Introduction 1
Part I: Accounting Basics 9
Chapter 1: Introducing Accounting to Non-Accountants 11
Chapter 2: Bookkeeping 101: From Shoe Boxes to Computers 33
Chapter 3: Taxes, Taxes and More Taxes 51
Chapter 4: Accounting and Your Personal Finances 67
Part II: Getting a Grip on Financial Statements 85
Chapter 5: Profit Mechanics 87
Chapter 6: The Balance Sheet from the Profit and Loss Account Viewpoint 109
Chapter 7: Cash Flows and the Cash Flow Statement 131
Chapter 8: Getting a Financial Report Ready for Prime Time 153
Part III: Accounting in Managing a Business 173
Chapter 9: Managing Profit Performance 175
Chapter 10: Business Budgeting 197
Chapter 11: Choosing the Right Ownership Structure 219
Chapter 12: Cost Conundrums 241
Chapter 13: Choosing Accounting Methods 261
Part IV: Financial Reports in the Outside World 285
Chapter 14: How Investors Read a Financial Report 287
Chapter 15: Professional Auditors and Advisers 313
Part V: The Part of Tens 329
Chapter 16: Ten Ways Savvy Business Managers Use Accounting 331
Chapter 17: Ten Places a Business Gets Money From 345
Chapter 18: Ten (Plus One) Questions Investors Should Ask When Reading a Financial Report 355
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Get a Better Handle on the Financial Future 367
Part VI: Appendixes 377
Appendix A: Glossary: Slashing through the Accounting Jargon Jungle 379
Appendix B: Accounting Software and Other Ways to Get the Books in Good Order 395
Index 399
