Hello! If you're new here, allow me to formally introduce myself—my name is Allison Sylvester-Conliffe , and I am a Virtual Assistant as well as the founder of AlliCon Virtual Services . I specialize in Bookkeeping  and General Administrative support , helping entrepreneurs and business owners regain control of their time, their systems and most importantly, their peace of mind. I'm currently participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, hosted by Paul Taubman. This means th

As a business owner, there may come a time when you may consider offering a credit facility  or pay-later plan  to your customers. Perhaps a long-standing client has requested more flexible payment terms, or maybe you want to stay competitive in an industry where delayed payments are the norm. There’s nothing inherently wrong with offering credit. In fact, when managed correctly, it can be a powerful tool for growth and customer retention. However, credit facilities must be

Starting a business is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also get extremely hectic very quickly. In the early stages, most business owners find themselves wearing multiple hats: marketer, customer service rep, operations manager, and yes… bookkeeper. With so much happening at once, it’s tempting to take shortcuts wherever possible. So let me ask you a simple (but important) question: Are you “winging it” when it comes to your financial records? Many entrepreneurs start off

I’m curious—what method of bookkeeping do you currently use in your business? Do you know the difference between those two methods? Many business owners focus on serving clients and generating income, and the technical side of bookkeeping often takes a back seat. Yet, the method you use to record your finances plays a major role in how clearly you understand your business’ performance. There are two primary bookkeeping methods most businesses use: Accrual Accounting  and Cash

Many business owners choose to manage their own bookkeeping—and that’s completely understandable. When you’re starting out or keeping things lean, handling your own invoices, receipts and forms can feel like a smart and cost-effective decision. However, one small detail that often gets overlooked can make a big difference in how organized, accurate and reliable your records are: sequential numbering . If you’re creating invoices, receipts, estimates or other financial docume

Do you still rely on Excel spreadsheets to record your business transactions? Many business owners start out using Excel because it’s familiar, accessible and inexpensive. And to be fair, it can  work—at least in the early stages. However, as your business grows, managing your finances with spreadsheets can quickly become time-consuming, risky and inefficient. This is where accounting software steps in as a smarter, more sustainable solution. Let’s explore why accounting soft

A clutter-free filing system is more than just a nice-to-have thing—it’s a powerful tool that saves time and keeps your business running smoothly. Whether you’re managing invoices, receipts or contracts, a well-organized system ensures you’re always prepared and in control.   Here Are Some Reasons Why a Filing System is Important It Saves Time Stop wasting valuable minutes (or hours!) searching for misplaced documents. With a clear filing system, everything you need is exactl

Let’s be honest—bookkeeping probably isn’t the highlight of your day. When you first started your business, doing your own books likely made sense. You wanted to save money, stay hands-on and understand every dollar coming in and going out. If you’ve been DIY-ing your bookkeeping up to this point, that’s genuinely something to be proud of. It shows commitment, resourcefulness and a willingness to learn. Bravo! But here’s the part many business owners don’t talk about enough:

When most business owners think about financial fraud, they picture large corporations making headlines. The truth is, financial fraud isn’t just a big-business problem. Small and medium-sized businesses are just as vulnerable—sometimes even more so—especially when fraud originates from within the team. Internal fraud occurs when employees misuse their position for personal gain. It can show up in many ways, including falsified expense reports, unauthorized transactions, infl

Let’s be honest—bookkeeping isn’t the reason most people start a business. You’re here to serve clients and create income doing what you love. But when bookkeeping slips through the cracks, it can quickly become a source of stress, confusion and costly mistakes. The tricky part is that many bookkeeping errors don’t feel like a big deal at first. A missed entry here, a delayed task there. But over time, those small oversights can pile up and leave you feeling overwhelmed and u

One of the most important—and often overlooked—financial habits for business owners is keeping personal and business finances separate. Whether you’re a solopreneur, freelancer, or growing company, clear financial boundaries are essential for accurate records, legal protection and long-term growth. When personal and business transactions are mixed, it can create confusion by way of errors, and unnecessary risk that can hold your business back. Inaccurate Financial Reporting W

Many business owners focus heavily on revenue or profit, but cash flow is what keeps the lights on. Here’s why managing it properly is essential: 1. It Keeps Your Business Operating Positive cash flow ensures you can pay your bills on time, meet payroll obligations, and cover everyday operating costs. Even profitable businesses can struggle—or fail—if they don’t have enough cash available when payments are due. Simply put, cash flow keeps your business functioning day to day.

Did you know that accurate bookkeeping is a lot more than about keeping records? While tracking numbers is a necessary part of running a business, true bookkeeping accuracy goes far beyond data entry. It’s about unlocking the full potential of your business and giving you the clarity, confidence and control you need to grow sustainably. Many business owners view bookkeeping as a task to “keep up with,” rather than a strategic tool. But when done correctly, bookkeeping becomes

Late payments are one of the most common frustrations for small business owners. They disrupt cash flow and create stress. If not handled correctly, those late payers can leave your books messy and unreliable. However, with clear systems and consistent habits, you can stay on top of invoices, follow up professionally and keep your ledgers clean and honest. When invoices go unpaid, the impact goes beyond delayed income. Late payments can: Distort your financial reports Make it

I’ve heard it said many times: “Bookkeeping is just  data entry.” While I understand why that perception exists, it dramatically underestimates the value and scope of what bookkeeping truly involves. Yes, data entry is part of the process—but it’s only the starting point, not the whole job. Bookkeeping Is More Than Recording Numbers At its most basic level, bookkeeping includes recording financial transactions into accounting software or spreadsheets. This step is essential b

Today, I've chosen to deviate a bit from the subject matter of Bookkeeping or Business Administration to ask a question. As a business owner, what drives you each day? Is it the pursuit of profit—meeting revenue targets, closing sales, increasing margins? Or is it something deeper: the genuine desire to help people? This is a question worth musing over, especially in a world where hustle culture often equates success ... solely with financial gain. Before I go any further, l

Running a business is exciting, rewarding, and—let’s be honest—often overwhelming. As an entrepreneur or business owner, your vision likely focuses on growth and innovation. Yet, the reality of day-to-day administrative and bookkeeping responsibilities can quickly pull you away from those bigger-picture goals. That’s where AlliCon Virtual Services comes in. I created AlliCon Virtual Services with one purpose in mind: to support entrepreneurs and business owners by simplifyin

Bookkeeping may sound intimidating to you - but it's really just the practice of keeping track of money coming in and going out of your...

It is so important to track and manage your expenses. Doing so keeps you up-to-date on the financial wellness of your business and in...

In case you're the business owner who asks yourself the question - "Why should I take the time to reconcile Bank, Vendor and Customer...