Blog
Plain-text accounting insights, tutorials, and updates from the Beancount.io team. Browse by tag.
Startup Accounting: The Founder's Guide to Getting Your Finances Right from Day One
A practical guide to startup accounting covering entity setup, cash vs. accrual methods, financial statements, tax essentials, and how to prepare your books for fundraising—so you can avoid costly mistakes and make better decisions from day one.
Return on Assets (ROA): What It Is, How to Calculate It, and How to Improve It
Learn what Return on Assets (ROA) is, how to calculate it step by step, what constitutes a good ROA by industry, how ROA compares to ROE and ROIC, and six proven strategies to improve your ROA.
Profit and Loss Statement: What It Is, How to Read and Create One
Learn what a profit and loss statement is, how to read and create one for your small business, understand the difference between single-step and multi-step formats, calculate key profitability ratios, and avoid common P&L mistakes that could be costing you money.
Operating Expenses: What They Are, How to Calculate, and How to Reduce Them
Learn what operating expenses are, how to calculate the operating expense ratio, the difference between OpEx and CapEx, where operating expenses appear on financial statements, tax implications, and eight practical strategies to reduce your operating costs.
The Most Important Financial Ratios Every Business Owner Should Track
Learn the most important financial ratios every business owner should track, including liquidity, leverage, profitability, and efficiency ratios—with formulas, examples, benchmarks, and practical tips for using them effectively.
Liabilities in Accounting: What They Are, Types, and How to Manage Them
Learn what liabilities are in accounting, the difference between current, non-current, and contingent liabilities, key financial ratios for analyzing debt, and practical strategies to manage your business obligations effectively.
Invoice Template: How to Create Professional Invoices for Your Business
Learn how to create professional invoices that get paid on time. This guide covers essential invoice elements, payment terms like Net 30 and 2/10 Net 30, common invoicing mistakes, types of invoices, template formats, and proven tips to accelerate payment collection for your business.
Invoice Templates: How to Create and Send Professional Invoices
A complete guide to creating professional invoices. Learn about the 13 essential elements of an invoice, common mistakes, payment terms, and tips to get paid faster.
How to Pay Yourself from an LLC: Owner's Draw vs. Salary Explained
Learn how to pay yourself from an LLC, including owner's draws, salary, and guaranteed payments. Compare tax implications across LLC structures, understand IRS reasonable compensation rules, and find the best compensation strategy for your business.
How to Find the Best CPA for Your Startup (And Avoid Costly Mistakes)
Learn how to find the best CPA for your startup with this practical guide. Covers when you need a CPA vs. bookkeeper, six criteria for choosing the right one, typical 2026 fees, red flags to avoid, and how to maximize the relationship.
Gross vs. Net: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know About Income, Profit, and Pay
Understand the difference between gross and net across income, profit, pay, and revenue. Includes formulas, real-world examples, industry benchmarks, and common mistakes to avoid when analyzing your business finances.
Gross Margin: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and How to Improve It
Learn what gross margin is, how to calculate it with the gross margin formula, industry benchmarks, the difference between gross margin and net margin, and seven proven strategies to improve your gross margin.