Our 7 Favorite Accounting Books for Small Business Owners
If you’re anything like us, there’s nothing you like more than curling up with a good book during the cold winter months. And you probably wouldn’t mind unwrapping a book or two during the holidays.
So consider today’s topic a gift-giving guide for the small business owner in your life — or if you are said small business owner, a wish list you can relay to your loved ones (or earmark for your gift-card purchases later this month).
Today, we want to talk about accounting books for entrepreneurs.
Managing finances for a small business can be challenging, especially if you have no accounting experience. But you have to learn if you’re doing the books yourself.
Whether you’re just starting your own venture or already in business and looking to enhance your accounting knowledge, read on. We’ve compiled a list of accounting and business finance books that are geared toward beginners and/or small business owners.
Accounting Made Simple: Accounting Explained in 100 Pages or Less (Financial Topics in 100 Pages or Less)
- Author: Mike Piper, CPA
- Published: 2013
Accounting Made Simple, by Mike Piper, lives up to its title by breaking down complex accounting concepts into easy-to-understand language. It’s short, too — at 114 words, it’s not quite living up to the promise of the subtitle (“Accounting Explained in 100 Pages or Less”), but it’s still plenty digestible.
Piper provides a concise overview of accounting basics, covering topics such as financial statements, debits and credits, and the essentials of bookkeeping. This makes it an ideal starting point for small business owners who have limited accounting experience and don’t want to be overwhelmed.
Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs: What You Really Need to Know About the Numbers
- Authors: Karen Berman and Joe Knight
- Published: 2008
In Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs, Berman and Knight offer a practical guide to financial statements and how they can be used to make informed business decisions. Geared specifically toward business owners, the book provides insights into understanding balance sheets, income statements and cash flow — and what the numbers therein tell you about your business.
Importantly, this book isn’t designed to turn business owners into accountants. Instead, the goal is to help founders and entrepreneurs understand the context of their business’s financials, which in turn should help them do their jobs even better.
The Accounting Game: Basic Accounting Fresh from the Lemonade Stand
- Authors: Darrell Mullis and Judith Orloff
- Published: 2008
Learning accounting doesn’t have to be dull, and The Accounting Game proves just that. Mullis and Orloff take a unique approach by using the metaphor of a lemonade stand to explain accounting principles.
This engaging book transforms complex topics into a playful learning experience, including vibrant charts and worksheets, as well as an interactive feel that will play well with hands-on learners.
Bookkeeping for Small Business: The Most Complete and Updated Guide with Tips and Tricks to Track Income & Expenses and Prepare for Taxes
- Author: Martin J. Kallman
- Published: 2010
Bookkeeping for Small Business is a comprehensive and updated guide specifically tailored to small business owners. Kallman provides practical tips and tricks for effectively tracking income and expenses, a keen focus on preparing for taxes, as well as other valuable insights into the intricacies of bookkeeping.
This book serves as an indispensable resource for entrepreneurs navigating the financial landscape of their small businesses.
Accounting All-in-One For Dummies
- Authors: Michael Taillard, Joseph Kraynak and Kenneth W. Boyd
- Published: 2022
The For Dummies series is known for its user-friendly approach to complex subjects, and Accounting All-in-One For Dummies is no exception. Taillard, Kraynak and Boyd cover a range of accounting topics, including financial accounting, managerial accounting and business planning. This comprehensive guide is perfect for beginners looking for an all-encompassing resource that covers the essentials of accounting in a clear and accessible manner.
Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine
- Author: Mike Michalowicz
- Published: 2017
While not a traditional accounting book, Profit First by Mike Michalowicz provides a revolutionary perspective on managing finances for small businesses. Michalowicz introduces a cash management system that prioritizes profit, offering a straightforward method for entrepreneurs to ensure financial stability.
This book is particularly beneficial for small business owners seeking a practical approach to achieving profitability and sustainable growth.
The Lean CFO: Architect of the Lean Management System
- Author: Nicholas S. Katko
- Published: 2013
For small business owners interested in integrating lean principles into their financial management, The Lean CFO is a must-read. Katko explores how lean management principles can be applied to finance, providing insights into optimizing financial processes for efficiency and effectiveness. It’s a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking to streamline their financial operations and enhance overall business performance.
Need More Accounting Help? We Can Help.
Accounting books are excellent resources for small business owners who have few urgent needs and plenty of time. But if you need accounting help right away, put down the book and pick up your phone (or laptop).
McManamon & Co. provides a wide range of accounting services — including taxes, creating financial statements, maintaining records, even training staffers, and more — for small and midsize businesses. If you want to learn more about what we can do for you, reach out to us at 440.892.8900 or contact us online today.
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