The 8-step accounting cycle: A beginner’s guide | QuickBooks (2024)

Know your timing

Whether your accounting period is monthly, quarterly, or annually, timing is crucial to implementing the accounting cycle properly. Mapping out plans and dates that coincide with your accounting deadlines will increase productivity and results.

Troubleshoot errors quickly

Identifying and solving problems early in the accounting cycle leads to greater efficiency. It is important to set proper procedures for each of the eight steps in the process to create checks and balances to catch unwanted errors.

Modify the process to fit your needs

There is no one-size-fits-all solution foraccounting practices. Each industry, company, and team operate differently. You might find early on that your system needs to be tweaked to accommodate your accounting habits.

Set your team up for success

If you have a staff, give them the tools they need to succeed in implementing the accounting cycle. This could mean providing quarterly training on best practices, meeting with your staff each cycle to find their pain points, or equipping them with the proper accounting tools. The better prepared your staff is, the more efficient they can be.

Try accounting software to lighten the load

Tools such asQuickBooks Onlinecan help streamline the accounting process. With access to QuickBooks Live,virtual bookkeepingcan make it even easier to manage your company’s finances.* There are many tasks that you can automate through a business accounting platform.

Spend more time growing your business

As your business grows, so will your accounting needs. Creating an accounting process may require a significant time investment. Setting up an effective process and understanding the accounting cycle can help you produce financial information that you can analyze quickly, helping your business run more smoothly.

You can connect withQuickBooks expertsfor bookkeeping help. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and teach you how to do tasks in QuickBooks, so you can stay organized and be ready for tax time.* Increase your business expertise—without adding to your payroll.

The 8-step accounting cycle: A beginner’s guide | QuickBooks (2024)

FAQs

The 8-step accounting cycle: A beginner’s guide | QuickBooks? ›

The steps in the accounting cycle are identifying transactions, recording transactions in a journal, posting the transactions, preparing the unadjusted trial balance, analyzing the worksheet, adjusting journal entry discrepancies, preparing a financial statement, and closing the books.

What are the 8 steps of accounting cycle explained? ›

The steps in the accounting cycle are identifying transactions, recording transactions in a journal, posting the transactions, preparing the unadjusted trial balance, analyzing the worksheet, adjusting journal entry discrepancies, preparing a financial statement, and closing the books.

Do I need to know accounting to use QuickBooks? ›

You don't need an accounting degree to do your bookkeeping in QuickBooks. However, it's good to know the basics. Use this glossary to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes in QuickBooks.

Do I need a CPA if I use QuickBooks? ›

Yes, you do need a bookkeeper even if you have Quickbooks. We understand that you're a small business owner, and you want to save money where you can. But relying on software alone may cost you more in the long run. Accountants and bookkeepers can offer so much more than Quickbooks.

What are the 8 steps in the accounting cycle quizlet? ›

  • Step 1: Analyze Transactions. ...
  • Step 2: Journalize. ...
  • Step 3: Post. ...
  • Step 4: Prepare Worksheet. ...
  • Step 5: Prepare Financial Statements. ...
  • Step 6: Journalize Adjusting and closing entries. ...
  • Step 7: Post Adjusting and Closing Entries. ...
  • Step 8: Prepare Post-Closing Trial Balance.

What is the 8 step process transaction flow? ›

What is transactional accounting?
  1. Step 1: Identify your transactions.
  2. Step 2: Record the transactions.
  3. Step 3: Post transactions to the general ledger.
  4. Step 4: Create the trial balance.
  5. Step 5: Analyze the worksheet.
  6. Step 6: Adjust journal entries.
  7. Step 7: Create financial statements.
  8. Step 8: Close the books.
Jan 18, 2024

Why do you close accounts in step 8 of the accounting cycle? ›

8. Close the books. This is the final stage of the accounting cycle, locking in the accounting period. Closing the books resets temporary accounts on the income statement, such as revenue and expenses, to zero balances, meaning that they don't carry into the next accounting period.

How to learn accounting step by step? ›

Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Step 1: Understanding the Accounting Equation. ...
  2. Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Financial Statements. ...
  3. Step 3: Learning to Record Business Transactions. ...
  4. Step 4: Posting Journal Entries to the Ledger. ...
  5. Step 5: Prepare the Trial Balance. ...
  6. Step 6: Make Adjusting Entries. ...
  7. Step 7: Prepare Financial Statements.
May 30, 2023

What is the accounting cycle with example? ›

During the accounting cycle, many transactions occur and are recorded. At the end of the fiscal year, financial statements are prepared (and are often required by government regulation). For example, public entities are required to submit financial statements by certain dates.

Why don't accountants like QuickBooks? ›

For example, QuickBooks doesn't have a double-entry bookkeeping feature. This means that you can't track your expenses and income in two separate accounts. This can make it difficult to keep track of your finances and produce accurate financial statements.

Is QuickBooks easy to learn for beginners? ›

It might have more of a learning curve for new bookkeepers, but QuickBooks is beginner-friendly and is easier to jump into than other accounting software on the market. That said, investing in training greatly improves your ability to manage your business' finances effectively.

How long does it take the average person to learn QuickBooks? ›

In summary, the time it takes to learn QuickBooks varies depending on your prior experience and the complexity of your business operations. With practice and persistence, most people can become proficient in using QuickBooks within a few weeks to a few months.

How much do bookkeepers charge for QuickBooks? ›

If your monthly average is $0-10,000 per month, the monthly price for QuickBooks Live Expert Full-Service Bookkeeping is $300. If your monthly average is $10,001-50,000, the monthly price for QuickBooks Live Expert Full-Service Bookkeeping is $500.

Do I still need an accountant if I use QuickBooks? ›

Ultimately, having an accountant can save businesses both time and money in the long run, even if they already use QuickBooks as part of their bookkeeping/invoicing process.

What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant? ›

Bookkeepers and accountants sometimes do the same work, but have a different skill set. In general, a bookkeeper's role is to record transactions and keep you financially organized, while accountants provide consultation, analysis, and are more qualified to advise on tax matters.

What are the 9 steps in the accounting cycle in order? ›

The steps are as follows: collection and analysis, journalizing the transactions, posting to the general ledger, unadjusted trial balance, adjustments, adjusted trial balance, financial statements, close accounts, post-closing trial balance.

What are the 10 steps in the accounting cycle briefly describe each items? ›

There are ten steps in an accounting cycle, which include analyzing transactions, journalizing transactions, post transactions, preparing an unadjusted trial balance, preparing adjusting entries, preparing the adjusted trial balance, preparing financial statements, preparing closing entries, posting a closing trial ...

What are the 4 phases of accounting 8 enumerate and distinguish? ›

Basic Phases of Accounting There are four basic phases of accounting: recording, classifying, summarising and interpreting financial. data. Communication may not be formally considered one of the accounting phases, but it is a crucial step as well.

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