Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants by Marlene Legaspi-Munar http://www.febc.ph/stations/dzas/protips/index.html     Bagamat simple lamang ang mga concepts ng accounting, the actual process can become so complex. Mainam na meron kayong basic understanding ng mga accounting terms and concepts. Pero kung lumalaki ang iyong negosyo o kumpanya, mas mabuting kumuha kayo ng services ng isang trusted accountant. Here are some tips to help you as you start or upgrade your company’s accounting system:   First, make sure you are following the laws. Any legitimate business should operate according to the laws of the land. Para matiyak nyong legal ang inyong operation and accounting system, get a Certified Public Accountant or CPA to review your accounts and taxes. You can also get a CPA to compute your taxes.   Second, get a bookkeeper and/or an accountant you can relate to. The job of a bookkeeper is to keep a record of the financial affairs of a business. A bookkeeper may not necessarily be a CPA but at least someone who has knowledge of accounting. Nowadays, some of the functions of bookkeeping are easily done by the computer. An accountant can also keep records and at the same time review your books and taxes.   Third, if you need to change bookkeepers, do it at the end of the financial reporting period. Mahirap kasing laging nagpapalit ng bookkeeper dahil maaaring mawalan ng continuity ang pagrerecord ng mga accounts. Mas magiging madali kung gagawin ito pagkatapos magawa ang mga financial statements.   Fourth, keep your system simple and in order. Have a process in place for payroll, employee taxes and SSS premiums, sales tax, at iba pa. Take advantage of the technology of computers. Marami na ngayong accounting softwares na makakatulong para ma-automate ang inyong business data or information. Computerization can help reduce time spent for work and costs for employment.   Fifth, get your financial reports from your bookkeeper or accountant as soon as they are made. The function of these reports is to help you plan and make decisions and changes that will affect the status of your company. Kung papag-aralan mo ang reports after six months, masyado na yatang huli iyon. Mahalaga ang bawat araw para sa isang negosyo. The earlier you study the report the better. Sabihin mo rin sa iyong bookkeeper o accountant kung anong klaseng information ang kailangan mong makuha agad para ma-manage mo ang daily operations ng iyong business at makapagplano ka para sa hinaharap. Aside from reviewing your reports and signing on them, CPAs can now give you advice on management of policies and administration. This field of specialization by CPAs is called management advisory services or administrative services.   With these tips, we hope nakatulong kami sa inyo as you plan to start or upgrade your accounting system. Ipanalangin nyo rin na i-lead kayo ng Panginoon sa tamang accountant who could help review your book of accounts and taxes and manage your business for the glory of God.     SHIELA S. VILLAMOR Coastal Resource Management Program City Agriculture Office, City Hall 5800 Roxas City, Capiz, PHILIPPINES Telephone: +63 36 6215918 | Fax: +63 36 6212049 | Mobile: +639207076063