What is a role of a bookkeeper in your organisation :

BOOKKEEPERS keep complete, up-to-date, and accurate records of accounts and financial arrangements.  Bookkeepers verify and enter information into journals and ledgers or into a computer.  They periodically balance the books and compile reports and financial statements.  Bookkeepers also receive, record, bank and pay out cash.  They balance checkbooks with monthly bank statements.  They may calculate employee wages from plant records or time cards and issue payroll checks. Some of the other work they may do includes posting accounts receivable and payable, prepare and make bank deposits, record payrolls, maintain inventory records, purchase supplies, prepare purchase orders and do expense reports. Bookkeepers may also make schedules, sort documents, and file bills. These type of jobs are found in every industry and may have various job titles, such as accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk or assistant bookkeeper.

Cost of a Bookkeeper :

The pay for these jobs depends upon experience, clerical skills, the level of responsibility and the job location.  Beginning salaries go from minimum wage to $ 15 per hour.  Experienced Bookkeeper can make   $ 20 an hour.  After having worked for three years with the same firm, a Bookkeeper can earn at $ 25 per hour. A Bookkeepers usually work 40 hours a week; sometimes it may be necessary to work overtime. Some employers have fringe benefits such as paid vacations and sick leave, life and health insurance, and bonuses.  Other benefits that the employer may include are participation in a credit union, or retirement and profit sharing plans.

Advantage of outsourcing Bookkeeping work to a professional bookkeeper :

There are several distinct advantages to outsourcing your bookkeeping functions. First and foremost is saving money. You get what you pay for and if you don't pay for quality than you won't have quality service. However, you can save money by outsourcing because you won't be paying for employer payroll tax expense, workman's compensation and general liability insurances, vacation time, sick time, health insurance and other benefits a good full time bookkeeper will expect from his/her employer. Just remember, however, that these costs will be built into the consultant's hourly rate and their fee will reflect these costs. Any bookkeeping consultant who has not taken these costs into consideration is not a bookkeeper you want - if they don't know enough to include these costs into their fees, then they don't know enough to be a help to your business. You should expect to pay at least three times what you would pay an experienced full charge bookkeeper.

And just how do you save money by paying three times the amount you would pay an employee? Well, let's see. There will be no recruiting, interviewing and training costs for start. And if you should find yourself unhappy with the services there will be no additional recruiting, interviewing and training to replace your bookkeeper. Also, you will not have to be concerned about law suits such as sexual harassment, unlawful firing, age discrimination, sexist, etc. Or an increase in your unemployment rates because you laid off an employee that you really wanted to fire but had no lawful cause to do so. So right away we have less time and money spent and potentially less hassle if things don't go well.

And of course you will not be paying workman's compensation and general liability insurance premiums. Also any worthy bookkeeper will expect at least two weeks vacation, coverage for sick time, health and dental insurance and even perhaps more benefits.

Most professional bookkeepers will have their own offices saving you space within your office. So you will not be buying that extra desk, calculator, computer and computer software. Your bookkeeper will be providing all of that as part of his/her fee. No software updates, computer maintenance, training costs, etc. Of course should you prefer to have your computerized bookkeeping records available to you at your office, a small investment in software installed on your computer makes this possible. Also no office supplies to be paid for. You will be amazed at just how much pens, pencils, and paper can be used by a bookkeeper. Your consultant bookkeeper will either ask you to drop off the work at their office, will pick it up at your office or some may even offer remote bookkeeping service. And by having your bookkeeping done off site, your bookkeeper will be able to work more efficiently and accurately because her/his office will most likely offer less distractions than your busy office. All of this is saving you money.

And the best reason for outsourcing is that you control the amount of money spent on bookkeeping. What I mean by this is that the person you hire to do your bookkeeping will be doing just that - not answering the phone, dealing with drop-bys, chatting to other employees, etc. Also you can start with just a few hours a month and add on when you need to and then adjust downward again should it be necessary. Can you imagine finding an employee to start with only four hours a month, then asking them to put in 20 hours a week for awhile and then back down to four hours a month again. I don't think you would keep them for very long, but a free lance bookkeeper is able to work around these variables and even more importantly expects to work with flexible schedules.

So have I convinced you yet? If so, then just remember "you will get what you pay for". Go for top quality because your financial records are the core of your business and without great bookkeeping you cannot expect to succeed no matter what type of business you have. After all don't you think you are worth it ?(http://www.submitsuite.com/products/article-submitter.htm-This article was published using Article Submitter)

The company now boasts 22 employees,

including scientists, farmers, international

businessmen, industrial workers and of course

family.

GreenEnergy`s corporate mission aims

to bring large tracts of rural land under

scientific but basic cultivation of bio-fuel

feedstocks, bringing with it employment and

entrepreneurial opportunities to potentially

thousands of Vietnamese rural poor, while

providing inputs for GreenEnergy`s core

business, the refining and marketing of bio-

diesel.

It is a win, win situation for everyone because

not only does cultivation of this vegetable oil

require only marginally arable, war damaged

or barren land, this also means its activities

do not compete with other food production

which avoids putting upward pressure on

food prices.

N.B (Vietnamese Government has identified

seven million hectares as marginal, barren or

war damaged land).

In addition GreenEnergy`s operations achieve

a renewable and sustainable fuel source for

Vietnam to continue its development with all the

attendant social, economic and environmental

benefits in producing clean energy.

Because of the scale and potential of the bio-

diesel industry in Vietnam and indeed globally,

where tens of millions of bio-fuel crops will

have to be grown to substantially replace fossil

fuels, a ‘second green revolution’ is possible,

bringing with it true improvement in the lives

of the rural poor and vegetable oils can play a

significant role in helping to ameliorate global

warming as a key aspect of climate change.

Global warming, a key aspect of climate

change, now clearly recognized as a result of

a concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs)

in the atmosphere - has the worst impact on

the climate.

Carbon dioxide, the most common of GHGs, is

emitted during the burning of fossil fuels.

The Kyoto Protocol gazetted in February 2005

requires participating countries to cut carbon

emissions.

Further to this, rising crude oil prices and the

need to reduce dependence on imported oil has

made it necessary for net oil importers to think

of alternative energy sources. The precarious

situation with fossil fuel supplies coupled

with the ability of bio-fuels to lessen that risk,

makes it feasible for the global economy to

revert its focus towards agriculture and those

traditionally engaged in it, thus offering a

potential boon to Vietnam’s rural sector.

Full bio-diesel use would reduce net CO2 by

over 78% compared to petroleum diesel and up

to 16% with the use of blends comprising 20%

bio-diesel.

While both fuels are almost equally efficient

at converting raw energy resources into

fuels, bio-diesel has a larger part that is

renewable .Similarly, bio-diesel is non-toxic

and environmentally friendly as it produces

substantially less CO2, ensuring sustainable

environmental practices.

GreenEnergy has recognized this mammoth

task and has adopted a dual strategy for

attaining its goals in Vietnam.

1.Public – Aggressive initiatives to “jump-

start” the production side of bio-fuel feedstocks

by forming a partnership with Vietnams Central

Government and People’s Committees as well

as aid agencies to help put large tracts of

marginal land under bio-fuel crop cultivation

quickly.

A memorandum of understanding and support

was signed by the Peoples Committee of Binh

Dinh Province and Green Energy Vietnam on

the 8th of December 2006 and the 500 hectare

Binh Dinh Research and Training Facility

for the Cultivation of Biofuel Feedstocks has

been established, known as BDF - FARMER

ENERGY - a working laboratory devoted to

developing the bio-fuel industry for the benefit

of Vietnamese rural poor.

2.Private – Includes GEV investments to retain

its ‘First Mover’ advantage by securing its

proprietary feedstocks, expanding its physical

plant refinery presence and continuing to build

its integrated supply-chain, complete with

forward contracted suppliers and customers.

It is in this first arena, Public Initiatives,

that GreenEnergy sees co-operation with aid

agencies.

Some of the substantial and sustainable

benefits that the cultivation of bio-fuels crops

can contribute to Vietnam are:

1. Real cash growth, raising the annual income

of $820 to $1,300 U.S. for thousands of

marginalized rural families.

2. Private homesteading for the rural poor.

3. Stress relief and barren or war damaged land

reclamation.

4. Enfranchisement of poor, rural women.

5. Retention of scarce foreign currency

reserves and

6. Independence from the uncertainties of

global mineral oil markets.

The People`s Committee of the Province of

Binh Dinh and GreenEnergy, Vietnam, in

full realization of the enormous impact this

Research and Training Facility will have for

all of Vietnam`s rural communities, cordially

invites any and all organizations seeking

positive change in the livelihood of rural

Vietnamese to form an active Partnership in

the development of this Research and Training

Facility.

The Binh Dinh Facility wants to be a catalyst in

harnessing this opportunity for all stakeholders

and delivering:

. A path for the rural poor to climb out of their

deprivation rather than fall further behind.

. A renewable, sustainable and viable alternative

to fossil fuel for Vietnam’s surging economy.

and an industry that rejuvenates, rather than

degrades the environment.

Introduction to the oil plant Jatropha.

The oil plant Jatrophas curcas (L) (Jatropha)

or physic nut, is multipurpose and drought

resistant, growing to a height range of 2 to 7

metres for the Asian species and it not only

flourishes in tropical and sub-tropical climate

zones but even in areas absent of water.

Because its leaves and stems are toxic to

animals it is often used as a protective hedge

around farm houses, gardens and fields.

It also reduces soil damage caused by erosion

from wind and water and traditionally the

seeds were harvested by women for medical

treatments and local soap production.

In Thailand, Jatropha normally flowers twice

a year, in dry and rainy seasons with seed

harvesting conducted approximately 60-90

days after flowering and the oil plant has a

productive life of 20 years.

Because the market is probably not yet mature

enough for the plant to generate enough

income solely from oil extraction, a holistic

rural development approach has to be taken

into account in order to exploit all potential

uses of the Jatropha plant. This approach is

known as the Jatropha System.

The system focuses not only on the use of

the source as a fuel, but rather as an element,

to activate a system combining ecologic,

economic and income generating activities.

Consequently, the Jatropha System offers four

main aspects of development aiming to better

the livelihoods in rural areas, especially for

women and farmers:

. Renewable energy - bio-diesel

. Erosion control and soil improvement

. Promotion of women and

. Income generation.

About one-third of seeds can be extracted as

oil that has a similar energy value to diesel

fuel. The oil is extracted by hydraulic pressure

and then filtered through an intensive sleeve

that can then be readily used without any

complicated refinery process, directly available

for small diesel engines as a substitution for

diesel oil, without engine modification.

This oil can power engines, such as water

pumps, tractors, hand mowers, other farm

machinery and rice milling machines and

by using this domestically produced oil as a

substitution for imported oil, significant cash

savings can be made.

GreenEnergy Ltd have already committed

a considerable amount of time, money and

resources to this environmentally sound an

economically sustainable project in Vietnam

and welcome further input from other interested

parties.

It is also their belief that at an international level,

stakeholders involved should perform a three

pronged approach, with mutual knowledge,

technology transfer, genetic development of

high oil content in the seeds and exchange of

Jatropha species, together with investment

and trade linkage.

One of the challenges of running a (http://www.microsoft.com/india/smallbusiness/-small business) is dealing with the feast-or-famine nature. That's not just about the flow of business, but also the flow of cash. Sometimes things get tight; here's how you can improve your business's cash flow

Bill Promptly

Ever find yourself so busy building your business that you don't get around to billing regularly? You're not alone. This is a common – but potentially crippling – problem.

If you don't already have a system in place, start billing for projects on a regular basis. When taking on longer-term projects or clients, negotiate in advance for regular payments instead of allowing the amount to build up.

Create Incentives for Faster Payment

(http://www.microsoft.com/india/smallbusiness/-Small businesses) can sometimes cut the time spent waiting for payment by offering a discount for quick payment. I've received bills from(http://www.microsoft.com/india/smallbusiness/- businesses) offering discounts of 1% or 2% for payment within 10 days. If I was going to pay the bill within 30 days anyway, I'm likely to pay up right away to get that extra discount. Good for my bottom line; good for the business's cash flow.

Avoid Slow Pay and No Pay Customers From the Start

The best way to avoid cash-flow problems because of people not paying is to weed them out before they start owing you money. So if someone is about to become a significant customer, do your homework. Check out credit references. Call other businesses that have had a relationship with the client.

Use Barter Instead of Cash

You could reduce the strain on your immediate cash if you need something from someone and can offer goods or services of your own in return.

Trim Your Inventory

OK, so you can't go to a "just-in-time" inventory management system like many larger manufacturers. How about "just-in-less-time"? Money spent on inventory is money tha's not producing any interest or savings for you.

Sometimes reducing inventory can be pretty simple. I've seen restaurateurs cut back on the size of their wine cellars, focusing on quality wines from a few regions instead of trying to be all things to all diners. If the customer still has good choices, it might not matter that he has fewer than before.

Consider Consolidating Your Loans

It's often tough for small businesses to borrow money. But I'm surprised at the number of ways entrepreneurs do manage to borrow. One (http://www.microsoft.com/india/smallbusiness/product_overview.mspx-small business) owner I know has only one employee, but has four different loans related to his business: an equipment loan, a car loan, a business line of credit and a business credit card.

If you also have several loans, review the rates and terms on each one. You may be able to consolidate two or more loans into a lower-interest account and improve cash flow. I'm generally not a fan of stretching out repayments, but if you're thinking of talking to a lender about consolidating existing loans into a new one, you might look at taking on a longer-term loan in exchange for lower payments.

Starting your own home business might seem overwhelming at first. There's so much to consider - finances, goals, and the type of business you should start. As a new home business owner, you can easily get frustrated with all the options that are available. Don't complicate matters. There are many simple home business solutions available that can help you create long-lasting wealth without adding stress to your life. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

"Don't Reinvent the Wheel"

You've probably heard the old saying, "Don't reinvent the wheel." Most frustration in business comes from trying to create something new - a new product, new service, or even a new way of doing things. The good news is you don't have to create anything new. With an online business, it's very easy to sign up with others and sell their products for a commission. Most companies are glad to pay you to promote their products. It saves them time and money.

There are millions of products and services online that are just "itching" for more promotion. You can easily find products that interest you and make money online while doing what you love. These products have already been through their testing period so you get to enjoy the benefits as you work from home.

Earn a Residual Income

With some companies, you can earn a residual income (month after month) when signing on new clients. Those in the business of Web education, Internet marketing, Web design services, medical billing and claims, insurance, travel booking, legal services, accounting, and financial investments will often pay you for monthly clients.

You'll earn money each month that the client remains faithful in payments. In other words, you could earn up to 20 percent or more of a client's payment every month! Multiply that number by a hundred and you will have a very lucrative residual income.

Choose High-Commission Products and Services

Don't waste your valuable time promoting products and services that pay very little in commissions. Seek out home business solutions where you can earn a generous commission amount for each sale.

When promoting products for someone else, the visitor/conversion ratio will likely be much lower than it would be when selling your own products. So, you'll have to work a little harder to get more visitors to your website. When you do sell a product, it will be much more rewarding if you make $100 or more instead of $10 or more!

Simplify Your Business Promotions

Another area of frustration for a home business owner is promotion. There are many ways to promote an online business, but usually only a few actually work for the long term. The first thing to do is create a website of your own that you can tweak and add content to on a daily basis. From your website, offer tips and plenty of fresh content about the products and services you offer. Find your target audience and write to them. Give them the information they're seeking before you try to sell them a product.

With some home business solutions, you can receive your own website free. But, be sure it will be your own website, and that you can add to it whenever you want. Being unique with your website is very important for receiving search engine exposure.

Also, beware of scams. Check out online companies before investing any money. Use dependable home business solution directories that will investigate home businesses for you. This will save you time and money. And remember, whatever you do, keep it simple!