Year-end processes for QuickBooks Part 3 is the final post on this topic.  This 3-part series is of the tasks I perform on client files, typically quarterly or monthly.  But it is very important to give the records a good look thru at year-end.  This last part is where you analyze the data.   If you would like to see Part 2, you can access it here.  

Comparing 2017 records with the 2018 records will not only help you to make sure the data is in the proper categories, but it will also help you know where you are at in your business.  It can help you see the accounts where you spend the most.  Compare your income year to year.  You don’t have to stop at comparing just 2017 v 2018 if you have been in business a longer period of time.

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Year-End Processes for Quickbooks:  Review the Balance Sheet comparison report

Looking at this report with a lens of how you are doing.  Did you purchase any new assets?  Retire any old ones?  These are things you need to look at.  Additionally, you will want to add some receipts to the asset purchases along with any details of what was purchased in order to aid the CPA in calculating the depreciation at year-end.

Looking at credit card balances and comparing those from last year to this year. Are your balances higher at year end 2018?  It is a great way to see the “health” of a business.  If you have a lot of debt on the books, maybe it is time to start to think about or implement a plan to pay it down. 

Year-End Processes for Quickbooks:  Review the Profit and Loss comparison report

Looking at this report is where you can get into the nitty gritty of thinking ahead.

What is my sales goal for 2019?  Maybe create a budget with a goal. I like to think big here.   Remember, however, increasing sales without looking at where you can decrease expenditures is foolish.   When analyzing the data, you need to be thinking about where you can also reduce costs.  Run leaner.  This comparable report is great for just making sure things are in the right place first, and then looking more deeply as to where you would like to be at the end of 2019.

The video below will walk you thru analyzing the data in much more detail.  

This was the last of the Year-End processes.   But it really is just the beginning.  I highly recommend reviewing, then analyzing the data, then creating a budget for 2019.  Really look for places you can cut costs.   Look for ways to get more quality customers.  Both of these two things will help your business flourish.  You may also want to see what your competitors are doing.  Reach out/collaborate.  It is something we preach and do in our Facebook group, QB Community Live!   Learning from others that are in similar businesses is the way to go.  

If you have any questions or would like to see a future video on another topic, please reach out to me on Facebook.