Non-profit accounting comes with its own language, and some of the most common terms can also be the most confusing. Understanding the distinction between restricted and unrestricted funds is important for maintaining accurate records and ensuring transparency with donors, grantors, and board members.

Payroll is often one of the largest expenses for a non-profit, but it’s not always tracked in a way that reflects how work is actually being done. For organizations that receive grant funding or manage multiple programs, properly allocating payroll is key to accurately tracking program and funding costs and maintaining compliance.

Accrual accounting is the standard method most non-profits use to track their finances. Rather than recording activity only when cash changes hands, it focuses on when revenue is earned and expenses are incurred.

One common point of confusion within non-profits is the difference between restricted funds and deferred revenue. While both may involve money that comes with strings attached, they are treated very differently in financial reporting. Understanding the distinction is important for maintaining accurate records and ensuring transparency with donors, grantors, and board members.

When one person handles too many financial responsibilities, it can create risk for a non-profit organization. This is where separation of duties comes in. It is one of the most important internal controls non-profits can implement to protect their finances and maintain accountability.

Sporadic bookkeeping creates risk, while consistent monthly bookkeeping creates clarity, control, and confidence.

Let’s break down how long to keep business records, what the IRS actually expects, and how digital bookkeeping makes this much easier.

Most IRS notices sent to small business owners aren’t random, and they’re not always because someone did something intentionally wrong. In many cases, they’re triggered by common bookkeeping mistakes that quietly pile up throughout the year.

Running a small business after the pandemic has been a game-changer for many companies. Every dollar counts, margins are tighter, and decisions need to be data-driven, not just gut-driven. The good news? You already have a powerful tool to guide you, your financial statements. At J&S Accounting, we help small business owners turn their income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow reports into actionable insights, not just year-end paperwork. Here’s how to actually use those numbers to fuel growth.

Small moves now = big tax savings later. As 2025 winds down, most small business owners are focused on closing out projects, wrapping up holiday sales, and catching their breath. But here’s the truth: the best time to save on your 2025 tax bill is before December 31st. At J&S Accounting, we’ve seen firsthand how a few strategic decisions in Q4 can make a huge difference by filing season. Here’s what year-end planning actually looks like for our clients and how it could work for you too.

It's August, which means summer is wrapping up, vacations are nearly over, and for most parents, it's also back to school. For many businesses, this is still the summer slowdown. It can be the perfect time to dive into the areas of your business that often get pushed aside, starting with your books.

At J&S Accounting, we work with business owners who are frustrated, overwhelmed, and ready for a change. If that’s you, let’s talk about what a true financial partner looks like, and how we’re different from the rest.

In today’s flexible work environment, gig work is more popular than ever. Whether you're driving for a rideshare company, delivering groceries, freelancing online, or offering your skills on platforms like Fiverr or TaskRabbit, you’re running a business. But with that flexibility comes financial responsibility, and that leads to a big question, do I really need a bookkeeper as a gig worker?

As a busy entrepreneur running an information-based business, whether you're selling courses, coaching programs, digital downloads, or memberships, bookkeeping probably isn’t the part of your business that lights you up. But here's the truth: if you want to scale sustainably, stay tax-season ready, and make confident decisions, you need clean, consistent books.

Time flies when you're running a business—and believe it or not, we're approaching the halfway mark of 2025. Now is the perfect time to pause, take stock, and make sure your books are in order. Mid-year financial check-ins help prevent surprises, reduce stress during year-end, and ensure you’re staying compliant and making informed decisions.

Keeping accurate and organized financial records is crucial for builders. With multiple projects, numerous transactions, and a variety of expenses, maintaining a streamlined bookkeeping system is essential to your business's success. Here are some best practices to help you organize receipts and records efficiently.

As an electrician, your expertise lies in wiring, installing, and maintaining electrical systems, not necessarily in managing the financial aspects of your business. However, keeping your finances organized is crucial for your success.

As a business owner, you know that managing finances is crucial for the success of your business. However, many entrepreneurs underestimate the benefits of using a dedicated bookkeeping app.