Skip to Main Content

The Bookkeeping Advisory Team

Blog

Small business desk with laptop showing charts, notebook and coffee
A busy small business owner.

The Employee Who Was Always Busy

An employee worked nonstop, but important tasks kept falling behind. This story explores how interruptions, repetitive tasks, and unclear processes can affect business efficiency, and why better organization can make a difference.

Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • A small business owner looking over her invoices and expenses

    The Price That Never Changed

    A business owner had kept the same prices for years, even as operating costs continued to rise. This story explores why reviewing business expenses and profitability matters when deciding whether current prices still make sense.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • A small business owner looking at his financial statements

    The Business Was Profitable, So Why Was Cash So Tight?

    A business owner saw a profit on the monthly financial reports but didn't have enough cash to comfortably cover upcoming bills. This story explores why profit and cash flow can tell different stories, and why understanding both matters.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • A small business owner looking at his financial statements

    The Month That Looked Better Than It Was

    A business owner saw a strong monthly profit and assumed the business was doing better. But the timing of customer payments and expenses told a different story. This article explains why looking at financial trends over multiple months can provide a clearer picture.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • A small business owner examining her business expenses

    The Expense That Didn't Look Much

    A few small recurring charges didn't seem important to a business owner, until they were added together. This story explores why reviewing recurring business expenses can help owners understand where their money is going.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • The Numbers You Can't Find | Business Recordkeeping

    The Numbers You Can't Find | Business Recordkeeping

    A business owner needed a simple financial answer but couldn't find the information quickly. Scattered receipts, invoices, and transactions made a simple question surprisingly difficult to answer.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • A small business owner experiencing a busy season with thin profits

    Busy Season, Thin Profits

    : A business owner had a busy sales season and expected a strong month. But after discounts, product costs, shipping, and fees, profit was surprisingly thin. This story explores why sales volume alone doesn't tell the whole profitability story.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • A small business owner examining her income statements.

    When the Numbers Finally Made Sense

    A business owner used to make decisions based on what felt right. Once the books became accurate and the financial statements were reviewed regularly, the numbers finally started making sense—and business decisions became easier

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • A small business owner looking at income statements -- Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet

    The Business Owner Who Finally Read the Balance Sheet

    A business owner regularly checked the income statement but rarely looked at the balance sheet. When they finally did, they discovered that profitability wasn't the whole story. Here's why small business owners should pay attention to both financial statements.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Is Overhead Expenses Eating Into Your Profit

    The Profit That Disappeared Into Overhead Expenses

    A business owner was excited about growing revenue, but the profit wasn't growing at the same pace. A closer look revealed that rising overhead was quietly consuming the additional revenue. This story explains why monitoring business expenses is essential for sustainable growth.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • Your biggest customer may not be your most profitable customer

    Your Biggest Customer May Not Be Your Most Profitable Customer

    A business owner assumed the customer who generated the most revenue was the best customer. A closer look revealed that another customer was actually more profitable. This story explains why revenue alone doesn't tell the whole story.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Will Your Cash Flow Cover What's Coming?

    The Business Owner Who Looked Ahead: Cash Flow Forecasting

    A business owner learned that knowing how much money was in the bank today wasn't enough. By looking ahead at expected income and upcoming expenses, the owner could see potential cash flow problems before they happened.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Can Cash Flow Keep Up When Business Is Growing Fast?

    The Business That Grew Too Fast

    A business owner finally achieved the growth they had worked for—but the rapid growth created unexpected cash flow problems. More sales brought more inventory, payroll, and operating expenses. This story explains why sustainable growth requires more than increasing revenue.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Review Your Finances Regularly for Better Results

    Schedule Periodic Financial Reviews

    Regular financial reviews help you spot trends, control costs, and make timely business decisions. Don’t wait until year-end — stay informed and in control all year long.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Plan, Track and Adapt Your Business Finances

    Use Budgeting As A Management Tool: Plan, Track, and Adapt

    A budget isn’t just a plan — it’s a management tool. Reviewing it regularly helps you stay on track, control costs, and make informed business decisions throughout the year.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Monitor Cash Flow Proactively

    Monitor Cash Flow Proactively

    Cash flow management is about timing — knowing when money comes in and goes out. Monitoring it regularly helps prevent shortages, plan spending, and keep your business financially healthy.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Protect Your Business With Internal Checks and Balances

    Implement Internal Checks and Balances

    Even small businesses need internal controls. Regular reviews and dividing financial duties help prevent fraud, theft, and costly mistakes. Internal checks and balances aren’t about mistrust, they protect your business.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Set Financial Goals and Track KPIs

    Set Clear Financial Goals and KPIs: A Guide for Small Business Owners

    Set measurable financial goals and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide your small business. Regularly reviewing revenue, cash flow, and other metrics helps you make informed decisions and grow sustainably.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Manage Your Business Finances Right

    Common Mistakes New Business Owners Make with Finances

    Many new business owners make common financial mistakes -- mixing funds, skipping bookkeeping, or ignoring taxes. Setting up systems early and reviewing financial reports regularly helps you stay organized, avoid costly errors, and build a stronger business foundation.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Chart of Accounts for Small Business

    Setting Up a Chart of Accounts: The Foundation of Good Bookkeeping

    A well-structured Chart of Accounts (COA) is the foundation of good bookkeeping. It helps you categorize income and expenses, track performance, and prepare accurate reports. Without it, transactions get messy, and tax time becomes stressful. Build a COA tailored to your business for clearer financial insights and smoother growth.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Essential Licenses and Permits for Small Businesses

    Essential Licenses and Permits for Small Businesses

    Before you open your doors, make sure your business is legally cleared to operate. From general business licenses to sales tax permits, zoning rules, and industry-specific approvals, having the right licenses protects you from fines and delays. Taking time to secure proper permits keeps your business compliant and builds credibility from day one.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Have A Separate Bank Account for Your Business

    Why You Need a Separate Bank Account for Your Business

    Opening a separate bank account for your business keeps your finances organized, simplifies bookkeeping, and protects your personal assets. It strengthens legal protection, enhances professionalism, and ensures clean, accurate records for tax time.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Default LLC vs S-Corp Election when starting a business.

    Default LLC vs S-Corp Election

    Choosing between an LLC and electing S-Corp taxation can affect your taxes, liability, and how you pay yourself. LLCs are flexible and simple to manage, while S-Corp election may reduce self-employment taxes if your business earns enough profit. Understanding the differences helps small business owners pick the best fit for their goals.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • 5 Things to Do Before You Register Your Business

    5 Things to Do Before You Register Your Business

    Starting a business? Before you register, take these five steps: define your idea, choose the right structure, check name availability, review permits, and separate finances. Preparing early gives your business a strong foundation for growth and success.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Still Catching Up on Bookkeeping? You're Not Alone

    Still Catching Up on Bookkeeping? You're Not Alone

    We’re halfway through the year—and if your books still aren’t fully caught up, you’re not the only one. A lot of small business owners...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why Monthly Reviews Matter

    Why Monthly Reviews Matter

    Many small business owners wait until the end of the year to clean up their books—often because they’re focused on running day-to-day...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Bookkeeping for Solopreneurs: What to Focus On

    Bookkeeping for Solopreneurs: What to Focus On

    As a solopreneur, you wear multiple hats—running operations, marketing your business, serving clients, and managing finances. While...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • How Small Business Owners Can Save Tax Dollars

    How Small Business Owners Can Save Tax Dollars

    As a small business owner, saving tax dollars isn't just about reducing your immediate tax bill—it’s about maximizing profitability and...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Course Fees for New Trades Are Not Deductible

    Course Fees for New Trades Are Not Deductible

    Course fees for learning a new trade aren't tax-deductible as they're considered personal investments, not business expenses. Budget wisely!

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • How To Read Your Balance Sheet

    How To Read Your Balance Sheet

    Learning how to read and analyze Balance Sheet will enable you to make informed financial decisions.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team3 min read
  • Chart of Accounts

    Chart of Accounts

    The Chart of Accounts serves as a structured framework for organizing financial transactions and facilitating accurate recording.

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Uses of Cash Flow Statements

    A cash flow statement is a financial statement that provides information about the cash inflows and outflows of a business over a...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    IRS Criteria: Hobby vs Business

    I often encounter clients who are passionate about their hobbies and are exploring ways to turn their interests into profitable ventures....

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Budgeting

    In today’s blog, we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of budgeting. Advantages of Budgeting : 1. Financial Discipline – Budgets instill financial discipline within your organization. When employees know that spending is monitored, they are more likely to make responsible financial decisions. 2. Goal Achievement – Budgets turn your business goals into actionable plans. They provide a structured path to achieving your financial objectives be it expanding yo

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Uses of Budgeting

    In this blog, we will discuss how budgeting can help in the management of your business finances. Here are three major uses of budgeting:...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Importance of Budgeting

    In the world of business, finances are the lifeblood that keeps everything running smoothly. Every decision, every investment that we...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Start-up Costs

    Starting a business can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with significant initial expenses. The good news is that many of...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    More on Tax Deductible Expenses

    An Accountable Plan is another way of ensuring that all business expenses, incurred by yourself or your staff members, are deducted from...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Tax Deductible Expenses

    Expenses that are deductible on your tax returns have to be ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common or...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Track These KPIs!

    By looking at your financial statements, you may get a good idea of the absolute sales number over a period of time. To gain a deeper...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Pricing Your Products

    As an E-commerce seller, it’s important to know the minimum number of products you need to sell in order to hit the point where your...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Inventory Valuation

    Tracking your inventory level is an important component of managing your E-Commerce business. But before we can track our inventory, we...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Keep Cash Flowing In Your Business

    Having a positive cash flow is very important to the smooth operation and success of your E-Commerce business. Here are a few ways you...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    Managing Sales Tax for E-Commerce Sellers

    Just like brick and mortar stores, E-Commerce sellers have to collect and pay sales tax. First, determine whether the products you’re...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team1 min read
  • Why is Bookkeeping Essential for Your Business?

    7 Good Bookkeeping Practices

    1. Separate your business and personal expenses Keep separate bank and credit card accounts for your business and personal expenses. The...

    Jia Chew - Owner of The Bookkeeping Advisory Team2 min read

What Our Clients Say

“Jia to the rescue! I found Jia to be everything that I and my e-commerce business needed! She is very reliable, attentive, knowledgeable, organized, professional, personable and an absolute pleasure to work with! I can trust that Jia will get the job done in an efficient and timely manner, so I can focus on my business day to day operations. Jia has set the bar! Jia is bookkeeping done right! I highly recommend Jia and her team to assist in taking your business forward for years to come!”
Jamila P., Mila Jae Body LLC
“Jia is an excellent CPA. I have worked with her for only a few months but love her detailed work. I'm looking forward to working with her with more of my clients.”
Shirley B., Bias Consulting Group
“I'm so happy with Jia's bookkeeping service. As a small business CPA, Jia is professional, always quick to respond, and has made managing my finances so much easier. I highly recommend Jia and her team.”
Emma W.
“Five stars for Jia for help and willingness to help on a super time crunch. She helped clean my books effectively and very quickly! Very friendly, professional and responsive. I truly appreciate it!”
Ashley E.
“Jia is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things in ways that make sense. Jia is also extremely detail oriented and upfront about pricing and expectations. I am extremely impressed with her professionalism and guidance.”
Becca B., Mighty Hummingbird Therapy LLC
“Jia has been extremely helpful. She is very knowledgeable and always one step ahead. I would highly recommend The Bookkeeping Advisory Team!”
Ernesto V., Pinnacle Exterior Services LLC
“I've a small company (LLC) and a food truck business. Because my previous bookkeeper, who was disorganized and had misplaced everything and messed up my book, I searched for a new CPA/bookkeeper. Then I found Jia with The Bookkeeping Advisory Team. She did a very good job cleaning up the mess from my previous bookkeeper. Jia re-sorted and re-organized everything into the correct categories. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects. She even gave me lots of advice for running a business. She did the books and prepared our tax returns. She will fix it for you! She is superb!! And a very nice lady. I would recommend her and her firm.”
Pavana G.
“I cannot recommend Jia and The Bookkeeping Advisory Team enough! She was so kind to help me with my business taxes on such short notice before the April 15 deadline. As a first time small business owner, I came to her with tons of questions and she was very attentive and made sure to answer them all! Her services were prompt, thorough and affordable, which is exactly what I needed. She was also very communicative throughout the whole process. If you are looking for a trustworthy and friendly bookkeeper, 10/10 I would recommend this company. Thank you, Jia!”
Kirsten V, Intertwined Digital Marketing LLC