues as possible to expedite the whole process and get yourself on the market. A huge part of setting up a business is bringing accounting software to cater to the financial sorting of your company. This software potentially changes your stepping and helps you achieve your goals by making bookkeeping easy.

There is a plethora of accounting and financial software in the market that may seem like the right option for you. But what decides if the software is the one for you?

To make the right choice, it is significant that you are entirely aware of your company’s requirements. Highlighting the needs would help you filter out the software and make the right choice. Before assessing any potential options, be clear about your expectations from the software and how you wish to see it perform. This clarity will assist you in making the right choice for your business because any decision you make would directly affect the performance of your business at the end of the day.

Top Things to Consider When Choosing an Accounting Software

There are a few aspects that a business owner should look deep into before making a choice. These aspects would aid them in choosing suitable software according to their business requirements and set expectations for them.

Go through the list below to know which features you should look for in software before deciding which one to get.

Software Performance & Functionalities: Deciding whether accounting software is right for you eventually comes down to its performance. Of course, you cannot test all software on the market, but you can research. By researching, you would come across reviews and experiences from different business owners that may help you shortlist software based solely on their performance.

If the software lacks performance and does a sloppy job organizing your financial data, then it’s useless. Purchasing comparatively expensive software that works impeccably and lasts long is better than a cheap one that would do you more harm than good.

Customizations & Integrations: Your accounting software should feel like it has been curated especially for your and your business’s needs. Customizing the software would be a significant advantage that you could use to set up the perfect system for your business.

We know customization may not feel necessary, but it is vital to understand why you need it in your accounting software. It is a known fact that each business is different and has contrasting needs and requirements. To ensure that the accounting software you will use fits your business model perfectly, you would need the option of customization to tailor it into the perfect choice for your company.

Security & Risk Protection: Your financial and accounting software should have very tight security. The software would handle all your financial affairs while analyzing, interpreting, and sorting them. If the security of your accounting software is not up to par, the information could fall into the wrong hands. Security breaches not only affect the future of your business in the market but could also be dangerous.

Always look for secure accounting software to do all your bookkeeping while keeping your data safe from any external threats and protecting you from any potential damages in the future.

Choosing the right accounting software could make or break your game in the market. The accounting software service goes beyond just rearranging your data in an organized manner. Good accounting software would keep your financial records sorted and aid you in highlighting the areas of profitability. It would prepare you for any hiccups your business may see in the future, while it also keeps track of your taxes.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Tax minimization is a controversial topic, often confused with tax avoidance. When you talk about minimizing taxes, most people think you are trying to evade taxation, which is illegal. This misconception is one of the primary reasons most businesses cannot reduce their tax burden, considering it is unlawful. Contrary to popular belief, lowering taxes is illegal and an acceptable practice within the taxation world. It is vital for any business in today’s world to have a tax minimization strategy in place using perfectly legal methods. Suppose you are looking to reduce your tax burden through legitimate means. In that case, it is essential for you first to understand the distinction between tax evasion and tax minimization to avoid any mishaps.

What Does Tax Minimization Mean?

Tax minimization refers to using various resources and means to reduce the amount of tax a business pays. Use tax depreciation effectively by planning for taxation in advance. For instance, if you have unearned income showing in your income statement for this year while the payment will be received next year, it makes sense to mention the amount under a different tab, such as account receivables, etc. You can significantly reduce your tax burden by simply renaming and managing your finances.

What are the Two Basic Ways Tax Minimization Works?

Broadly, there are two main ways tax minimization works. Many people wonder how they can legally avoid paying taxes or reduce the amount of taxes they pay. Again, we cannot stress enough the term “legally.” Two primary ways to reduce their tax burden are tax mitigation and finding loopholes in the law. The latter sounds unethical, so let’s leave that to the big fish. For now, let’s focus on tax mitigation and how you can use it to reduce the taxes you pay.

How Can You Minimize Your Tax Burden?

There are numerous ways businesses can reduce their tax burden. Most of these ways revolve around identifying presently occurring expenses and subtracting the ones that will incur later on. By doing this, you can reduce some of the burden of your taxable income from your income statement. Here are some more strategies to reduce your tax burden:

Depreciate Your Assets Regularly

Depreciation is the process of evaluating an asset’s current value and life expectancy concerning its market worth. When you depreciate your assets, you maintain your taxable depreciation expense. However, not many companies perform their depreciation yearly or during the taxation period. The best way is to use an accelerated depreciation process to calculate your assets’ depreciation before the taxation season.

Increase Your Capitalization Limit

Another way to reduce your overall taxable income is to buy assets recognized as fixed assets by the law. When you put a higher threshold for the amount reserved for purchasing fixed assets, you use a part of your income as an expense. If you reduce the overall taxable income, your income tax will diminish, too.

Reduce Your Inventory

A common practice for most businesses is reducing the overall inventory size by the end of the fiscal year. It would be best to sell all the unsold items in your inventory before the year-end. When you do this, the cost of these items will equal the cost of goods sold. This way, you reduce your overall taxable income.

Reduce Account Receivables

Again, another common practice most companies adopt is writing off their account receivables before the year-end. If you have not collected the income, showing it as income will only increase your tax amount. Why show it at all?

Most companies worldwide use these basic accounting strategies to reduce their overall taxable income, which is illegal. You can reduce your taxable income by simply managing and balancing your accounts. Why would that be considered unethical or unlawful?

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

In the recent decade, online businesses, mainly eCommerce businesses, have experienced enormous growth and change. More than that, the current COVID-19 pandemic has also pushed many traditional companies to online platforms. Whether you are selling through a website or social media platforms, you are part of the massive online business community. Unfortunately, while there is a significant emphasis on digital marketing, only a handful of people talk about financial management, which is the cornerstone of any business model. Since the flow of visitors and sales is enormous, it can be tedious to maintain accounts. However, you might not be able to evaluate and predict your business’ performance without assessing your accounts and cash flow.

If you are an online business owner struggling with your accounting, here are some of the best practices followed in the industry to keep you on the right track:

Connect Your Online Store with Your Accounting Software

First and foremost, this is probably the one practice that can revolutionize your business. You have hit gold if you have accounting software that can integrate with your online store. With this done, you will save time and effort and focus more on selling your products rather than manually entering them into another software or register. Such accounting software will record your data, such as the number of products sold, the price they were sold for, the cost of those products, and the overhead expenses, instantly giving you the ROI (return on investment). Again, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is for any online business, especially eCommerce, to connect its accounting software with its store.

Inventory Management with Overhead Expenses

Inventory management software is also crucial for your business’ success. Such tools only reduce your efforts and exhaustion, giving you time to focus more on the results. If you have inventory management software integrated within your accounting software connected with your online store, then that’s an online business owner’s dream come true. If not, that’s not an issue. You must get functional inventory management software that regularly updates your inventory and the cost of goods sold (COGS). You would also need to add the overhead expenses such as packaging, delivery, etc. With all this in one place, subtracting the cost from the revenue will be a piece of cake. Again, it will save you hours of manual work.

Account Reconciliation Management

One of the significant problems small to medium-sized businesses face is reconciling their accounts. Sure, it seems like a job for an expert accountant, but in reality, it is a manageable task for a business owner to take on as long as they stay on a schedule. When running an online business, you will face numerous decline transactions, doubling transactions, refunds, and chargebacks. Your software might record it as sales, but you would have to reconcile it manually if the transaction was refunded or declined. Do this regularly to get your analytics right. Without reconciling your cash at the bank vs. sales, you might overestimate your profit, which can have disastrous effects.

Jump on the Bandwagon – Go to Cloud Software!

Lastly, working with cloud software is one of the best ways to keep your data secure. Hackers are always on the hunt, and many businesses suffer data leakage, which leads to the loss of clients’ or clients’ financial information. With cloud software, your data is always secure on the cloud.

To conclude, if you are an online business, you have taken the first step towards joining the digital revolution. However, being ahead of your competition and adopting practices that will take your business to new heights is imperative. Managing your accounts seems boring. Most online business owners want to focus on sales and marketing. However, remember that the flow of money might be overwhelming if you don’t plan to deal with the accounting side of things.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

A startup business is a business that has just started its initial operations or is about to begin operating. An organization that is very early and in the first few stages of being functional is a startup. A startup business funds come from the person(s) who initially intended to start the company or the founder of the business. These startup businesses generally begin with high costs and limited revenue and struggle to enter the market correctly. Many startup businesses struggle initially as they have to form an image, reputation, and brand name. The people who run the business, be it the company’s founders or other partner(s), struggle to manage many tasks as they have to handle many things to make their business operational. At this stage, some business owners struggle with time management as all the tasks run simultaneously, and they get confused and mess things up.

Comparatively, new businesses face more costs than stable companies. Companies incur these costs to make the business functional, whereas regular companies are already operational; hence, they don’t require as many operational costs as startups. There are two types of startup costs, known as pre-opening startup costs and post-opening startup costs. Pre-opening startup costs are the costs required to start the business or the necessary costs for the company to function. These costs include business expenses, research expenses, borrowing costs, and expenses. Pos expenses-opening costs are the costs created when the business starts its operations, and these costs are essential as they make a business operational and stable in the future. As startups have a lot of expenses that are hard to meet or afford, they should put financial controls on their costs and fees. Financial authorities are rules a business places on its financial practices to avoid overspending and control expenditure. Here are some ways you can practice financial controls in your startup business:

Always create cash flow statements. Making a cash flow statement will identify all your cash inflows and outflows to determine if your business is overspending or if any unnecessary expenses could be cut off or eliminated easily. You can even detect fraud taking more of your money than intended. Create these cash flow statements almost monthly to keep a better eye on and look at your records.

Ensure you run a proper background check on your employees before hiring. It would be best to run adequate and thorough background checks on the employees to prevent fraud, primarily for the business’s accounting department employees. These positions include the accountant, the bookkeeper, or even the analysts, as their errors could lead to disastrous situations.

It is essential to review all the financial statements. The creation of the financial statements is only helpful if the business owner reviews them. These statements contain the information through which you can determine the economic situation of your business and make other decisions accordingly.

Don’t rush when looking for finances for your business. It is essential to plan for the finances you will be attaining to fulfill the financial needs of your business. If you make these decisions in a rush, you may get the wrong match for you; this means that fast choices could lead you to take loans from banks with very high interest rates, which will only increase your expenses.

Having analysts in your business is very useful as financial analysis can help you make better decisions, and you can quickly put financial controls on your expenses. A startup must run the business wisely and minimize its costs and fees as much as possible. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Many entrepreneurs and independent professionals use the Internet only to promote themselves. And that is the best case. However, the Internet is a powerful window and offers opportunities and advantages to those who know how to use their strategies correctly. Learn about the four secrets that will give you valid reasons to benefit your professional practice if you decide to start an online business.

Secret # 1 – Advertising 24/7 When Starting an Online Business

Calculating how much you would have to invest if you paid to advertise 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is impossible. However, your online business (and its well-configured tools) is a shop window and ready to attract customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

No matter where a potential client of your company is located and, therefore, no matter the time difference you have, an online business will leave your potential client feeling that they can benefit from your knowledge. 

Secret # 2 – Prospects Even While You Sleep

One of the biggest dreams of any entrepreneur who intends to start an online business is to feel that he gets prospects even while he sleeps. It is a well-known phrase to reinforce the concept that you do not need to be “online” constantly so that your prospects can still approach and want to work with you.

The key here is not only to have a “stained glass window” prepared for it, but what you put into them will also be vital. In other words, when your online business captures your prospect’s attention, you have hit the key with what interests and needs you, and it offers you a channel to connect with you and thus start working together. Your prospect will not wait until 8 am, or I can contact you by phone call. These tools will be vital to harnessing the enthusiasm and sense of “urgency” that your prospect showed in that “click.”

Secret # 3 – A Full-Time Seller

Imagine that you would hire a seller for your company. This person would be responsible for getting prospects and making introductory meetings, right? Tell your company’s story, show the portfolio of products, and explain their benefits and how they could transform your buyer up to references from other clients and success stories. Your strategically implemented online business achieves this. And not only once but again and again. Your history, reputation, career, services, and why they are what your client needs are all within reach of the “eyes” of your prospect.

And suppose you know how to play your cards well and get your prospect to keep in touch. In that case, it is information that will be there when your potential client feels that it is time to take a step forward and ask for an interview to speak more deeply about your services and what you could do for him if he hires you.

Secret # 4 – No More Knocking on Doors and Feeling Fear of Rejection When Selling

One of the main reasons why freelancers hate selling is because they don’t like rejection. One of the reasons they constantly suffer from disclaimers is that they live knocking on doors, and most of the time, they are doors that are not there for you. It is natural and safe has happened to you a thousand times: they call your phone and offer you something you don’t need, interrupt you in the middle of your workday, or, worse, a Saturday almost at dawn. You get mad at the seller and the company and feel that if you sell, that’s what you’ll do. But it’s not like that. You can use a different model.

When you have an online business, 50% of the way to the sale travels, prospects visit your website, and they see your story, who you are, how you can help them, and if they are interested, they contact you. You do not have to convince them that your product solves their situation but that they have already read a lot of information before contacting you. Now, you must dedicate yourself to finding the points of agreement between your client’s needs and your product to achieve the best way for them to work together. It makes the sale a much more natural, fluid, and less aggressive conversation.

 

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a profession for accountants who have a professional accounting license provided by the Board of Accountancy for each state in the United States. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) provides resources on obtaining the license. The concept of having CPAs is to introduce more professional standards in businesses and the economy.

Is Certified Public Accountant & Chartered Accountant the Same Person?

A Certified Public Accountant is also known as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in other countries. To be a Certified Public Accountant, a person should have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or accounting. A Certified Public Accountant should complete one-fifty hours of education to get the license. A Certified Public Accountant should have at least two years of public accounting experience. The Certified Public Accountant also has to pass the Uniform CPA Exam to be certified. Keeping the title of a CPA also requires completing a specific number of continuing education hours yearly. CPAs should be very experienced and experts in their tasks to get a job as a Certified Public Accountant.

The Differences Between Ordinary Accountants and Certified Public Accountants

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) play a vital role in the financial landscape, working across diverse settings such as public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and government agencies. Their expertise is not limited to traditional accounting roles; many CPAs also ascend to significant leadership positions, taking on responsibilities as controllers or chief financial officers (CFOs) within a variety of organizations.

While it is true that all CPAs can be classified as accountants, it’s important to note that not every accountant holds the CPA designation, which signifies a recognized level of professionalism and adherence to industry standards. CPAs are often sought after for their specialized knowledge, particularly in areas such as tax consulting, where they guide businesses through the complexities of tax filings, ensuring compliance and optimization of tax obligations.

Moreover, companies frequently enlist CPAs to conduct or review their annual audits, providing an essential check on financial accuracy and integrity. The accounting profession also offers vast specialization opportunities; CPAs can focus their expertise in fields such as auditing, bookkeeping, forensic accounting, managerial accounting, information technology, and tax preparation, allowing them to cater to the unique needs of their clients and industries. This diverse skill set makes CPAs invaluable assets in the financial world, providing critical insights and solutions that drive business success.

Although an accountant does not always need a degree in accounting, a Certified Public Accountant is required to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

An accountant does not have a license or require experience or a specific number of hours of education, whereas a CPA should pass complex tests and strict requirements to get a permit from the state. The CPA should also complete one-fifty hours of experience along with two hours of experience, as mentioned above.

An accountant’s responsibilities are not as many as the responsibilities of a Certified Public Accountant. The duties of an accountant can include bookkeeping and creating financial statements. However, a Certified Public Accountant can take on many responsibilities, such as auditing, analyzing the business’s financial position, creating budgets and strategies, tax filing, consultancy, and forensic accounting.

For large companies, getting help from Certified Public Accountants is almost necessary. As a business grows, so do the financial obligations, which professionals or Certified Public Accountants can only handle. Big corporations mainly hire CAPs in their firms to have all their accounting and finances dealt with by them, and other companies may only seek a CPA’s help when needed through accounting agencies. Usually, CPAs act as tax filing consultants for many companies, as this is one of the most complicated tasks for a business.

Major Roles that CPAs Perform for an Organization

Some of the significant and significant roles of Certified Public Accountants are:

Financial planning, analysis, and management: A Certified Public Accountant can advise or plan for businesses after reviewing all the financial documents and statements. Some CPA agencies also offer CPAs to businesses as financial managers. The services CPAs offer as financial managers could include supervising and managing a company’s daily economic activities and providing strategic ideas to make the company’s accounting systems efficient.

Consultation: Some businesses can seek a CPA’s help for consultation or advice on their financial position and performance, and the CPA could suggest some strategies for improvement.

Tax filing: Tax filing can quickly become complicated for people with no accounting experience, which is why they need a CPA’s help during the tax season.

Forensic Accounting: Some businesses don’t focus on proper bookkeeping and keeping records at the beginning of their operations, and they end up with messed up or destroyed records. Certified Public Accountants are hired to fix and reconstruct messy records in these situations. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Since the late 90s and early 2000s, globalization has taken the world by storm. The demand for high-quality work at the lowest cost possible has spiked. Many industries outsource work to countries where labor is cheap, from software development and shoe manufacturing to customer support and accounting services, but the skillset is better. For many small to medium-sized businesses, getting their jobs done through offshore employees has become the only way to earn good profit.

Similarly, offshore accounting services have also allowed companies to maintain their accounts through a third-party dedicated offshore accounting company, reducing the hassle of hiring an account team to do the job at double the cost. So, if you are a small, medium, or large business wondering whether to shift your accounting load to an offshore company or not, then here are some benefits that would help you make the decision.

Benefit # 1: Reduced Cost, Higher Productivity

One of the primary reasons companies work with an offshore accounting firm is that it reduces their costs. Imagine hiring a team of accountants in your office. You will pay not only their salaries but also other benefits that they would expect. With an offshore accounting company, you will only pay a fraction of the amount and get all your required services. Since these are dedicated accounting companies, you won’t have to worry about the quality of their services. In addition, offshore accounting companies usually charge by the hour. You can keep track of the hourly production to track their performance.

Benefit # 2: More Options, Lesser Restraints

Once you decide to move your accounting workload to an offshore company and start searching for the right one, you will be surprised to see the competition. There are thousands of companies offering a combination of services at meager prices. You can even get additional benefits that come alongside accounting services to make it even better for your business. You won’t have to stick with a limited pool of expertise or talent, or you won’t have to hire a new employee every time a new type of accounting job appears.

Benefit # 3: Lesser Management Burden, Increased Accuracy

Again, since you won’t be hiring a team of accountants but rather shifting the workload to an offshore company, you won’t bear the brunt of managing numerous departments and employees. Instead, you will focus on the central departments of your company that are generating the sales. At the same time, your offshore accounting company handles the accounting and financial management.

Benefit # 4: High Usage of Technology

Again, since offshore accounting companies regularly make themselves better to beat the competition, you will find that most of them will be using up-to-date software, enhanced security, and backup services for your financial data and the like. If you wish to have a similar setup in your office, it will cost you to hire and manage an accounting team, a networking team, and an IT team. Of course, the cost will be sky-high. With an offshore accounting company, you will be getting all of this at a specific hourly or monthly price.

Benefit # 5: Higher Confidentiality, Lesser Risks of Data Theft

Since an offshore company will manage your accounts, your competitors’ chances of stealing your data will be reduced. If you want to keep your accounting information hidden from authorities, that’s also possible since nothing will be on your computers or desk. Your accounting data will be offshore, meaning no access to locals.

Why Should You Switch to an Offshore Accounting Service Provider?

For any business trying to save money and increase the security of their accounting data, offshore accounting services are the best option. With an offshore accounting service provider, you will be getting expertise at a fraction of the price, which is a winning situation. In addition, since your data will probably be on the cloud, you can access it from anywhere, giving you the freedom to check your accounts whenever and wherever you want.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

Small Business Trends to Track for Strategic Growth in 2025

Small business trends to track in 2025 center on AI adoption, inflation management strategies, e-commerce expansion, labor market adaptations, and diversity-driven innovation—with 33.2 million U.S. small businesses contributing 44% of economic activity while navigating unprecedented market shifts. These five core trends represent immediate opportunities for competitive advantage, particularly as 54% of small businesses cite inflation as their primary concern and 48% actively implement AI tools to offset operational costs.

Over my 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve watched thousands of businesses transform their operations by staying ahead of market trends. The difference between businesses that thrive and those that merely survive comes down to strategic trend adoption—and 2025 presents unique opportunities for growth. From AI-powered bookkeeping that reduces errors by 40% to e-commerce strategies driving 25% revenue increases, this article provides actionable insights based on real client successes. You’ll gain specific implementation strategies for each trend, learn from case studies of businesses achieving measurable results, and discover how to position your company for sustained growth despite economic uncertainty.

What are the most critical small business trends to track in 2025?

• Inflation management, AI adoption, e-commerce expansion, labor adaptations, diversity innovation
• Inflation management includes dynamic pricing models and vendor renegotiation strategies
• AI adoption focuses on automated bookkeeping and predictive analytics tools
• E-commerce expansion encompasses social commerce and mobile-first design
• Labor adaptations involve hybrid workforce models and flexible benefit packages
• Diversity innovation leverages minority ownership growth and community partnerships

Mastering Inflation: Profit Protection in Volatile Markets

Small businesses face margin pressure from sustained inflation, with 62% seeking additional financing to offset rising costs according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The challenge extends beyond simple price increases—it requires comprehensive operational restructuring to maintain profitability while preserving customer relationships.

Dynamic pricing represents the most effective response to inflation volatility. Successful businesses implement tiered service packages that allow customers to select value levels matching their budgets. For example, Jane’s Handmade Crafts introduced three subscription tiers during peak inflation, resulting in 30% higher customer retention compared to traditional single-price models. This approach maintains revenue stability while giving customers control over their spending.

Cost optimization strategies

Vendor renegotiation yields immediate results for margin protection. Complete Controller clients averaging $2-5 million in revenue typically achieve 12-15% cost reductions through systematic supplier reviews. The process involves:

• Analyzing purchase volumes across all vendors quarterly
• Requesting competitive bids for contracts exceeding $50,000 annually
• Consolidating orders with fewer suppliers for volume discounts
• Negotiating payment terms to improve cash flow timing

Customer retention during price increases

Price increases become acceptable when paired with enhanced value propositions. Loyalty programs offering exclusive benefits justify higher prices while deepening customer relationships. One Midwest manufacturing client maintained 95% customer retention despite 18% price increases by introducing:

1. Priority order fulfillment for loyalty members
2. Quarterly product customization consultations
3. Extended warranty coverage at no additional cost
4. Early access to new product launches

Smart businesses position price adjustments as investments in service quality rather than simple cost transfers. This psychological framing reduces customer resistance while building long-term brand loyalty.

AI Revolution: Transforming Operations Beyond Automation

Emerging small business technologies reshape competitive landscapes, with 48% of small businesses already using AI tools according to recent industry surveys. The transformation extends far beyond simple automation—AI fundamentally changes how businesses analyze data, predict trends, and serve customers.

QuickBooks AI integration demonstrates immediate practical benefits. Small businesses report 40% reduction in data entry errors and eight hours monthly freed for strategic planning. These efficiency gains translate directly to bottom-line improvements through reduced labor costs and faster decision-making capabilities.

Implementation roadmap for AI adoption

Starting AI implementation requires systematic evaluation of current workflows. Begin with processes consuming the most manual time—typically invoicing, expense categorization, and financial reporting. Our clients achieve fastest ROI by targeting repetitive tasks first:

• Month 1: Implement automated invoice processing
• Month 2: Deploy expense categorization algorithms
• Month 3: Activate predictive cash flow analytics
• Month 4: Launch AI-powered customer insights

Beyond basic automation

Advanced AI applications deliver competitive advantages through predictive capabilities. Machine learning algorithms analyze historical sales patterns, seasonal fluctuations, and market indicators to forecast revenue with 85% accuracy three months ahead. This foresight enables proactive inventory management, staffing adjustments, and marketing campaign timing.

Bailey Builds furniture startup exemplifies AI’s transformative potential. Using AI-powered demand forecasting, they reduced inventory holding costs by 20% while maintaining 98% order fulfillment rates. Their success stemmed from integrating AI insights across operations rather than treating it as isolated technology.

Personnel development in AI era

AI adoption succeeds when employees transition from data entry to data analysis roles. Successful implementations include comprehensive training programs helping staff interpret AI-generated insights. Complete Controller clients investing in employee AI literacy report 3x higher adoption rates and faster positive ROI compared to technology-only approaches.

E-Commerce Mastery: Converting Digital Presence to Revenue

Small business digital marketing strategies now prioritize e-commerce integration, with 57% of digitally-enabled businesses expecting revenue growth according to PYMNTS Intelligence research. The shift extends beyond simple online stores—successful businesses create seamless omnichannel experiences connecting physical and digital touchpoints.

Social commerce represents the fastest-growing opportunity, particularly through Instagram Shopping and TikTok Shop integrations. Businesses achieving highest conversion rates focus on platform-native content rather than repurposing traditional marketing materials. Mike’s Tech Solutions increased online revenue 35% by creating platform-specific video content showcasing products in real-world applications.

Mobile optimization imperatives

Mobile devices drive 65% of e-commerce traffic, yet many small businesses maintain desktop-focused designs. Essential mobile optimizations include:

1. Single-thumb navigation for all critical functions
2. Apple Pay and Google Pay integration at checkout
3. Image compression for sub-three-second load times
4. Simplified forms with autofill capabilities
5. Voice search optimization for product discovery

Local SEO for e-commerce success

Geographic targeting amplifies e-commerce effectiveness for businesses serving regional markets. “Near me” searches increased 200% over three years, creating opportunities for localized digital strategies. Successful implementations combine:

• Google Business Profile optimization with product catalogs
• Location-specific landing pages for service areas
• Geofenced social media advertising
• Local influencer partnerships for authentic reach

Performance metrics that matter

E-commerce success requires monitoring beyond basic sales figures. Critical performance indicators include:

Metric	Industry Benchmark	Target for Growth
Mobile Conversion Rate	2.25%	3.5%+
Cart Abandonment Rate	69.57%	Under 60%
Customer Lifetime Value	3x acquisition cost	5x acquisition cost
Email Click-Through Rate	2.62%	4%+

Regular analysis of these metrics enables rapid strategy adjustments and continuous improvement cycles.

Workforce Evolution: Building Resilient Teams

Remote work solutions reshape employment landscapes, with hybrid models becoming standard rather than exception. Bank of America data shows payroll growth moderating to 3.2% in 2023 from 6.7% in 2022, indicating a stabilizing labor market requiring strategic adaptation rather than reactive hiring.

Successful workforce strategies balance flexibility with productivity requirements. Companies reporting highest employee satisfaction combine remote work options with structured collaboration frameworks. This includes designated in-office days for team building and creative sessions while maintaining remote flexibility for focused work.

Compensation beyond salaries

Modern retention strategies extend beyond base compensation to comprehensive value propositions. High-performing small businesses offer:

• Health savings account contributions offsetting insurance costs
• Professional development stipends for skill advancement
• Flexible PTO policies trusting employee judgment
• Home office equipment allowances for remote workers
• Mental health support through app subscriptions

Gig economy integration

Blending full-time employees with specialized contractors provides operational flexibility. Successful hybrid models maintain core competencies in-house while leveraging external expertise for project-based needs. This approach reduces fixed labor costs while accessing specialized skills on demand.

Bailey Builds exemplifies effective hybrid workforce management. They maintain 15 full-time employees for core operations while engaging 25+ regular contractors for seasonal demands and specialized projects. This structure reduced overhead 20% while expanding into 12 new markets.

Skills development as retention tool

Investing in employee growth creates mutual benefits. Upskilling programs focusing on digital competencies, data analysis, and customer experience management prepare teams for evolving business needs while increasing employee loyalty. Complete Controller clients implementing structured development programs report 40% lower turnover rates compared to industry averages.

Diversity as Innovation Driver: Leveraging Demographic Shifts

Minority-owned businesses grew from 9% to 15% of all U.S. firms between 2019-2023, while women-owned firms now represent 44% according to Pursuit Lending research. This demographic transformation creates opportunities for innovative approaches to products, services, and market positioning.

Diverse ownership brings unique perspectives identifying underserved market segments. These businesses often recognize needs overlooked by traditional competitors, creating first-mover advantages in emerging markets. Patent data reveals micro-businesses with 1-4 employees secure 10% of all patents, demonstrating innovation concentration in diverse small enterprises.

Community partnership strategies

Authentic community engagement drives sustainable growth for diverse-owned businesses. Successful approaches include:

1. Participating in minority supplier certification programs
2. Collaborating with local cultural organizations
3. Sponsoring community events aligned with brand values
4. Creating mentorship programs for aspiring entrepreneurs
5. Developing products addressing specific cultural needs

Cultural competency as competitive advantage

Understanding diverse customer bases enables targeted marketing exceeding generic demographic approaches. Businesses demonstrating cultural awareness through product development, marketing messaging, and customer service protocols capture loyalty in increasingly diverse markets.

Accessing diversity-focused resources

Multiple funding sources specifically support diverse entrepreneurs. These include:

• SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
• Minority Business Development Agency grants
• Corporate supplier diversity initiatives
• Impact investment funds prioritizing diverse founders
• State-specific minority business programs

Strategic utilization of these resources accelerates growth while building valuable corporate partnerships.

Future-Proofing Strategies: Building Sustainable Resilience

Small business credit card balances rose 18% since 2019, though inflation-adjusted levels remain comparable to pre-pandemic norms according to Bank of America research. This financial resilience stems from strategic planning rather than reactive decision-making, with successful businesses maintaining multiple contingency scenarios.

Startup funding trends shift toward alternative financing models beyond traditional bank loans. Revenue-based financing, where repayment ties to monthly revenue percentages, provides flexibility during economic uncertainty. This approach aligns lender and business interests while avoiding fixed payment pressures during slow periods.

Scenario planning frameworks

Effective contingency planning requires structured approaches to uncertainty. Develop three scenarios:

• Base Case: Current trajectory continues with minor fluctuations
• Downside Case: 20-30% revenue reduction from economic pressures
• Upside Case: 15-25% growth from market opportunities

Each scenario requires specific action triggers and response strategies. For example, downside triggers might include two consecutive months of 10%+ revenue decline, automatically initiating cost reduction protocols.

Technology stack optimization

Future-ready businesses maintain lean, integrated technology ecosystems. Essential components include:

1. Cloud-based accounting systems enabling real-time financial visibility
2. Customer relationship management connecting sales and service
3. Inventory management systems preventing stockouts and excess
4. Communication platforms supporting hybrid work models
5. Cybersecurity tools protecting against increasing threats

Regulatory compliance preparation

Emerging regulations around AI usage, data privacy, and environmental reporting require proactive compliance strategies. Businesses implementing comprehensive data governance frameworks now avoid costly retrofitting when regulations formalize. Key preparation steps include:

• Documenting all AI decision-making processes
• Implementing customer data consent management
• Establishing environmental impact measurement systems
• Creating algorithmic bias testing protocols
• Maintaining detailed compliance audit trails

Conclusion

The small business trends to track for 2025 success demand bold action paired with strategic thinking. From mastering inflation through dynamic pricing to leveraging AI for operational excellence, each trend offers concrete opportunities for growth. Your business stands at a pivotal moment—those embracing these changes will capture market share from hesitant competitors.

As someone who’s guided thousands of businesses through market transitions over two decades, I’ve learned that success comes from systematic implementation rather than scattered attempts. Start with one trend aligned with your immediate challenges, achieve measurable results, then expand to others. The businesses thriving in 2025 will be those taking action today.

Ready to implement these strategies with expert guidance? Connect with our team at Complete Controller to develop your customized growth roadmap. We’ll help you navigate these trends while maintaining the financial clarity essential for confident decision-making.

FAQ

How can small businesses balance automation with maintaining personal customer relationships?

Successful automation enhances rather than replaces personal connections. Use AI for repetitive tasks like appointment scheduling and basic inquiries, freeing staff for meaningful customer interactions. Set clear automation boundaries—complex issues and relationship-building activities always require human touch.

What’s the minimum budget needed to implement AI tools effectively?

Basic AI implementation starts around $100-300 monthly for tools like automated bookkeeping or chatbots. Focus initial investments on highest-impact areas showing clear ROI within 90 days. Many platforms offer free trials enabling testing before commitment.

How do I stay compliant with evolving AI and data privacy regulations?

Establish data governance frameworks documenting all automated decision processes. Maintain clear audit trails, implement regular bias testing, and ensure transparent customer communication about AI usage. Consider quarterly compliance reviews as regulations rapidly evolve.

Which funding option works best for businesses with seasonal revenue fluctuations?

Revenue-based financing aligns perfectly with seasonal businesses, as repayments adjust to income levels. During slow seasons, payments decrease automatically, reducing financial pressure. Alternative options include lines of credit and invoice factoring for immediate cash flow needs.

How do I identify which trends deserve immediate attention versus long-term planning?

Evaluate trends through three criteria: immediate revenue impact, competitive necessity, and implementation complexity. Address inflation and basic digital presence immediately. Plan AI adoption and workforce evolution over 6-12 months. Assess quarterly to adjust priorities based on market changes.

Sources

• Bank of America Institute. (April 2024). “Small Business Checkpoint.” www.bankofamerica.com/institute
• Bankrate. (November 15, 2023). “Small Business Statistics In 2023.” www.bankrate.com/statistics
• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). “Consumer Price Index.” www.bls.gov/cpi
• Gusto. (October 2024). “2024 New Business Formation Report.” gusto.com/resources/articles
• HulkApps. (June 2024). “Shopify’s Impact on Small Businesses: Case Studies and Success Stories.” www.hulkapps.com/blogs
• Intuit. (September 2023). “Responsible AI in QuickBooks.” www.intuit.com/blog/innovative-thinking
• National Federation of Independent Business. (2023). “Economic Trends Report.” www.nfib.com/content/analysis
• Pew Research Center. (April 22, 2024). “A Look at Small Businesses in the U.S.” www.pewresearch.org
• PYMNTS Intelligence. (December 2023). “Small Business E-Commerce Trends.” www.digitalcommerce360.com
• Pursuit Lending. (January 2025). “Growth of Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses.” pursuitlending.com/resources
• Small Business Administration. (November 2023). “2023 Small Business Profile.” advocacy.sba.gov
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2023). “Small Business Index Q1 2023.” www.uschamber.com/sbindex
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (May 20, 2024). “Small Business Data Center.” www.uschamber.com/data
• Wikipedia. (2024). “Artificial Intelligence.” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

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3 Requirements for Women Entrepreneurs Online

A website: It does not matter if you delegate the work of its creation or want to embark on yourself, but you need a place to show yourself. Suppose you dare to mark a “DIY” of your online presence. In that case, I recommend creating a website in WordPress, which is the most potent content manager currently and my favorite for all the possibilities it offers. However, other people prefer to start by creating a free website.

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All in All

There is nothing a man can do that a woman cannot do. It is incredible how more women work hard and make their way into the industry. With just a few tips and requirements mentioned above, there is no stopping them! About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.