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Accounting best practices for small businesses

When it comes to looking after the welfare of a business, accounting tops the list as being the most important. Without proper accounting, a business runs the risk of losing everything. The following are a few best practices that are essential for businesses to take note of.

  1. Check it off your list first

Proper accounting should be a priority from the start. Not only is keeping accurate books crucial to your company’s financial health and success, but it will only get more complicated down the road if you keep putting off until later.

  1. Focus your time and energy where it’s needed

Though there may be a period when you’re responsible for a wide variety of roles, take time to evaluate where your skills are most needed and best used. The chances are this isn’t the accounting department… identify what you need to do to make sure your time is spent effectively and efficiently.

  1. Get the right software

Without the right software, it will be difficult to keep track of what’s going on in your business. There are plenty of services out there to help you keep your finances, including payments, invoices, payroll and taxes, organised and in check. Identify which tools you need for your business activities and look into different options by taking into consideration your company size, growth rate and location.

  1. Never overspend

Just because a software package is the most sophisticated and expensive, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right software for your company as many small businesses won’t need enterprise-level services. Furthermore, more complicated software doesn’t do you any good if you don’t know how to fully utilise it.

  1. Hire a professional

If you are not familiar with accounting processes and are sure you don’t know what you’re doing, then it is the best option to hire a professional to get the job done for you. This is one area where you cannot afford to learn by trial and error.

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Michael Phillips

CA(SA) Registered Auditor – Director

Mike is the director of RDL Chartered Accountants Inc. and as a Registered Auditor has the knowledge and ability to comply with the latest auditing standards and financial reporting requirements and he completes all the statutory audits required by our clients.

Chris Johnson

Trainee Accountant

Chris, studying for his Chartered Certified Accountant [ACCA] qualification joined the practice in February 2016 and maintains a portfolio of clients attending to the write up of client general ledgers to trial balance, completion and submission of client statutory returns and management accounts. Chris holds a Diploma in Accounting and Business from ACCA and is a registered Business Accountant with SAIBA.

Hendrietta Soafo

Statutory Clerk

Hendrietta has been with LDC since 2004 and oversees the entire statutory function of LDC. She communicates regularly with the Regulator – CIPC and ensures that all of our clients are in good standing in respect of annual returns, company registers, share registers and directors and officers registers. She also attends to all new company incorporations, director appointments, share transfers and minutes of meetings.

Lisa Sampson

Senior Bookkeeper

Lisa, a Certified Bookkeeper joined LDC in 2008 and oversees the bookkeeping role of all LDC clients. She has extensive Pastel Accounting and Payroll experience and prepares all client files for year end annual financial statements. She also ensures all statutory returns are completed and submitted to the various governmental departments.

Teresa Verdonese

Tax Manager

Teresa has a B Com Accounting and an LLB (University of Johannesburg), and is in process of completing her Diploma in Advanced Taxation (UNISA). She specialises in Corporate & Individual taxation & manages the tax base from preparation to assessment. Teresa is a Registered General Tax Practitioner with the South Africa Institute of Tax Practitioners (SAIT).

Paddy Crichton

CA(SA) – Director – Accounting

Paddy completed his CTA at the University of the Witwatersrand and articles at Aiken and Carter (now KPMG) where he qualified as a chartered accountant. Prior to joining LDC in June 2017 he was employed as Financial Manager and Company Secretary in manufacturing and wholesale distribution companies, most recently as Financial Director of a leading international kitchen appliance distributor. Paddy oversees the full accounting function of LDC

Bob Lees

FCG(CS) FCIBM  – Managing Director

Bob started the practice in September 1991 and is the Chairman and Managing Director in overall charge of LDC Accounting and Tax Consultants Inc. He has three professional business qualifications and holds a practicing certificate issued by Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa, and for many years served on Committees and the Board of Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa and the International Council of the Institute from 2006 and as a vice president from 2009 to 2011.