If you have an endless to-do list, you’re not alone these days. Most of us are constantly looking for ways to work smarter and get more done. Here are six quick tips to help your productivity so you can go home early. 1. Group tasks If you have lots of errands to run during the week, why not set aside one day or part of a day to get them knocked out all at once? It saves start/stop time and may also save gas and time getting dressed up (if you work at home). You can also try grouping tasks such as personal care appointments, doctor’s appointments, sales calls, and client visits. Your schedule will be freed up in big blocks of time so you can focus on creative projects without having to constantly watch the clock. 2. Use checklists Checklists are best when you have a task you need to repeat. They’re great when you’re stressed and don’t want to forget a step (such as in packing your suitcase for a trip). They’re also great for tasks that repeat infrequently (Now how did I do that last time?) Stop and take a minute to create your checklist the next [...]
Is Your Business Missing an Accounting Skillset?
In a small business, the owner ends up wearing many hats to get the product or service delivered, the customers served, and the accounts settled. Within each functional area of a small business, there are even more hats. Although the accounting function might be considered one big hat, there are actually a number of skills that make up “the accounting department” in a small business. Here’s a list to help you understand how it all works together. As you read through it ask yourself how you are covering these functions in your workplace. Data Entry Clerk A data entry clerk typically knows how to do a few types of transactions that are routine. Perhaps this is posting timesheets from source documents, inventory transactions, or keying in transactions from one report or system to another. The data entry clerk usually has little or no knowledge of accounting or bookkeeping, and this person will need help when there are exceptions to the routine. Bookkeeper The main function of a bookkeeper is to post the transactions and reconcile the accounts of the business. This can include a number of functions and areas: Invoicing and receipts in the accounts receivable area Checks and bills [...]