Blog
Plain-text accounting insights, tutorials, and updates from the Beancount.io team. Browse by tag.
Balance Sheet: What It Is, How to Read One, and How to Create Your Own
Learn what a balance sheet is, how to read and analyze one, the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity), four essential ratios, common mistakes to avoid, and step-by-step instructions to create your own.
Balance Sheet vs. Income Statement: Key Differences Every Business Owner Should Know
Understand the key differences between a balance sheet and an income statement, how they connect, essential ratios like ROA and ROE that bridge both, common mistakes to avoid, and when to use each statement for smarter business decisions.
Assets, Liabilities, and Equity: The Accounting Equation Explained
Learn what assets, liabilities, and equity are, how the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) works with real examples, types of each category, key financial ratios, and common mistakes to avoid.
Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio: What It Tells You and How to Improve It
Learn what the accounts receivable turnover ratio is, how to calculate it with the formula and real examples, what a good ratio looks like by industry, and 8 practical ways to improve your collections and cash flow.
Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and Why It Matters
Learn what the accounts receivable turnover ratio is, how to calculate it step by step with examples, industry benchmarks, and 7 practical ways to improve your collection efficiency and cash flow.
Retained Earnings: What They Are, How to Calculate Them, and Why They Matter
Learn what retained earnings are, how to calculate them using the retained earnings formula, and why they matter for your small business. Includes step-by-step examples, common mistakes, and tips for managing retained profits effectively.
Proforma Invoices: What They Are, When to Use Them, and How They Differ from Regular Invoices
Learn what a proforma invoice is, when to use one, and how it differs from commercial invoices, quotes, and purchase orders. Includes what to include, common mistakes, and best practices for international trade and small businesses.
Net 30 Payment Terms: What They Mean and How to Use Them
Learn what Net 30 payment terms mean, how they work, and when to use them. Covers 2/10 Net 30 early payment discounts, Net 60, Net 90 variations, late payment strategies, and practical tips for small businesses to protect cash flow.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee: How to Classify Workers and Avoid Costly Mistakes
Learn the key differences between independent contractors and employees, including the IRS three-factor test, DOL economic reality test, ABC test, tax obligations, misclassification penalties, and best practices for classifying workers correctly.
Fiscal Year vs. Calendar Year: How to Choose the Right Tax Year for Your Business
Learn the difference between a fiscal year and a calendar year, who can choose a fiscal year, and how to pick the right tax year for your business. Covers IRS rules, natural business year concept, advantages, and how to change your fiscal year.
Deferred Revenue: What It Is, How to Record It, and Why It Matters
Learn what deferred revenue is, why it's classified as a liability, and how to record it with proper journal entries. Covers ASC 606 revenue recognition rules, common mistakes, and practical tips for SaaS and subscription businesses.
Deferred Revenue: What It Is, How to Record It, and When to Recognize It
Learn what deferred revenue is, why it is recorded as a liability, and how to recognize it over time. Includes journal entry examples, ASC 606 guidance, common mistakes, and practical tips for small businesses managing advance payments.