Karen Gastle

Bookkeeping is difficult enough—combine it with the unique needs of interior designers, and you can find yourself in a frustrating situation. Generic bookkeeping software doesn’t always have every tool you need, leaving you searching the web for new tactics or additional software to manage your clients and staff.

Download our free guide to find out how to grow an interior design business.

 

Take a deep breath! There are some solutions to help you manage interior design bookkeeping and it’s a lot easier than you think. Continue reading to see some of the amazing solutions and how they can benefit your interior design firm.

Work with an All-in-One Software

In order to efficiently manage your books, you need software that can become your ally. Having all your financial needs handled in one place allows you to have a holistic view of your business and its fiscal situation. With all of the tools in one place, you can manage proposals, invoices, purchase orders, and company reports, all from the comfort of one program.

 

This “dream software” might seem like fiction, but it’s closer than you think. Having your company finances together allows your business to thrive, growing at a faster pace and increasing your client base.

Stay Organized

Staying organized helps make interior design bookkeeping simple. Bad bookkeeping hurts your business, from risks of audits to over or undercharging clients. If the books aren’t organized, your business is much less likely to grow and run smoothly. It can lead to frustration for both you, and your clients.

 

Take organization seriously. Keep all your receipts and takes notes on them for easy reference. Keep a daily business journal so you can keep track of your schedule and time spent. Consider buying a filing cabinet for important contracts and invoices.

 

And don’t forget to store everything in a digital space, too. Cloud-based software is perfect for bookkeeping, ensuring that your files are safe, even in the digital world. For extra important files, such as income tax records, the Government of Canada recommends that these files be kept on hand for six years to ensure you have the right information should an audit should occur.

Pick the Right Time

Bookkeeping shouldn’t take up your entire day. While it can be stressful, scheduling a specific time and day of the week to manage your finances will help you stay on top and organized. Keep a regular schedule and carve out the time to focus on bookkeeping. Remember—clients come first. With the right software, interior design bookkeeping becomes incredibly easy, helping you focus on what’s really important: happy clients with beautiful living spaces. 

Change Your Location   

Working from the same location day after day can limit productivity. Many business owners find that changing the working environment and stepping out of the office can make them more productive and help them focus on work.

 

One of the many advantages of cloud-based bookkeeping software is the ability to work from any location. To change up the routine, try managing your books from home or a coffee shop. This can take a boring task and turn it into something more enjoyable.

Try to Avoid Cash

Using cash makes it difficult to keep track of spending. Paper receipts aren’t always enough. Using a debit or credit card specifically designated for your interior design business functions helps you keep an eye on spending and tracking your expenses. When all business expenses are coming out of the same account, it can help build a barrier between personal and business spending, making it that much easier.

 

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Karen Gastle

As an account manager, Karen has experience working with design firms of all sizes to integrate DesignDocs to streamline business processes, increase administrative efficiencies, and deliver higher profits.
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