Accounting and Bookkeeping Resources

The services of a good accountant can be invaluable to your small business. But how do you find a good accountant? These tips for finding a good accountant will help.

A definition of the accounting term accounts payable and how accounts payable applies to small businesses.

A definition of the accounting term accounts receivable and how accounts receivable applies to small businesses.

A definition of accrual basis accounting and an explanation of how accrual basis accounting and cash basis accounting differ.

A definition of the term assets and an explanation of fixed assets, current assets, and asset turnover.

A definition of bad debts and an explanation of the accounting for bad debts.

A balance sheet definition with links to instructions and a template for creating a balance sheet.

An explanation of the different sections of the balance sheet and a balance sheet template that you can use for your small business.

What is a CGA? And how do CGAs differ from other accountants and from bookkeepers? Find out what a CGA can do for your business.

What is a fiscal year and do you have to have a fiscal year end of December 31st if you run a Canadian business? This fiscal year definition explains.

If you run a Canadian business and want to change your fiscal year end, here's the procedure for changing your fiscal year.

An explanation of what an Income Statement is and an Income Statement template that you can use for your small business.

We all know how important business planning is, but it’s easy to put off in the press of daily events. This year end checklist will inspire you to get to it and make your business planning easier.

Includes definitions and resources for accounting terms such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and balance sheet. From your About.com guide.

Rosemary Peavler explains the steps that a company takes every accounting time period in order to take account of its financial transactions, from developing the Chart of Accounts through closing entries (About.com Business Finance).

A balance sheet worksheet from the Royal Bank (PDF file).

Definitions of the components of the balance sheet from BusinessTown.com.

Outline of how to set up a bookkeeping system for your small business from Canada Business Service Centres.

Outline of how to set up your books and how to maintain an adequate bookkeeping system from Manitoba's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Mines (PDF).

Jennifer Kubilis of JK Business Services presents 11 good reasons to bother with bookkeeping, even though it's not the most enjoyable part of running a business (Canadian).

Free service from Blue Raven Business Services sends you timely reminders via email to help you maximize your tax deductions, save money on bookkeeping and accounting, and be ready for tax time (Canadian).

An explanation of these two basic accounting methods from the CCH Small Business Owner's Toolkit.