37 Kessel Court Suite 205,
Madison, WI 53711

Why Do I Need A CPA?

Posted on: November 16th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) provide expert advice to individuals, businesses, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations and government agencies on a wide range of financial matters. In today’s world, individuals and businesses turn to CPAs for help with personal financial planning, tax preparation, tax auditing, and advice on developing effective accounting systems.

What can a CPA do for you?

Certified Public Accountants do much more that crunch numbers and prepare taxes.  They are strategist that helps businesses and individuals chart the course of business and lives.  Individuals turn to their CPAs for tax and financial planning, advice on investment, estate planning, and much more.

Businesses are utilizing the services of CPAs to manage company finances, as well as, tax planning, and to help diversify investments, as well as, a variety of other consulting and business services.

CPA vs. non-CPA

A large number of people do not know how a CPA differs from a bookkeeper or tax preparer.  The CPA designation is one of the most widely recognized, highly trusted professional designations in the business world. The thing that distinguished CPAs from other finance professionals is the stringent qualification and licensing requirements.

What should you look for when choosing a CPA?

Before you select a CPA, make sure you consider the following questions:

  • Do they hold an active license?
  • Is the CPA personality compatible and communication style compatible?
  • Do they have the experience you need?

At Grobe & Associates, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of products and services with the professionalism and trust you’ve come to know us for.  Services such as:

  • Bookkeeping
  • Tax planning
  • Tax preparation
  • Tax accounting

And much more.

Big or small, our staff of certified accountants delivers superior service to all clients.  As a trusted and reliable advisor our main focus is to offer valuable advice that you can trust in to help make sound financial decisions. At Grobe & Associates, we expect nothing less than exceptional from ourselves and exceptional is what our clients can expect from Grobe & Associates.

When looking for a quality CPA, keep in mind that you should be looking to establish a long-term relationship. You want a firm who will learn all aspects of your business, and who will become a trusted advisor on all of your business and financial decisions and transactions. Look not only for technical competence but also interpersonal and communication skills.  

That is what you’ll find at Grobe & Associates CPAs.  Trusted and respected in the industry for professionalism and integrity with great customer service.  That is Grobe & Associates CPAs.  Call us at (608) 210-1200 or visit us at 37 Kessel Court, Suite 205, Madison, Wisconsin  53711.

What Can a CPA Do for Your Small Business?

Posted on: August 10th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

What Can a CPA Do for Your Small Business?

If you are a manager or small-business owner, you already know that you have many responsibilities to make sure that your business is successful and profitable. However, don’t fret; you don’t have to do it alone. Certified Public Accountants can help you with designing your business plan; managing your debt; securing a bank loan. Interest and assets are essential to your business’s financial structure. A CPA can help you with developing a well-defined and powerful business plan, and then bring that plan to life with the proper options. Your CPA’s financial capability will help you to determine how much debt your business can manage; the positives and negatives of a line of credit vs. a loan; and how to look for financing from investors.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT

The administration of your business is a key consideration. How your company is organized will impact operating efficiency, personal liability, taxes and the way you report business income, and a CPA can help you choose the optimal structure for your business. Your CPA will also be able to provide sound advice about insurance, commercial property, creating a board of directors, disaster planning (to secure your data and assets) and succession planning. Additionally, a CPA will be able to provide you with advice on human resource issues such as job descriptions and more. CPA’s that hold AICPA’s Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF®) credential can assist with fraud prevention. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can be an essential to your company. A CPA can also help you establish an effective business plan for profitability, and assist you in setting short, and long-term policies designed to fit your business.
The trust small businesses place in CPAs must be substantiated by strict educational and professional requirements.
CPA’s must follow strict licensing guidelines which distinguishes them from other accountants. Members of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) must also abide by a code of ethics, and undergo peer reviews that ensure their work meets the uppermost professional standards. A Certified Public Account’s comprehensive business know-how and financial skills make him or her valued, and a trusted consultant in matters such as financial and tax planning, business valuation, and accounting services. A CPA is one asset you’ll absolutely need as you plan, operate and grow your small business. Not all CPAs firms can offer all of the services discussed here, however, some will offer a difference mix of services.
At Grobe and Associates accountants will deliver a superior service to each client. Grobe and Associates is committed to a fundamental standard of quality, professionalism and responsiveness. We offer a broad range of tax planning, accounting and financial advisory services. See how we can help your business grow and prosper. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

Ask the Right Questions and Find the Right Bookkeeper

Posted on: June 17th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

Finding the Right Bookkeeper 

Selecting the right bookkeeper for your small business can make all the difference in the world. The right bookkeeper will not only provide you with timely, accurate financial information but can also have a positive overall impact on your business. The right bookkeeper can serve as a trusted advisor who can help make it possible for you, the owner, to concentrate on other important aspects of your company.

There are many levels of experience and expertise when it comes to bookkeepers.  Many bookkeepers do not have certifications as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) do, and may not have college degrees. This makes finding a qualified bookkeeper—as well as one with a good personality that fits your business—difficult.  However, we’ve provided a few helpful tips to help guide you during your selection process.

Accounting Experience

Some bookkeepers may have experience working for larger companies where they specialize at one thing, such as processing accounts-payable transactions or recording customer receipts. Bookkeepers that have experience working with small businesses are more likely to have experience in a variety of accounting related areas. To determine the level of experience of your bookkeeping prospect, you should ask the following:

“How long have you been performing bookkeeping duties?”

“In what specific areas do you have experience (i.e. payroll, taxation, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger)?”

“What types of clients have you had experience with?”

It is important to know their level of general accounting experience. Experience in multiple industries can definitely be a plus, as this can provide the bookkeeping prospect additional resources and knowledge that your organization may not currently possess.

Check Technical Skills

Today’s bookkeepers should have strong technological skills and the following questions should assist you in determining if they have the skills best suited to your company’s needs:

“What accounting software have you used?”

“How long have you been using it?”

“Do you have a certification in that software?”

Also, inquire as to which version and product lines of the specific software they have used. For example, many accounting software packages come in several major lines, plus new versions can come out each year.  Thus, if they’re working with a three-year-old version, they may not be aware or familiar with some of the latest features. It is beneficial if they are knowledgeable and up-to-date with your preferred software.

Due to rapidly evolving technology, and constant changes in accounting and tax related areas, it is also important to ask the following:

“How do you stay up-to-date with accounting, tax and technology changes and have you had any recent training or taken related professional courses?

Communication Skills

By asking your bookkeeping prospects the right questions, you will be in a better position to assess not only their general skill level and experience but also get a sense of their trustworthiness and how well they are able to communicate and explain things. Your bookkeeping professional should not only be able to provide you with timely, accurate financial information but also be able to communicate effectively with company staff, customers, vendors, etc.

These are just some of the things to consider in your search for a prospective bookkeeping hire.  At Grobe & Associates, CPAs, we offer a broad range of accounting, bookkeeping, tax and financial advisory services.  Contact us www.grobecpa.com or call (608) 210-1200 for a free initial consultation.

Tax Audit Myths

Posted on: May 4th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

Tax Audit Myths

An audit is arguably the most dreaded outcome of the tax filing process, and the situation carries with it some unsettling mystique. The popular perception has the Internal Revenue Service showing up on your doorstep, or your place of business and randomly seizing the bulk of your personal assets. However, experts say, audits contrast greatly from the myths.
Audits are something most people should not be afraid of. A lot of times the government doesn’t want to do these audits.
In fact, one of the most enduring tax audit myths holds that an audit is a common occurrence. The experts generally agree that the IRS would rather not have to audit. One reason is because of the resources required to conduct an audit, and the negative audits generate.
Historically, only about 1 percent of filers get audited. The IRS has a system designed to discriminate the information function to determine what returns are worth an audit. This process called the DIF scoring system compares returns of peer groups. If a person’s financial data differs significantly from those established by his peers, the system produces a high DIF score. A high DIF score increases the chances of an audit.
Fact of the matter is the IRS audits only a small percentage of filed returns. Nevertheless, myths about who or who does not get audited, and why, run the gamut.
Myth: Be very afraid of an audit
One looming myth suggests the audit process is something one should panic about and feared desperately. The truth is that most people generally only need to respond to a few IRS questions. Typically, you’ll need to send information or a check for the additional money and that’s, that.
Myth: Professionally filed returns are audit-proof
Paying an income preparer will not shield you from an audit. Competition among tax preparation companies is fierce. The most effective way for these places to compete is to claim to get you the biggest refund.
In many neighborhoods, particularly in low-income areas, tax preparation operations use false advertising and other deceptive practices to lure clients in with the promise of large refunds. The taxpayers often do not understand the process or what they are claiming on their returns, often resulting in the possibility of being audited in the future.
Among the less scrupulous preparers, they’ll do family splitting to optimize the Earned Income Tax Credit, like, ‘You take these kids and you take these kids, that way you’ll get $8,000 rather than the $6,000 you would have gotten.
Such steps can trigger an audit, interest and stiff penalties.
Myth: Those with low to moderate incomes don’t get audited
The IRS increases the number of audits it does in response to current economic conditions. People should not think they’re in the clear just because they do not earn a lot of money.
The IRS conducts audits for all incomes. It is for this very reason that over the last few years they’ve been hiring more people.
Still, even though the IRS has increased its level of auditing, the number is a very small percentage of the returns filed.
A deeper understanding
Although these are some of the most popular myths, experts say plenty of other misguided beliefs about audits run rampant, some even with their own regional flavor. The bottom line is to understand what the process is all about.
State Audits
Many of the myths about auditing are quite narrowly focused on the Internal Revenue Service, believing that the IRS is the only taxing entity that matters.
More headaches have had to do with state returns. The IRS could be considered as tame compared to some State (tax revenue) Agencies. No one is hungrier for revenue than the States. Most States are broke and working hard to increase revenues. State Revenue Agencies will not be as friendly, by and large, as their Federal Counterpart.
Tax filers should be at least as diligent and careful when filing their state returns as they are with their federal tax returns.
Grobe and Associates has you covered
For helpful advice on Federal and State tax issues that will work for you, set up an appointment with one of our certified public accountants today at 608-210-1200. We look forward to meeting your accounting needs and making improvements to bottom line.

Steps to Tax Planning

Posted on: May 4th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

Steps to Tax Planning

The federal government estimates that 60% of individuals use paid preparers to complete and submit their tax returns. If you us a paid preparer, it’s important to get started right away so you can have a successful tax return experience. This year, federal returns (or applications for an extension) are due on April 18, 2016, Even with this slight delay, you still need to get started promptly.
1. Choose a preparer.
A reputable tax preparer is also a good idea. If you don’t have one, get busy finding one now. A great way to find a preparer is to ask friends and to make a referral. Be sure the person you choose is a qualified tax preparer with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Make sure you inquire about the fees being charged, and steer clear of anyone taking a percentage of your refund. You can search for a tax preparer according to the qualifications you’re looking for.
2. Schedule an appointment.
Be sure that you meet with your preparer and make of list of items you’ll need to bring so that the preparer will have everything need to prepare a complete and accurate return. It is especially important to act promptly if you anticipate a refund so you can receive your money promptly. Waiting to the last minute to schedule an appointment, may cause you to miss out on some advice or course of action that can lower your tax liability.
3. Tax Information.
By the end of January, you should have received various types of information returns that you need. Verify each form making sure that the information matches your own records.
4. Receipts.
What receipts you’ll need depends on whether you choose to itemize your personal deductions or claim the standard deduction. Obviously, you will choose the filing option that produces the greater write-off. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to determine the amount of your itemized deductions and compare them with your standard deduction amount.

5. Charitable Contributions.
If you made donations to charity and itemize your deductions, you’ll need records to claim any write-off. For example, for contributions of $250 or more, you’ll need a written acknowledgment from the charity stating the amount of your gift or contribution, and that you did not receive anything in return. If you do not have an acknowledgment, contact the charity and ask for one. You’ll need the acknowledgement when you file your return. Details about this and other documents can be found in IRS Publication 1771.
6. Tax Law Changes.
You don’t have to become a tax expert but it helps to know about new tax rules. For instance, the individual healthcare mandate created many of the new changes, including new forms for claiming the premium tax credit for eligible individuals who purchased coverage through a government Marketplace (exchange) and for figuring the shared responsibility payment for those who failed to carry coverage and do not qualify for an exemption.

Contact Grobe & Associates for helpful advice on tax planning, set up an appointment with one of our certified public accountants today at 608-210-1200. We look forward to meeting your accounting needs and making improvements to your budget.

Small Business Tax Audits

Posted on: May 4th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

Small Business Tax Audits

The IRS is increasing its focus on tax compliance of small businesses so it is important to know the common payroll tax audit triggers and learn how to avoid severe IRS penalties, huge tax debt and federal criminal investigation.
Small business owners have been identified by the IRS as the largest source of uncollected taxes. Also, small businesses have been labeled as big tax evaders, and the IRS tends to focus their enforcement efforts on small businesses, especially during economic downturns.

There may be huge consequences for a small business not in compliance with federal tax laws. For example:

1. You can lose your business due to extremely aggressive IRS collection tactics for past due payroll taxes. When it comes to payroll tax debt, the IRS collection Revenue Officer has unyielding power and authority. They have the power to padlock your front doors, putting you out of business, without obtaining a court order. They can seize your machinery and equipment. They can contact your customers, and if your customers owe you any money, the IRS will intercept these funds through their powerful levying authority. You must take immediate action to deal with a payroll tax issues, or you will find yourself out of business.

2. Payroll tax penalties can add up quickly and generate huge tax debt. The penalties assessed on delinquent payroll tax deposits or filings can dramatically increase your total tax bill. Whether you operate your small business owners as a sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLCs, the taxes you owe can cause you to lose your business. There are three major penalties you can be hit with (failure to file, failure to deposit, and the failure to pay), which can add up to about 33% plus interest if you don’t pay in just 16 days after you have filed the 941 (Payroll Tax Return) past the due date!

3. Not filing or paying your payroll taxes can be considered a federal crime. The IRS can refer your case to the Criminal Investigation Division and ultimately to the Department of Justice if they can prove that you intentionally (very low thresholds) didn’t file and/or pay.

4. Borrowing from payroll taxes is against the law. Many small and mid-size businesses use the money they collect from payroll taxes to pay their operating expenses. The money collected from employees to pay their share of federal withheld tax, FICA and Medicare (Social Security) does not belong to the business and must be accounted for and paid to the government. Generally, one must make a federal tax deposit (by tax filing service, phone, or in person at a bank) 3 days after the pay date of the pay roll checks.

5. The IRS can come after business owners individually for payroll taxes owed. The IRS can access what is called the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) against owners and shareholders. The IRS is the only creditor on the planet that can “pierce” the corporate veil and go after individuals, which can be a very scary situation.

6. What do I do if I get audited? If you owe payroll taxes, you need to get expert professional help before it’s too late. Representing yourself before the IRS would be like going to court without a lawyer. And you do not want to take any chances when dealing with the IRS.

Contact Grobe & Associates for expert advice regarding small business audits. Set up an appointment with one of our certified public accountants today at 608-210-1200. We look forward to meeting your accounting needs and making improvements to your budget.

3 Ways to Reduce Your Taxes

Posted on: May 4th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

3 Ways to Reduce  Taxes

The objective of tax planning is to arrange your financial affairs so as to minimize your taxes. These three basic methods can reduce your taxes, and each method might have several variations. It is possible to reduce income, increase deductions, while taking advantage of tax credits.
Reducing Income

A key element in determining taxes is the Adjusted Gross Income or (AGI). There are many things which depend on your AGI (or modifications to your AGI), your tax rate being one of them. AGI even impacts your financial life outside of taxes: banks, mortgage lenders, and college financial aid programs ask for your adjusted gross income, a key indicator of your finances.
Because of the importance of the adjusted gross income, you may want to begin your tax planning here. What goes into your adjusted gross income? AGI is income from all sources minus any adjustments. Remember, the higher the total income the higher the adjusted gross income.
As you can guess, the more money you make, the greater the tax liability. Conversely, the less money you make, the lower the tax liability. The best way to reduce taxes is to lower your taxable income. And the best way to lower your taxable income is to contribute money to a 401(k) or similar retirement plan. Your contribution reduces your taxable wages, and lowers your tax bill.
You may be able to reduce your Adjusted Gross Income through various adjustments to income. An Adjustment to your income is a deduction; however, you don’t have to itemize them. Instead, you take them on page 1 of your 1040 and they will reduce your Adjusted Gross Income. Adjustments include things such as a contribution an IRA, student loan interest paid, alimony paid, or classroom related expenses. A list of all qualified adjustments can be found on Form 1040.

The best ways to boost your adjustments is to contribute to a traditional IRA, either through a 401(k) at work or through a traditional IRA plan. Contributions to these plans can reduce both your taxable income, as well as, your taxes.
Increase Your Tax Deductions

Taxable income is a key factor in determining your overall tax liability. After you have reduced your AGI, taxable income is the result. Most filers can take a standard deduction, and some people are able to itemize their deductions.
Itemized deductions include expenses for items such as health care, state and local taxes, property taxes, mortgage interest, gifts to charity. A key tax planning strategy is to keep track of itemized expenses throughout the entire year. Your standard deduction and personal exemptions depends on your filing status and the number of dependents you have.

The best strategies for reducing your taxable income are to itemize your deductions. The three largest deductions are for mortgage interest, state taxes, and gifts to charity.
Take Advantage of Tax Credits

Now that we’ve fixed our taxable income, it is time to focus on tax credits. Tax credits will reduce your tax. There are tax credits for college expenses, saving for retirement, even adopting children.
The adoption of a child and college expenses provide the best tax credits are for. Most of us are not in a position to adopt a child, however, a lot of us could take some college classes. The Hope Credit is for students in their first two years of college, and The Lifetime Learning Credit are two education-related tax credits for anyone taking college classes. These classes do not have to be related to your career.
Avoid early withdrawals from your IRA or 401(k) retirement plan. The amount you withdraw will become part of your taxable income, and on top of that there will be additional taxes to pay on the early withdrawal.

A great tax credit and also the most abused is the Earned Income Credit (EIC). Unlike other tax credits benefits, the EIC is credited to your account as a payment, and that means EIC often results in a tax refund even, if the total tax has been reduced to zero. Filers may qualify for the earned income credit even if you earn less than a certain amount.
Increase Your Withholding, avoid owing money to the IRS at the end of the year by increasing your withholding. Increase the amount of money taken out of your paycheck throughout the year, so you’ll get a bigger refund when you file your taxes.

Contact Grobe & Associates for helpful advice on reducing your taxes, set up an appointment with one of our certified public accountants today at 608-210-1200. We look forward to meeting your accounting needs and making improvements to your budget.

How to Improve Your Financial Health

Posted on: March 3rd, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

Your Financial Health

If you’re having problems keeping up with your debt load, you really should act now instead of doing nothing. Waiting can cause more troubles in the future, whether it’s a damaging credit history or bankruptcy resulting in an important asset loss, such as your home. If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, then consider taking these actions to prevent future financial ruin.

If you’ve acquired a significant amount of debt and are struggling to pay your monthly bills, it’s time to take charge of the situation before you start receiving collection calls.

Examine each debt.

Be certain that the amount the credit collector claims you owe is actually the correct sum you owe. To dispute a debt, first try speaking with a representative from the credit company directly to resolve your concerns. If you still have issues with the debt, contact your local or a state consumer protection organization. In situations of serious credit exploitation notify your state Attorney General.
Communicate with your creditors.

Make your creditors aware that you are struggling to make your payments. Give them reasons for your difficulties. Let them know if you’ve recently become unemployed or if you’ve encountered any unexpected emergency expenses. Try to arrange a viable payment schedule with them. Most creditors are inclined to work with you and welcome your honesty.

Note that most automobile financing contracts allow the creditor to repossess the vehicle without prior notice if the loan goes into default status. If the automobile is repossessed, it’s possible the borrower will be required to pay the full amount owed on the loan in addition to towing and storage expenses. You don’t want to wait until your loan is in default. Try to resolve the problem with your lender as soon as you suspect you won’t be able to keep up with your payments. You may want to consider selling your vehicle to pay off the debt rather than incurring additional repossession expenses.

Budget your payments.

Prepare a payment plan that enables you to lower your debts. List all mandatory expenses, such as shelter and healthcare, then consider optional expenses, such as entertainment and recreation. Keep on track with your budget.

Try to lower your expenses.

Cut back on unnecessary spending, such as dining out or buying expensive electronics. Is it possible to use public transportation or participate in a ride sharing service instead of owning a car? Use coupons or consider generic products at the grocery store. Pass up impulse items. Most importantly, avoid acquiring new debt. Keep your credit cards at home. Try to buy only what you need and use cash or a debit card whenever possible.

Consolidate and settle your debts.

It makes sense to apply any low interest savings toward paying off high interest credit card debt or loans. Research ways to settle off high interest loans, with credit cards or by refinancing with a consolidation loan. Some loan consolidations actually increase the interest you owe or charge hefty fees, so be cautious. Consider a second mortgage. However, keep in mind that second mortgages significantly raise the risk of losing your home.

You can reclaim strong financial health by taking responsible actions. Don’t hold off until you’re facing bankruptcy court. If you’re experiencing financial pressures, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced accountant at Grobe and Associates for advice. Call us today at 608-210-1200.

Take These Steps to Improve Your Business Budget

Posted on: February 26th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

 

Here are 3 useful steps to help you improve your company’s budgeting and forecasting processes:

1. Integrate options for flexibility into your budget  forecasting.

Flexibility is critical for improving any budget and yearly projections. Static or rigid budgets and forecasting can be the source for many difficult financial obstacles.

Some conventional projections that managers make annually can become outdated and erroneous before the first quarter is even over. However, these demands are still held in place and decisions of great impact are imposed on them. As a result, employees who are held responsible for reaching inaccurate goals or numbers are understandably frustrated. Such damaging scenarios can end up being very costly.

As an alternative, your methods should incorporate a review of your calculations and budget at the close of each quarter, or even each month. This practice will lead to making necessary adjustments to enhance overall accuracy and pave the way to better business choices.

2. Develop forecasts and budgets based on continuous change.

This option is flexible yet complimentary to traditional annual budgeting and forecasting practices that most companies follow, but without the rigid margins. Your business can routinely revise your forecasts and budgets centered on accurate and up-to-date business results, not what managers predicted what might happen several months ago.

The adaptive process supports using actual quarterly financial data to update your forecasts, which can normally stretch out for up to six quarters. Each quarter, you will adjust your forecasts for the following quarter – based on your most current quarter’s development. You will then revise your budget so that it demonstrates new and updated estimates.

With this progression, comprehensive monthly forecasting at the category level is only for the next quarter, not the whole year. Subsequent quarters’ plans have a wider range, since they are prone to be updated in the future. Rolling budgets and forecasts will allow you to better line up your budget to your strategic goals with increased accuracy to your approach.

3. Align your budget to your plan, instead of aligning your plans to the budget.

This concept is relatively simple but often neglected because of the discipline it requires from management and ownership. Spending choices are made based on actual revenue amounts, instead of prospects that the spending may, or may not, produce. Budgeting to plan recognizes the actual results that spending decisions will have on your company’s capital. For instance, an organization might have a chance to flourish by taking on a competitor or acquiring a large new client. Yet, the gain will require assuming substantial debt to finance the addition or purchase new inventory and equipment.

Financial arrangements based on your plan reflect how expenses will sway the budget immediately as well as on a long term basis. Put your plans into place accordingly. On the other hand, accommodating your plans to a set budget will just extend debt. Understanding what impact this has on your budget happens later. Budgets and forecasts are much too significant to be left vulnerable to flaws and inaccuracies.

Try these three steps to guide you to a budget upgrade and improved forecasting techniques. If your business can benefit from assistance establishing and managing an effective budget, don’t hesitate to contact Grobe and Associates CPAs, LLC at 608-210-1200.

Make 2016 a Better Financial Year

Posted on: January 26th, 2016 by grobecpa No Comments

Make 2016 a Better Financial Year

If you want to achieve more business success in 2016 than you had in 2015, strive to make positive changes to your financial practices. It’s a simple but insightful concept. Change opens the path for improvement. Carrying it out can be daunting yet motivational at the same time.

Start by asking yourself what you’d like to change to excel this year. Here are some useful steps to take.

Define Your Vision

A well thought-out vision statement helps keep eveyone in your organization on the same page. It promotes looking at the bigger picture of daily accomplishments. What happens to the world when consumers use your product or service? How are their lives enhanced after they’ve done business with you?

If you haven’t clarified your business mission and vision statement, consider this as a serious assignment in 2016.

Develop New Routines

Which company habits limit its advancement? Which ones drive it ahead? Select one fiscal system that cost you the most in 2015 and pledge to eliminate it from 2016. Determine a routine that generates wealth and fulfillment and intensify it.

Give Up!

Sometimes we must surrender before progression occurs. What do you need to drop? Are there employees or customers in your world that suck life out of you or your bank account?

Create Your Support System

Is your business under-staffed? How you oversee your time is critical to success or its absence. If you are spending too much time with lower-end responsibilities, it’s not easy to elevate your income to advance professionally. Allow yourself support to accomplish tasks that can be appointed to others, including personal projects in addition to accounting, bookkeeping and tax preparation. Delegate customer service duties as much as possible.

List jobs where support would be useful and hire workers to fill in those gaps. You can utilize assistants, reliable contractors or other small business to create an effective support team.

Spotlight

What undertaking would make an enormous transformation if you could carry it out? Concentrate on huge payback strategies and focus on one, even though it may seem intimidating. Try to visualize the positive change it would make in your company, and then get motivated.

Choose Grobe and Associates to help you make 2016 a year of anticipation, hope and enthusiasm. Call one of our Madison WI Certified Public Accountants today at 608-210-1200 for ideas and inspiration.