A new franchise opportunity has been launched in the US

US bookkeeping franchise Bookkeeping Express is planning to expand nationwide. The company, which was recently purchased by three entrepreneurs in Virginia, provides a range of bookkeeping services and plans to launch a national franchising system this month.

Greg Jones, CEO of Bookkeeping Express, said: "Bookkeeping Express plans to revolutionise bookkeeping in America. In a business world where payroll is dominated by national companies like Paychex, and tax preparation is synonymous with H&R Block, we see our company becoming the recognised provider for business bookkeeping services.

"Our franchise will provide businesses throughout the US with a reliable, affordable source for excellent bookkeeping services. We will focus on in-house financials, operating as an authorised QuickBooks affiliate. We will charge by the transaction so that our customers can have a complete understanding of what work has been completed and at what price."

Source : http://www.franchise-international.net/

Canada: Accounting industry grows

The country's accounting industry continued its strong growth in 2006, Statistics Canada said yesterday. The federal agency said accounting operating revenues grew 12.1 per cent to $11.1 billion in 2006. That followed 13.7- per-cent growth the previous year. Most of the revenues in 2006 came from traditional accounting services such as auditing and assurance (30 per cent), taxation (25 per cent), and bookkeeping and payroll (11 per cent).

Source : http://www.canada.com/

How Can Software Improve the Efficiency of My Retail Operation?

Retail point-of-sale (POS) systems facilitate many aspects of retail trade: tracking sales and pricing on all of your products; maintaining proper inventory levels and vendor and customer data; reducing billing and shipping times; and facilitating bookkeeping and payroll management. The solution you choose will depend on your needs, comfort level with computer programs, and, ultimately, your budget. Retail-specific software solutions can range from $2,000 to upward of $50,000.

Read More Article...

2008 Review of Small Business Accounting Systems

Helping SMBs Achieve Success: Programs Enhance Accountant Controls & Data Integrity Features

Accountants who provide services to small businesses frequently find themselves in the role of diagnostician, trying to find out why a particular client is hemorrhaging cash and what the short- and long-term chances of survival are for the company. They also assist in determining what strategies will best brace the entity and help develop financial processes that are sound and grounded in solid accounting practices. This is a critical role because when challenges are recognized early enough, problems can be averted or minimized.

But still, a 2007 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that more than half of small businesses (56 percent) fail before lasting four years. Among the most failure-likely industries are hospitality (particularly restaurants and bars), transportation and apparel. While these sectors may stand out as the most vulnerable, all small businesses are at risk since they face a myriad of challenges such as cash flow, budgeting and strategic planning. And they frequently rely upon individuals with limited financial and business management experience.

Read More Article...