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2024 Year-end Restaurant Accounting Checklist

Monday, December 09, 2024

As we approach the end of 2024, restaurant owners must ensure their financial books are in shape. Proper year-end accounting keeps your restaurant compliant and sets a solid foundation for the upcoming year. At J&S Accounting, we understand the unique challenges of managing restaurant finances. Here’s a checklist to help streamline your year-end accounting tasks.

1. Review Financial Statements

Before launching, it's crucial to conduct thorough market research. Understanding your target audience and competitors can guide your business decisions. Determine if your potential clients are homeowners or businesses. Analyze competitors to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Look for gaps in the market that you can fill, such as offering specialized services like electric vehicle (EV) charger installations, which are in increasing demand.

Business Plan

A business plan is your roadmap to success. It doesn't have to be overly complex but should include key details about how your business will function and succeed. Start by outlining your goals, the services you plan to offer, and your pricing strategy.

Legal and Licensing Requirements

Compliance with legal requirements is crucial. You must have a valid electrician's license to operate legally. Licensing requirements vary by state, so check your local regulations. Additionally, ensure you have a business license and the necessary insurance, such as general liability and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.

*Please note that we offer advice based on our experience; if you need more strategic guidance, consult an attorney or CPA.

Financial Planning

New businesses often face the danger of depleting their financial resources, making thorough financial planning essential. Develop a budget for initial and ongoing costs, such as equipment, advertising, insurance, and salaries. Be aware of your potential income and monitor your earnings closely to prevent financial shortages. Since suppliers in this field may take 60-90 days to make payments, it's crucial to maintain enough capital to cover at least two months of expenses and payroll.

Business Structure

Choosing the proper business structure is crucial as it impacts your liabilities and taxes. Options include sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each has its advantages, so consider your needs carefully before deciding.

Operational Considerations

Monthly bookkeeping services are not just an option but necessary for real estate agents aiming to maintain a successful business. At J&S Accounting, we are dedicated to providing customized bookkeeping solutions that cater to the specific needs of real estate professionals. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve financial clarity and focus on what matters most—growing your real estate business.

Marketing and Branding

Your brand identity is how customers perceive you. Create a strong, memorable brand to stand out from the competition. Once your brand is established, focus on marketing strategies to reach potential customers. Consider digital marketing, local advertising, and networking within the industry.

Take Action Today

Ready to get started? Here are three steps you can take today:

1. Conduct preliminary market research to understand your audience and competitors.

2. Begin drafting a business plan that outlines your goals and strategies.

3. Research local legal requirements for licensing and permits to ensure compliance.

Starting an electrician business is a significant undertaking, but with the proper preparation and planning, you can build a thriving company. Good luck on your journey!

Have questions? Click here to ask us any questions you have.

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About J&S Accounting

At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.

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CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying about us

"...Janel has patiently worked with me to get my books organized exactly how I need to see them..."

We could not be happier with the services J&S Accounting provides our company. Janel and her team seamlessly migrated all of our companies financials to QuickBooks without any disruption to our day to day operations and they continue to support us with our bookkeeping and payroll needs. Janel has been an absolute pleasure to work with and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for help with business accounting and QuickBooks!

"Janel and her team seamlessly migrated all of our companies financials to QuickBooks..."

Janel has been a lifesaver! My husband and I have owned our small business since 2016 and I can honestly say I have never felt more confident in my books since I started working with J&S. We have multiple locations, channels of revenue and POS systems and Janel has patiently worked with me to get my books organized exactly how I need to see them, which was no easy feat! Businesses function on well built systems and our bookkeeping system needed a lot of help. Janel worked with me to rebuild, fine tune, and is assisting me in maintaining our bookkeeping system and I am forever grateful!

"We highly recommend her to anyone who needs help with bookkeeping!"

Janel has helped us navigate our bookkeeping and tax prep for several years now, and we'd be lost without her! We highly recommend her to anyone who needs help with bookkeeping!

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Disclaimer

This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.

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Disclaimer

This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.