There is a common saying that startups in Africa don’t last up to five years, with one of the major reasons being common accounting mistakes. In this article, I’m going to walk you through some of the common mistakes small businesses in South Africa make.

(1) Failing to keep accurate records

Small businesses often struggle with keeping accurate records of their financial transactions. This can lead to errors in accounting, which can have serious consequences. To avoid this mistake, it is important to implement an accounting system and to keep track of all financial transactions.

(2) Mixing personal and business finances:

Small business owners may use personal funds to finance their business or use business funds for personal expenses. This can create confusion when it comes to accounting and can make it difficult to accurately track business expenses. It is important to keep personal and business finances separate to avoid this mistake.

(3) Not reconciling bank statements:

Small businesses may fail to reconcile their bank statements regularly, which can lead to errors in accounting. By reconciling bank statements, business owners can identify any discrepancies or errors and correct them in a timely manner.

(4) Failing to budget:

Small businesses may overlook the importance of budgeting and fail to allocate funds appropriately. This can lead to overspending or underspending in certain areas, which can have negative consequences for the business. By creating a budget and monitoring expenses, small business owners can avoid this mistake.

(5) Not seeking professional help:

Small business owners may try to handle their accounting themselves, even if they lack the necessary skills or knowledge. This can lead to mistakes in accounting, which can have serious consequences for the business. By seeking professional help from an accountant or bookkeeper, small business owners can avoid this mistake and ensure that their accounting is accurate and up-to-date.

If you need help with accounting, business consulting and any related don’t hesitate to  book a free consultation with an expect accountant from our team.