How to Prevent Common Accounting Errors

Financial and accounting work needs extra attention to maintain accuracy. Even a small mistake can jeopardize the entire business. In addition, government regulations make us ensure that books are clear, clean, and error-free to avoid penalties and tax fraud.

From debit to credit and receivables to payables, every entry should be recorded correctly under the right account with the correct data. Even with a firm process in place, errors occur in accounts, bookkeeping, and financial records because of human or technical errors.

While we know that we are all human at the end of the day, however this can be greatly reduced if you set processes in place to ensure the same procedure is followed or use technology to eliminate some of the human work. Whatever the approach you take, preventing common accounting errors will position you for success. Here are some of the most common mistakes made while maintaining books and accounts to keep an eye out for.

Common Accounting Errors

• Error of principle

Each record should be recorded in the correct account including asset, debit, or credit. When you mistakenly record a transaction under the wrong account, even if all the details are accurate, this is an error of principle. This kind of transaction does not meet the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Error of entry reversal

This error occurs when you add an amount in an account other than its original one. For example, you record a transaction of $100 into account receivables instead of account payables. It is important to adjust this amount to solve this error.

• Error of duplication

When you record the same transaction (debit or credit) repeatedly, it leads to duplication. This normally happens when you have different people managing books. Communicate with your team and keep them updated about each transaction so that transactions are not recorded more than once.

• Error of transposition

This error happens when you disorder two numbers, for example, when you record $46 as $64 or 1564 as 1654. This type of error can be costly to your business, and it can show losses. In addition, this kind of accounting error is difficult to locate, so be careful when you record transactions.

• Error of commission

This happens when you enter all the correct details, from the right amount to the general account, but you choose the wrong sub-accounts. For example, if you receive a payment from a vendor, you may record this payment in a customer’s account.

• Error of omission

This happens when you forget to enter the transaction. These kinds of accounting errors are not part of any books.  It is important to find missing details and adjust accordingly. Consider all invoices, receipts, checks, and bills to assist in solving errors of omission.

Prevent Common Accounting Errors

Correcting entries with journal entries can resolve accounting errors. Doing so will adjust debit and credit with a new entry to record profit and loss of the business. Adjust both debits and credits when correcting errors. Check your trial balance, compare bank statements with accounting records, and complete bank reconciliations if necessary.

Trial balance

The most common tactic to verify accuracy in accounting is to make sure the credit and debit amounts are the same. You can have peace of mind if you find the same amount on both sides, whereas if you find different amounts, something is wrong.

Bank reconciliations

Ensure that debit and credit are balanced, and then compare them to a bank statement. If your balance and bank statements are showing different figures, then there is a mistake in recording a transaction. Cross check each entry to uncover the mistake.

Good Practices to Prevent Accounting Errors

• Set aside time to specifically check and record entries regularly and promptly.
• Cross check and review accounts every day.
• Always record the cash transaction on a priority.
• Utilize the latest technology for automation.
• Outsource accounting services for proper tax documentation.
• Train your staff to maintain data accuracy.
• Keep a daily, weekly, and monthly review system in place.
• File and record invoices and receipts in chronological order.

The above practices can save you time and help maintain accuracy however, if you are having a hard time managing your books, you can also consider accounting outsourcing. Outsourcing will help you to save money, time, and will provide proper business insights. Professional assistance can help you deal with errors better and faster so that you don’t spend hours and hours sorting through data to find the problem.

Next Steps

• Save every earned dollar and let accounting experts handle your accounts and bookkeeping.
• Email us at sales@analytix.com or call us on 781.503.9002 today.
• Follow our blogs for industry trends and the latest updates. Engage with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Darshak Mehta Accounting Manager

Darshak Mehta is a seasoned financial expert specializing in providing transformative business services to the hospitality industry. He has carved a niche in helping small to mid-sized businesses streamline their operations, enhance profitability, and sustain growth through strategic financial management. Under his leadership, Analytix has grown to support over a thousand franchise and restaurant businesses with tailored financial solutions that address the unique challenges of the hospitality industry.