Keeping an organized and up-to-date accounting is essential for financial management and for the sustainable growth of any business. In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where resources are more limited and the focus is usually on day-to-day operations, it is common for accounting to be left behind, until problems start to arise.
The good news is that many of the most recurring accounting errors can be prevented with attention, planning, and professional guidance. Below, we highlight five common failures and what your company can do to avoid repeating those misconceptions.
1. Mix personal accounts with company accounts
This is one of the most common mistakes and also one of the most damaging. When the entrepreneur uses company resources for personal purposes, or vice versa, control of cash flow and the real profitability of the business is lost. In addition, this practice may have tax and legal implications. To avoid this problem, it is essential to keep separate bank accounts, define a fixed pro labore, and record all entries clearly. Separating individuals from legal entities is essential in accounting for SMEs.
2. Choosing the tax regime without proper analysis
Many companies choose Simples Nacional by default, without evaluating whether this is really the most advantageous regime. Depending on revenue, profit margin, and business sector, Presumed Profit or Real Profit may offer more significant tax savings. The ideal is to carry out a careful tax analysis with the support of a reliable accountant. Tax management must be based on concrete data and realistic projections, not on assumptions.
3. Not correctly recording all income and expenses
Underreporting revenues or omitting expenses compromises the fidelity of accounting and tax reports. This directly affects decision-making and can cause serious problems in the event of oversight. To avoid this error, use an efficient management system, organize finances, and record all movements accurately. Accounting must always reflect the company's operational and financial reality.
4. Ignore ancillary obligations
Ancillary obligations, such as SPED, DCTF and DIRF, are tax requirements that must be submitted within the specified deadlines. Delays or omissions may result in fines, blockade of the CNPJ, and other sanctions. To maintain compliance, it is important to have up-to-date accounting that is attentive to legal requirements. Creating a fiscal calendar can help you control deadlines and avoid unpleasant surprises.
5. Stop analyzing the financial statements
Many managers see accounting only as a legal requirement and stop using reports as strategic tools. Ignoring documents such as the DRE (Income Statement for the Year) and the Balance Sheet means losing valuable opportunities to optimize margins, identify inefficiencies, and better plan investments. Accounting for SMEs should be used to support decision-making and not just as a tax obligation.
Accounting as a Basis for Sustainable Growth
Accounting goes far beyond red tape. It is one of the fundamental pillars of financial management. Avoiding common mistakes and having the support of specialized accounting can represent the difference between a company's growth and stagnation. If your SME is in a growth phase or experiencing difficulties, this may be the ideal time to reevaluate its accounting structure and transform accounting into a strategic ally.
