A list of counter supplies
Not too many years ago, accountants’ supply lists included items like ledger books, stamps with ink pads, and a very large cup of sharpened pencils. Today, counter supply lists are very different.
computer
First of all, the most important accounting supply to buy is a computer. This is a given in almost every business in the United States today, and choosing a computer can be complicated and confusing due to the many options available. If you don’t have a computer you can use for your bookkeeping business, visit your local bookkeeping supply store, office supply store, or computer dealer.
Shop around at a minimum of three places and have a sales representative demonstrate the different features, as well as in-memory review features. Keep a notebook to write down the different types of computers you have seen, as well as the pros and cons of each different computer. If you have a relative or close friend who is knowledgeable about computers, please share your findings to make the most informed purchase that is best for your business.
Accounting program
After purchasing a computer, or if you already have a computer suitable for your accounting office, the next obvious supply the accountant will need is a good accounting software package. However, instead of choosing accounting software by brand, choose the right software for your particular business.
Out-of-the-box accounting software is best suited for small and medium-sized businesses that have standard meter supply needs. If your business needs unique data reporting, make sure the accounting software you choose offers customizable reports. If you run a service-related business, make sure your accounting software includes features like a time and billing module. When choosing your software, ask some relevant questions to make sure the package is right for your accounting business.
– Does the accounting software allow you to print or electronically send checks, purchase orders, and invoices?
– Do you have internet connectivity to be able to carry out online banking operations?
– Is it integrated with other software you use frequently, such as Microsoft Office?
– Is it capable of converting data from other accounting programs or databases? In other words, will accounting software be able to meet all your needs, now and in the future?
– Does it work easily with tax forms and settings?
If you anticipate your business will grow to include other staff accountants, consider these additional questions as well.
– Can the accounting software be networked?
– How easy or expensive is it to go from one user to multiple users?
– With some accounting software, adding new users is just a matter of purchasing the appropriate number of user licenses; with others, you must purchase multiple copies of accounting software, which is much more expensive.
Some accounting software supply packages, such as Peachtree by Sage, also offer specialty areas of accounting software, such as construction accounting, distribution accounting, manufacturing accounting, and nonprofit accounting. Therefore, as with buying a computer, get several opinions from several sources to make the most informed purchase for your bookkeeping businesses.
Other Supplies
Once a computer system and software package is installed, filling an accounting supply cabinet is the next item a freelance accountant should choose to complete. However, before you spend your hard-earned money, carefully research the items you will need most and the items you will need immediately in your particular accounting specialty.
Some basic items for effectively outfitting your office, which are available at most bookkeeping or office supply stores, include:
– Organizers of the client’s tax guide
– Presentation materials and client folders.
– Accounting forms
– Filing cabinet with file folders
– Accounting reference materials
– Telephone with headset
– Desktop calculator and adder
Some items that will be needed in your accounting supply cabinet can be purchased at an accounting or office supply store, but they can also be obtained free of charge through the IRS or ordered at irs.gov.
– W2 and 1099 tax forms
– Federal and state envelopes
– Federal and state income tax forms for the current tax year
Basic office supplies that should be on your accountant’s supply list are:
– Think
– Pencils and an electric pencil sharpener
– paper clips
– Stapler
– Rubber bands
– Desk organizers and baskets to organize paperwork that will stay on your desk
– Envelopes of various sizes
– Postage meter if you ship or plan to ship many times a day on a very regular basis
– Self-inking stamps: one with the postal address of your company and another to stamp bank deposits
– Letterhead and envelopes with your company name printed on them
– Business letters
Also, consider a one-time accountant supply that could be of great benefit to you and your clients: a subscription to a tax newsletter or other resource that will keep you regularly informed of tax updates and can help you stay up-to-date on tax updates. latest news. Changes in taxes and tax laws.
