You should always maintain your financial records in good order to keep your restaurant afloat. Bookkeeping is the only way to keep track of your finances. However, recording all the daily transactions can be challenging if you have other operations to run. Thus, it is advisable to hire an accountant to take care of your accounts and taxes. This article looks at some of the basic bookkeeping practices that you ought to follow in the financial recording.

1. Keeping a Record of All Financial Transactions

Like any business, you must keep a record of all the financial transactions of your restaurant. The records enable you to calculate the revenue that you are making. It also helps you keep track of the inflow and outflow of money. If you do not have experience keeping these records, hire a bookkeeper. 

2. Developing a Cash Flow Projection 

When planning to expand your restaurant, you need to project your cash inflows. However, preparing this projection can be complex if you do not have an accounting background. If you do not have sufficient experience in accounting matters and need accurate cash flow projections, it might be necessary to hire an accountant.

3. Making Use of Credit Facilities 

Starting and running a restaurant can be costly. At some point, you may need to use credit facilities such as long-term and short-term loans, overdrafts and equipment financing. Since there are many financial products in the market, it is always advisable to consult an accountant to help you choose the financial product that suits your business. An experienced accountant will also help you with the loan application process. 

4. Understanding the Payroll Operations 

Processing the payroll can be rather complicated as it involves several intricate details such as tax calculations. As a business owner, you need to familiarise yourself with this process to avoid errors. If you do not have time or the skills needed to manage the payroll, outsource accounting services and allow the professionals to handle it for you. 

5. Paying Your Taxes 

You need to pay your business taxes to be on the safe side of the law. Moreover, you need to file your taxes in good time. These two processes require one to have some knowledge of basic accounting and taxation concepts. A registered accountant will come in handy if you are not proficient in taxation matters.

6. Hiring an Accountant 

Running a restaurant requires a lot of time and effort. Because of that, you may not have time to focus on your financial operations. As such, it is essential to hire an accountant. They will handle all your accounting operations, including taxes, payroll and bookkeeping, allowing you to take care of other issues. 

Bookkeeping plays a critical role in the survival of your restaurant. The above tips will go a long way in your bookkeeping operations. But more importantly, engage a trained and experienced accountant to ensure accurate and up-to-date financial records.