Bookkeeping Mistakes Small Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Running a small business is tough enough without letting bookkeeping mistakes eat up your time—or your profits. After nearly three decades of helping business owners across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, I’ve seen the same common errors crop up again and again. The good news? They’re easy to avoid when you know what to look for.

The Most Common Bookkeeping Mistakes

1. Mixing Personal and Business Expenses

It’s tempting to use one card for everything, but combining personal and business purchases creates headaches at tax time and can even cause you to miss out on deductions.

2. Missing or Lost Receipts

Receipts are easy to misplace, but they’re crucial for accurate records and maximizing your tax return. Even a few missing documents can mean lost money.

3. Not Reconciling Accounts Regularly

If you’re not checking your bank statements against your records every month, small errors can quickly turn into big problems—especially if you’re ever audited.

4. Waiting Until Year-End to Organize Paperwork

Trying to sort a year’s worth of paperwork in one go is overwhelming and leads to mistakes. It’s much easier to keep up with things regularly.

How Beagle Accounting Makes It Easy

The good news? You don’t have to worry about accounting software, spreadsheets, or tracking every detail yourself. At Beagle Accounting Ltd., all you need to do is gather your paperwork—receipts, invoices, bank statements—and send them to me. Use my secure online client portal for digital uploads, or stick with paper if that’s easier for you. I’ll handle the rest, making sure your records are accurate and up-to-date.

Let’s Keep Your Books (and Your Business) in Shape

Avoiding bookkeeping mistakes doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re ready for stress-free accounting, book a virtual consultation or email me at office@beagleaccountingltd.com. I’m here to help you stay organized, compliant, and focused on what you do best.