While it’s probably safe to say that many entrepreneurs don’t start companies because they’re excited about business finances, no company will succeed without effective money management. The financial side of entrepreneurship becomes much easier if you employ the following strategies.

Set Up a Business Bank Account and Credit Card

Setting up a dedicated business bank account should be the first step you take toward managing your business finances. This is important for many reasons, especially the fact that it’s critical to keep your business and personal finances separate. As The Balance’s Jean Murray points out, using your personal bank account for your company’s purposes looks unprofessional and can lead to accounting and tax troubles. 

Additionally, you can obtain even more separation between your personal and business finances by applying for a business credit card. Shop around for one with an attractive interest rate and perks.

Get a Grasp on Terminology and Documents

Business finances are easier to understand if you have certain terms in your vocabulary. For example, “gross revenue” refers to how much customers have paid you, “expenses” refers to everything your business spends money on, and “net profit” is the difference between those two. Those definitions are oversimplifications, but they paint the general picture. For more detailed information on business terms, check out Investopedia’s dictionary

Along with terminology, you’ll also want to know what certain important financial documents cover. For a broad look at that subject, Business.org’s guide is helpful.

Pick and Use Software

Accounting and bookkeeping software should be in every business’s arsenal. It can make keeping track of your business’s financial data and documents much easier, and many of today’s options are highly affordable. Examples include Xero, QuickBooks Online, Sage50cloud, and FreshBooks.

Choose an Accountant

While software goes a long way, a good accountant can be an invaluable resource for any business. Look for a certified public accountant. If you’re not sure where to start, ask people in your network for recommendations.

Want to talk to an expert about your business’s financial options? Reach out to Prosper Lending Firm today.