Starting a Business?

Set Up Your Books Right from Day One

11 practical steps to help you build a strong financial foundation.

Starting a business comes with plenty of decisions. One of the most important is how you will manage your money and keep your financial records organized.

Our free Business Startup Checklist walks you through 11 important bookkeeping steps, from separating business and personal finances to tracking expenses, managing invoices, and understanding your financial reports.

You’ll also get practical tips from an experienced bookkeeper to help you avoid common mistakes, prepare for tax time, and make better decisions as your business grows.

What will this checklist help you do?

Use the checklist to work through the steps involved in getting your business organized. Mark off what you’ve completed and identify what still needs your attention.

Starting with good financial habits can make it easier to understand where your money is going, prepare for tax time, and make informed decisions as your business grows.

What You’ll Learn

Your free checklist will help you understand how to:

• Separate business and personal finances so your records are easier to manage.
• Organize startup costs and everyday expenses from the beginning.
• Choose a bookkeeping system that fits your business and the way you work.
• Keep track of invoices and payments so you have a better handle on money owed to you.
• Build a monthly bookkeeping routine that includes reconciling accounts and reviewing reports.
• Use your financial information to plan ahead instead of waiting until tax time to find out where you stand.

You’ll also find practical tips from Michelle Carley, founder of Big E-Z Bookkeeping Co., who has helped small businesses with their bookkeeping since 1989.

Ready to Make Bookkeeping Easier?

You now have a starting point for setting up your books. When you’re ready for a system to help you keep up with income, expenses, invoices, and cash flow, take a look at Big E-Z Books+.

About Big E-Z Bookkeeping Co.

I’m Michelle Carley, founder of Big E-Z Bookkeeping Co. I’ve spent decades helping small business owners make sense of their books without making bookkeeping more complicated than it needs to be.

We provide practical bookkeeping software, education, and support to help small businesses manage their records with greater confidence.

A note: This checklist is for general educational purposes. Business registration, licensing, tax, and recordkeeping requirements vary by location and business type. Check with the appropriate government agencies and qualified professionals about the requirements that apply to your business.