Accounting for Startups: What Founders Should Focus On

Accounting for Startups

What Founders Should Focus On

#Startup Accounting

Ryan JohnsonVP of OperationsEarly Growth Financial Services

“Startups face a huge burden in today’s economy, often having to choose between funneling resources toward creating their goods and services or managing the often complex accounting, tax and financial strategy planning necessary to run a successful business.”

~ David Ehrenberg, Founder and CEO Early Growth Financial Services

www.earlygrowthfinancialservices.com

Presentation OverviewGetting organized, staying in compliance, building the foundation you need to scale

• Accounting pre- and post-funding

• Accounting systems• Taxes• Accounts payable• Accounts receivable• Financial projections • Financial reporting• Valuation


Accounting: Pre-FundingSet up a low-cost, accrual-based accounting structure that can grow with you

• Open business banking account

• Separate personal and business expenses

• Keep records of receipts and invoices

• Be mindful of tax obligations• Collect payments• Select payroll provider• Stay on top of stock records


• Set foundation for future growth• Build financial infrastructure• Clarify funding objectives• Manage cash-flow• Create clean financials for investors• Hire professionals to help company

become GAAP compliant (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)

Accounting: Post-FundingYour financial strategy deepens and you’ll gain better understanding of your business


Finance and Accounting SupportWhen should you engage with a financial services support firm?

• Raised seed or convertible note round over $500K• Start to have over $20K month in revenue• Have professional or institutional investors


Accounts PayableFormalize your system for keeping track of business expenses

• Set up system early to help maximize cash flow and create essential financial reports

• Choose best tracking system for company needs

• Enter every expense: receipts, bills, etc.• Establish invoice AP schedule• Place vendors on net 30 payment terms• Build reputation of financial stability


Accounts ReceivableImprove cash collections by creating a clear payment collection process

• List all open invoices and balances

• Create “friendly” invoices (and print hard copies)

• Put payment terms in writing for new clients

• Establish credit guidelines• Create collection timeline


TaxesEven in the early stages, you’ll want to be mindful of tax considerations

• Select correct legal entity for company

• Understand federal, state, and city tax obligations; regional fees; and registrations

• Separate business and personal finances

• Deduct business expenses• Pay quarterly taxes• Stay on top of payroll taxes and

1099s


Financial ProjectionsForecast for potential revenue and market capture

1. Start with market size

2. Identify particular segment

3. Extrapolate to calculate total

potential revenue

3. Headcount /

milestone funding

2. Calculate spending

necessary to achieve revenue/development

1. Project revenue growth

over next 1-3 years

Top-Down Projection

Bottom-Up Projectionwww.earlygrowthfinancialservices.com

Financial ReportingFinancial statements reveal important insights

• Financial statements– Profit and loss– Cash flow statements – Balance sheet

• Cash burn reporting• Budget vs actual reporting• Other financial reporting


ValuationThe safest and most effective way to prepare your valuation is to hire an outside firm

• IRS requires Fair Market Value (FMV) analysis in conjunction with stock option grants

• If you are acquired by a public company, a Big Four accounting firm is likely to audit your approach to IRS compliance

• Reports are generally valid for 12 months – even if there’s been no financing activity, you’ll still need a new valuation annually


What to Look For in a Valuation CompanyChoosing the right valuation firm as a business partners is an important choice• Fast turnaround• Free revisions• Guarantee to satisfy audits and withstand Big 4 and acquisition scrutiny• Assurance that company will work with you to obtain

best possible price• Ability to handle other challenging owner equity issues,

such as stock option management and complex capitalization tables


Thank You and Q&A

Early Growth Financial Services

Ryan [email protected]


415.234.3437

Follow us @EarlyGrowthFS


mailto:[email protected]

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Accounting for Startups: What Founders Should Focus On