Category: Baton Rouge LA Dental Accountant

Optimizing Cash Flow: Key Strategies to Expand Your Dental Practice | Dental CPA Near Me

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For dental practices, maintaining a healthy cash flow is essential for growth, expansion, and long-term stability. Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business, representing the money flowing in and out. Optimizing it ensures you can meet your financial obligations, invest in new opportunities, and stay resilient during economic fluctuations. At AG Dental CPAs & Advisors, our team of experts, including your trusted dental CPA in Baton Rouge, is here to help you implement strategies that improve cash flow and position your practice for success.

1. Improve Accounts Receivable Management
Managing your accounts receivable efficiently can have a significant impact on your cash flow. Here’s how:

  • Invoice Promptly and Accurately: Send invoices as soon as services are rendered. Accurate and timely invoices prevent delays in payments.
  • Offer Early Payment Incentives: Encourage quicker payments by offering discounts for early settlements.
  • Use Electronic Invoicing: Digital invoices are faster, more reliable, and easier to track than traditional paper-based methods.
  • Implement a Strict Collections Process: Follow up on late payments with a clear system, using reminder emails or calls to ensure timely payment.

2. Manage Accounts Payable Strategically
Effectively managing your accounts payable helps control cash outflows:

  • Negotiate Better Terms with Suppliers: Work towards longer payment terms or discounts for bulk orders.
  • Prioritize Payments: Pay essential suppliers promptly to maintain strong relationships while managing your overall cash outflow efficiently.
  • Take Advantage of Early Payment Discounts: If financially feasible, paying early can earn you discounts, improving long-term savings.

3. Optimize Inventory Management
For dental practices, keeping inventory in check ensures smoother cash flow:

  • Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory: Order supplies as needed to minimize excess stock.
  • Use Inventory Management Software: Track your stock in real-time to avoid overstocking or running out of essential supplies.
  • Analyze Inventory Turnover: Review which items sell frequently and adjust your purchasing strategy accordingly.

4. Control Operating Expenses
Keeping your operating expenses under control is crucial for maintaining cash flow:

  • Review Expenses Regularly: Regularly audit all expenses to identify areas where you can cut costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Outsource Non-Core Activities: Consider outsourcing tasks like IT support, HR, or accounting to save on the cost of in-house teams.
  • Implement Energy-Efficient Practices: Reducing energy consumption can lead to significant savings on utility bills.

5. Enhance Revenue Streams
Increasing revenue and diversifying income streams directly contribute to better cash flow:

  • Upsell and Cross-Sell to Existing Patients: Offer additional or higher-value services to current patients.
  • Explore New Markets: Expanding into new geographic areas or offering specialized services can open up new revenue opportunities.
  • Leverage Online Channels: Take advantage of digital platforms to promote services, book appointments, and reach a broader audience.

6. Use Financing Options Wisely
Strategically using financing can help manage cash flow and support growth:

  • Line of Credit: Maintain a line of credit as a safety net for short-term cash flow gaps.
  • Invoice Financing: Sell unpaid invoices to a financing company for immediate cash, improving liquidity.
  • Term Loans: Use long-term loans to finance major investments or expansion efforts, spreading out the cost over time.

7. Monitor and Forecast Cash Flow Regularly
Staying ahead of cash flow issues is easier when you monitor and forecast regularly:

  • Use Cash Flow Forecasting Tools: Utilize software to predict cash flow trends based on historical data and upcoming expenses.
  • Prepare for Seasonal Fluctuations: If your practice experiences seasonal highs and lows, plan accordingly by managing reserves and adjusting spending.
  • Set Up Cash Flow Alerts: Set alerts for low balances or unusual transactions to quickly address potential issues.

Optimizing cash flow is the foundation of a successful dental practice. By implementing these strategies, you can stabilize your cash flow, seize new opportunities, and confidently expand your practice. At AG Dental CPAs & Advisors, our team is dedicated to supporting dental practices with expert financial advice. As your go-to dental CPA in Baton Rouge, we’re here to help you reach your financial goals and drive your practice’s success.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you take control of your cash flow and achieve lasting growth!

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Is Your Dental Practice Prepared for an Audit? | Dental CPA Baton Rouge

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Facing the possibility of an IRS audit can be stressful, but proper documentation is the key to feeling prepared. For dental practices, maintaining organized tax records throughout the year is essential. Set up a filing system that works for you—whether that’s digital, paper, or a combination of both. This will make accessing important files quick and easy if an audit occurs. By having robust document management protocols, you’ll not only comply with IRS regulations but also feel confident that everything is in order. A dental CPA in Baton Rouge can help you establish an efficient system that works for your practice.

Learn How Audits Work
Understanding the audit process is critical to ensuring you’re fully prepared. Audits often involve detailed questions from IRS examiners, so knowing what types of documentation they may request is essential. A dental CPA in Baton Rouge can provide invaluable guidance, helping you understand the process and avoid common pitfalls. Educating yourself on what to expect during an audit means you’ll be able to provide clear, well-organized financial records, minimizing stress and uncertainty.

Gather All Necessary Information
One of the best ways to prepare for an audit is to have all relevant documents ready in advance. Take time to ensure that nothing is missing—reach out to vendors for additional records if needed. Organize your documents in a logical order and label everything clearly for the auditor. This level of preparedness demonstrates your diligence and cooperation, which can make the audit process go more smoothly and may even positively influence the outcome.

Beware of Red Flags
Be aware of potential red flags that could trigger an audit. Inaccurate income reporting, exaggerated deductions, or inconsistencies in your filings can all raise eyebrows with the IRS. For dental practices, common areas of scrutiny include travel, entertainment, and vehicle-related expenses. A dental CPA in Baton Rouge can help you identify and address these red flags before they become an issue, ensuring your records and deductions align correctly with your reported income.

Hire a Dental Accountant
The complexities of tax laws can be overwhelming, especially for dental professionals who have unique deductions and financial structures. That’s where hiring a dental CPA in Baton Rouge becomes essential. With specialized knowledge of the dental industry, a dental CPA can guide you through the intricacies of tax compliance and help you avoid audit triggers. Their expertise goes far beyond what DIY tax software can offer, ensuring your financial affairs are handled accurately and efficiently.

Get a Pre-Audit Compliance Report
If your practice’s bookkeeping is disorganized or you’re concerned about compliance, consider getting a pre-audit compliance report. A dental CPA in Baton Rouge can perform a thorough review of your financial data, helping you establish solid systems and preparing your records for potential audits. This proactive step can help you avoid penalties, reduce the risk of an audit, and give you peace of mind knowing your practice is fully compliant.

For Further Guidance and Assistance
At AG Dental CPAs & Advisors, we specialize in supporting dental practices through the audit process and beyond. Whether you need assistance preparing for an IRS audit or want to ensure your practice remains compliant, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for tailored advice and proactive strategies to keep your dental practice audit-ready. Partner with us to safeguard your financial health and achieve compliance with confidence.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Essential Accounting Terms and Concepts for Dental Practice Success | Dental Practice CPA Baton Rouge

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Accounting is an important part of any business, and understanding its terms and concepts is essential for success. Here are some of the most common accounting terms and what they mean: 

1. Assets: Assets are items of value that a business owns. These can include cash, inventory, equipment, buildings, and more. They are resources that can help generate revenue or be used to pay expenses. 

2. Liabilities: Liabilities are the debts a business owes to creditors or other third parties. They can include loans, accounts payable, and taxes. 

3. Equity: Equity is the difference between a company’s assets and liabilities. It represents the ownership interest of the shareholders and is also known as “net worth.” 

4. Revenue: Revenue is the money a business earns from the sale of products or services. It is also known as “sales” or “turnover.” 

5. Expenses: Expenses are the costs associated with running a business, such as payroll, rent, utilities, and more. They are subtracted from revenue to determine the company’s profit. 

6. Profit: Profit is the amount of money a business earns after all expenses and taxes have been paid. It is also known as “net income” or “earnings.” 

7. Cash Flow: Cash flow is the movement of money into and out of a business. It is the difference between a company’s income and expenses. 

8. Balance Sheet: A balance sheet is a financial statement that shows a company’s assets, liabilities, and equity. It is used to measure the financial health of a business. 

9. Income Statement: An income statement is a financial statement that shows a company’s revenue, expenses, and profit. It is used to measure the profitability of a business. 

10. Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable is the money that a business has earned but has not yet been paid. It is also known as “trade receivables” or “accounts due.” 

Understanding these terms is essential for any business. It is important to be able to read and understand the financial statements of a company, as these statements can provide valuable insights into the financial health of a business. Knowing how to read and interpret a balance sheet and income statement can help you make better decisions when it comes to investing or managing a business. Accounting is a complex subject, but understanding the basic terms and concepts is essential for success.

Our dental accounting firm is here to help with all of your business accounting needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

A Guide to Ensuring a Successful Financial Audit | Baton Rouge Dental CPA

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Financial audits are an important part of a business’s financial health. They can provide insights into the accuracy of financial statements and help identify any potential problems with the company’s financial practices. However, conducting a successful financial audit requires a great deal of preparation and planning. Here is a guide to ensuring a successful financial audit. 

1) Understand the scope of the audit. 

Before beginning an audit, it is important to define the scope of the audit. An audit should include a review of the organization’s accounting system, procedures, and internal controls. It should also include an evaluation of the accuracy of the financial statements. 

2) Develop a plan of action. 

Once the scope of the audit is defined, it is important to develop a plan of action. This plan should include the objectives of the audit, the timeline for completing the audit, the resources required for the audit, and the personnel responsible for different aspects of the audit. 

3) Identify the documents and records that need to be reviewed. 

This includes identifying the records and documents that need to be obtained and reviewed, such as financial statements, accounts receivable and payable, bank statements, and other financial documents. 

4) Assess internal controls. 

It is important to assess the internal controls in place to ensure that the financial statements are accurate and reliable. This includes assessing the company’s procedures for cash handling, accounts receivable and payable, banking, and other financial processes. 

5) Perform analytical review. 

Analytical review is a process of examining the relationships between different financial accounts. This helps to identify any potential problems with the financial statements and can provide insights into the accuracy of the financial statements.

6) Test the accuracy of the financial statements. 

Once the analytical review is complete, it is important to test the accuracy of the financial statements. This includes verifying the accuracy of the accounts receivable and payable, analyzing the inventory levels, and confirming the accuracy of the company’s financial records. 

7) Prepare the audit report. 

Once the audit is complete, it is important to prepare a report that summarizes the results of the audit. The report should provide a detailed review of the audit findings and any recommendations for improving the accuracy of the financial statements. 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your financial audit is successful. A successful audit will provide insight into the accuracy of the company’s financial statements and can help identify any potential problems with the company’s financial practices. For more information, please contact our dental accounting firm to schedule a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

The Benefit of Patient Complaints | Dental Accountant Baton Rouge

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Complaints from patients are never welcome. It is unfortunate that even the most compassionate dentist with an exemplary team who follows procedures meticulously can still receive complaints. Take advantage of them.

Whether the complaint is true or not, the most important thing to remember is to handle it with care. About 94 percent of people use online reviews to choose a business; you do not want a complaint to snowball into a bad review. It can quickly result in a loss of revenue. Therefore, responding to them is crucial. 

You and your team may feel frustrated, discouraged, or annoyed when complaints are brought to your attention. It’s normal. You may also feel cavalier about a complaint that you view as minor. There are some complaints that are objective, such as office décor, wait times, or insurance issues.

Complaints should be handled with respect.

It is important to treat even trivial or unfair concerns with respect. It means listening to the patient, taking their complaint seriously, and promising to investigate. 

You should follow these steps:

  • Thank your patients for bringing their concerns to you without judgment: “I appreciate you taking the time to tell me about your experience.”
  • Repeat the complaint back to the patient: “So you’re saying that you waited 40 minutes for your appointment and nobody checked on you?” “My sincere apologies.”
  • Take action to correct the situation, if necessary. “There are times when things get backed up.” In case of a delay, I’ll make sure the front desk team informs you.” 
  • Thank them again: “Thank you for letting me know what happened.” Thanks for putting your trust in our practice. “We’ll do whatever it takes to ensure you’re satisfied.” If you follow through on your commitment, you’ll earn loyalty from that patient. Complaints provide you with a chance to cement a patient’s trust.

Maintain patient loyalty

The importance of maintaining patient loyalty cannot be overstated. It can lead to fewer rescheduled or canceled appointments, increased case acceptance, and even referrals to friends, family, and social networks. Taking care of one complaint correctly can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in revenue over time. Furthermore, it is the right thing to do.

Patients who feel their concerns were not heard will unlikely refer others to you or, more likely, complain online and on social media.

Keeping your revenue flowing depends on satisfied patients. We’re here to make sure it stays strong. For all your dental accounting needs, contact us today.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Accounting Solutions for Business Challenges | Dental CPA Baton Rouge

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In addition to helping you with your taxes, accountants can offer creative solutions to your business challenges. Their training allows them to understand how businesses work and create solutions that others might not think of. These are just a few of the creative ways accountants can help you solve business problems.

Identifying your business type

Accountants often specialize in serving specific types of clients, such as small businesses, large corporations, or high-net-worth individuals. Small-business CPAs understand your unique challenges and can use that knowledge to help you grow. An accountant who understands your field is uniquely qualified to assist you because they understand your issues in context and are able to consider the issue from all relevant perspectives. Because they understand the business, they can recommend the right solution for you.

Taking a long-term view

When you own a business, you want to please your clients and grow it. An accountant can save your business thousands of dollars and give you back the time you spend on forecasting, tax preparation, and bookkeeping. You need an accountant who can see both the big picture and the details of your business. By foreseeing problems, they can prevent you from making a mistake. A new perspective that considers all consequences may be the key to solving a financial problem in your industry. Accountants can make a significant contribution to your bottom line because of this.

A creative and strategic approach

Problems that are difficult require creative solutions. An accountant can keep track of your cash flow if you’re starting out and need help with a business plan or entering a high-growth phase. They can help you manage your money by taking an objective look at your overhead and costs. Accounting professionals can create innovative solutions that meet your long-term goals by combining their knowledge of your field with a high-level, strategic approach to your finances.

Take steps to avoid IRS audits.

The likelihood of an audit is small, but every business should be prepared in case one occurs. If you are working with a good accountant, they will have the detailed records needed to satisfy the government’s questions; if you are not working with an accountant and you are subject to an audit, you may want to hire one to save time, stress, and money. A CPA can also help you prevent future problems, such as spotty record-keeping and innocent errors.

Our accounting firm is committed to helping you navigate your business finances in an ethical and compliant manner. Let our team of professional accountants help you find the solution for success you have been seeking if you are facing an accounting issue that demands skillful handling. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

What Can a Dental CPA Do for Your Practice? | Dental CPA Baton Rouge LA

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Why should I work with a dental CPA instead of a traditional, general CPA? By utilizing the skills and knowledge of a dental CPA, you’ll be able to manage your practice more efficiently, so you can devote more time to dentistry and become more profitable.

You can gain valuable information about the health of your practice from a dental CPA, get assistance with planning to ensure that you will achieve your personal and professional goals, and get excellent advice on how to improve profitability from a dental CPA firm.

The three main areas of focus for a dental CPA when setting up a new client relationship are:

A solid bookkeeping system

The first step in working with a dental CPA is to get your bookkeeping in order. While this is the most basic service that a CPA can provide, a dental CPA’s industry knowledge can help ensure that the information is presented clearly and in a useful way. You can arrange your accounts so that the important information is prominent and easy to compare.

Your dental CPA will also make sure that accounting principles are being applied correctly to your bookkeeping so that an outside agency looking at your books will not question the practice’s presentation or health. Many dental CPAs offer monthly bookkeeping services along with monthly or quarterly meetings to review financial statements, so you can understand and act on the information. Dental CPAs provide a wide range of services, but bookkeeping is the foundation of all of them.

Dental Practice Planning and Projection

Developing a long-term plan and making projections is crucial for your practice’s success. Planning and projections can be done by a dental CPA to ensure that your practice is on the right track and on track to meet your goals. Due to their familiarity with the collections and expense patterns experienced by dentists, dental CPAs are generally better equipped to make accurate projections for your practice. Having created a reasonable projection, a dental CPA can assist you in determining your initial plans or executing existing ones.

The three things most dentists want to plan for are taxes, retirement, and the education of their children. Are you utilizing tax strategies to minimize your taxes? Will you be able to retire comfortably and on your own terms? Will your children and grandchildren (if you have any) be able to attend college?

Services provided by dental CPAs

The majority of consulting services provided by a dental CPA will be in conjunction with other services. For example, during a quarterly bookkeeping meeting, a dental CPA will typically review your monthly or quarterly statements in order to assess the profitability of your practice and identify areas for improvement or investigation. During half-yearly planning, a dental CPA may review your fee schedules with you to ensure that you are not undercharging or overcharging.

During year-end planning, a dental CPA might discuss equipment and expansion plans with you to ensure that your capital investment will result in a healthier practice and more enjoyable dentistry for you. As a result of this type of consulting, your 70808 dental CPA can help you identify trouble spots in your practice or identify opportunities that can be utilized to your advantage. Although a general CPA may be well equipped to help with financial consulting and a dental consulting firm may be well equipped to assist with practice management, a dental CPA can provide both financial and practice management services.

You can rely on our Baton Rouge, LA dental accounting firm for assistance. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Advantages of Outsourcing Your Dental Accounting | Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

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You have covered all the bases when it comes to providing dental services efficiently and confidently. In contrast, when it comes to your practice’s bookkeeping and accounting, you may not be as confident and always aware that your time would be better spent in other areas. It is likely that you did not choose to become a dentist in order to worry about accounting and paperwork.

Maybe you’ve questioned the accuracy of your bookkeeping, or you want to improve efficiency (especially your own). It might be time to consider outsourcing your bookkeeping and accounting if one or both of those scenarios apply.

These functions can have a significant impact on your practice’s productivity and profitability.

  • Rather than spending time on bookkeeping, you can spend it on improving the overall experience of your practice and patients.
  • An expert will handle your books, so you can be sure they are accurate and make well-informed decisions about your practice. As a result of better bookkeeping, tax time often brings fewer surprises.
  • Having accurate accounting records will give you peace of mind. You will be able to keep a better handle on cash flow and know where you stand at all times by letting the experts handle it for you. Therefore, you are prepared for any emergency that may arise (for instance, a global pandemic).
  • Having a financially healthy practice facilitates a strong personal financial plan for you, including aggressive retirement savings.

Do you already outsource roles like IT and/or HR? When it comes to such a vital business function as your finances, outsourcing to experts who specialize in dental practice finance makes good business sense. As our world becomes more virtual every day, it makes sense to consider a virtual bookkeeping and/or CFO solution sooner rather than later.

Accountants who specialize in dental practices offer expert accounting services. Using their accounting and bookkeeping services can result in improved cash flow management, accurate record-keeping, and meaningful data reporting for better, more streamlined financial management.

A dental accountant can help you by providing:

  • Savings: You won’t have to pay for employee benefits, payroll taxes, hiring, and training.
  • A wide breadth of experience: You get access to experienced dental CPAs in Baton Rouge with a breadth of knowledge of the industry, as well as certified bookkeepers who you can rely on.
  • Experience: You have the support of someone who can assist you whenever you have questions.
  • Flexibility:  When you require assistance with some or all of your bookkeeping requirements.

Dental accountants are dedicated to helping you with your financial tasks so that you can focus on what is most important to you. Their services include account reconciliations, bill payments, payroll journal entries, financial reports, time-saving tools, and remote working options.

If you feel overwhelmed by any of these tasks or simply are tired of doing your own bookkeeping, you should probably outsource it.

Our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA successfully assists dentists with their bookkeeping needs. If you would like an expert from our team to help you and your practice succeed, contact us today!

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Do Dentists Need a Dedicated CPA? | Baton Rouge LA Dental Consultant

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There are a number of reasons why dentists need a dental CPA. You can grow your revenue and cut costs with the help of financial housekeeping.

In addition to keeping track of your books and maintaining your accounts, dental accountants are also responsible for ensuring that you take advantage of all government schemes and programs that support small businesses. Additionally, they ensure that you are always in compliance with the policies. Dental CPAs are also responsible for tax preparation and optimization.

Many experienced CPAs offer virtual CFO services to help dentists scale their practices through budgeting, forecasting, planning, and strategic implementation of financial decisions. The guidance and mentorship of a virtual CFO is invaluable for ambitious dentists who are interested in expanding and scaling their practices.

Dental Accountants: What You Should Consider

It is common for small business owners and dentists to overlook some crucial elements when choosing a professional dental accountant, which can end up costing them a lot in the long run. When hiring a dental CPA for your practice, consider these factors.

1. Provided Services

CPAs can either be generalists or specialize in serving a specific segment of the industry. Ask your CPA about their range of services and how any additional services that they recommend will impact your revenue at your next meeting. If your CPA only offers a few services, it may be time to switch. 

2. Dental accounting knowledge and experience

When searching for a dental CPA, you should consider the level of experience and expertise they bring to the table.

An experienced dental accountant will optimize your tax position, claim necessary deductions, and take advantage of specific government programs. In addition to ensuring accounting compliance, dental accountants can often be a jack of all trades and help your business grow.

3. Transparency and communication 

Many dental accountants don’t disclose their activities and strategies transparently due to the complexity of the field. It may not be a good fit for your business to hire an accountant who isn’t openly communicating, guiding, and mentoring you. Transparency and the quality of communication are therefore crucial factors to consider.

4. Providing value for money 

Revenues and costs are two essential components of a business. Hiring a dental CPA should provide you with more value than the cost itself in order for it to be a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the best option doesn’t mean choosing the cheapest. Consider the cost and benefits of your investment before making your decision.

5. Fees that are clear and transparent 

Dental bookkeeping and accounting costs need to be transparent and clear in order for you to plan your dental expenses effectively. Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid unpleasant surprises down the line? The dental accountant you hire should offer transparent pricing and be open to discussing all the costs involved in hiring them before you sign on.

6. Having the ability to answer complex questions 

You rely on your dental accountant for a variety of things related to money and finances. Would you want to work with someone who can not answer complex questions? It is unlikely that you would. Our Baton Rouge dental CPA with a background in accounting should be able to answer any money-related question you may have openly and transparently.

The best people to work with are those who are always able to provide you with the correct answers whenever you have a question. It is only possible for them to accomplish this if they have a clear understanding of what they must do and what dental practices require from their accountants.

So there you have it! We hope that you now understand why dentists require specialized dental accountants. Our accounting firm specializes in assisting dentists. To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, please contact our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA today.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Identifying Overspending in Your Practice | Baton Rouge Dental Consultant

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You are responsible for many non-clinical tasks as a dental practice owner, including human resources, tax filing, contracts, and insurance. When ignored, these things can inhibit growth and even cause significant problems in a business.

The practice of keeping accurate accounting records is known as bookkeeping. A company’s sustainability depends on its records. In addition to managing cash flow and meeting financial obligations, accurate bookkeeping helps businesses plan their investments.

In the eyes of some business owners, it is a tedious task that must be completed before their CPA can file their taxes. Keeping clean books can help you do more than just file your tax return on time. You can use it to spot fraud, map business growth and identify areas of overspending.

Types of financial ledgers

A financial ledger shows your company’s profit and loss. A comparison is made between the revenue coming in and the expenses going out.

Profit and loss statements and balance sheets are the most important ones to review.

Balance Sheet

Essentially, a balance sheet is a statement of a company’s assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity at a particular point in time. The balance sheet is typically prepared at the end of a set period (e.g., quarterly or annually). There are two columns on a balance sheet. On the left, you can see the company’s assets. Liabilities and owner’s equity are listed to the right.

A balance sheet provides important information to a business owner about the health of the company. The owner, however, isn’t the only person who looks at the balance sheet. If you plan to sell your practice, lenders, investors, partners, or buyers will review it when you apply for financing.

Profit and loss statement

In finance, a profit and loss statement (P&L) shows a company’s revenues and expenses during a particular period. This statement explains how revenues are transformed into net income.

In addition to recording the practice’s collections, the P&L separates your statement into two sections:

  • Direct expenses: costs that vary according to production. As you see more patients, these costs will increase—like lab fees, supplies, hygiene, and chairside salaries.
  • Fixed expenses are costs that are specific to your company and remain constant regardless of the quantity of goods or services produced.The cost of your building rent, insurance, pension, or subscriptions, for example, is the same month to month, regardless of your production level.

By tracking both direct and fixed expenses, the business can identify overspending or areas for growth.

It is important to be organized.

No matter who manages this report, whether you do it yourself or hire a bookkeeper, a poorly organized P & L will not be helpful. Expenses should not be listed in separate categories on five pages. As with tracking your personal expenses, categorizing your expenses allows you to focus on the big picture. You will not use it if it is not usable.

An organized P & L allows you to sit down every year and review where your business is this year to date, last year, and even the year before. As a result, you can spot outliers and trends.

A monthly review is also very important. There may be things that come through that you will not remember at the end of the year. For example, if your insurance fees were extremely high last month, you will remember that you had paid your annual insurance premiums. Given everything you have going on, it is unlikely that you will remember each detail like this at the end of the year.

Our dental CPA in Baton Rouge can not proactively plan your tax projections if your books are not up-to-date. Furthermore, if you only prepare them for a six- or nine-month period, they will be unable to strategize for you.

Outsourcing

It is important to leave financial statement management to a professional to ensure that all the categories are reported consistently, as well as to ensure that bank and payroll reconciliations are done on a monthly basis, which allows the owner to ensure that they are always tied to cash. It is also possible to detect fraud by staying organized.

In addition to other benefits, having good, clean books will make filing your tax return easier for your tax preparer. It can save you both time and money on your tax bill. As a result, it is cheaper, but it also prevents errors from occurring. You pay more in taxes when stuff gets missed.

It’s not only time-saving to have a professional accountant handle your monthly bookkeeping; it’s also strategic.

Rather than categorizing expenses, owners can now use the output strategically to enhance their businesses. It could be that accounts receivable have been running too high and have gone unnoticed, or lab supplies have gradually risen over the past six months. Early insight into changes can increase profitability in the short and long term. To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, please contact our Baton Rouge, LA dental accounting office today.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808