Free learning resources
Fastbooks Academy
Bite-sized lessons on bookkeeping, invoicing, expenses, and tax — written in plain English for business owners, not accountants.
22 lessons across 6 topics · All free · 3-5 min each
📚
Bookkeeping Basics
The fundamentals every business owner needs to know
01
What Is Bookkeeping and Why Does It Matter?
Learn what bookkeeping is, how it differs from accounting, and why every business — no matter how small — needs it to thrive.
beginner 3 min read
02
Single-Entry vs Double-Entry Bookkeeping
Understand the difference between single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping, why double-entry is the standard, and how Fastbooks handles it for you.
beginner 4 min read
03
Chart of Accounts Explained
Learn what a chart of accounts is, understand the five core account types, and set up your first chart of accounts with confidence.
beginner 4 min read
04
Debits and Credits Demystified
Finally understand debits and credits with simple rules, clear examples, and a straightforward explanation that makes sense.
beginner 5 min read
05
Cash vs Accrual Accounting
Understand the difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting, and learn which method is right for your small business.
intermediate 4 min read
💰
Invoicing & Getting Paid
Create professional invoices and get paid on time
01
Anatomy of an Invoice
Learn the essential elements every invoice needs, understand the legal requirements, and discover tips for creating professional invoices.
beginner 3 min read
02
Payment Terms Explained
Understand common payment terms like Net 30, learn how to choose the right terms for your business, and see how they impact your cash flow.
beginner 3 min read
03
Chasing Late Payments
Learn when and how to follow up on unpaid invoices, get email templates for payment reminders, and discover how automation can save you time.
beginner 4 min read
04
A Guide to Recurring Invoices
Learn when to use recurring invoices, how to set up recurring billing, and best practices for managing retainer and subscription clients.
beginner 3 min read
🧾
Managing Expenses
Track, categorise, and control your business spending
01
Tracking Business Expenses
Learn why tracking expenses matters, which categories to use, and how to manage receipts effectively for your small business.
beginner 4 min read
02
Business vs Personal Expenses
Learn why you must separate business and personal expenses, avoid common mistakes, and set up your finances properly from day one.
beginner 3 min read
03
Understanding Tax Deductions
Discover common tax deductions for small businesses, learn how to document them properly, and understand how to work effectively with your accountant.
intermediate 5 min read
📊
Financial Reports
Read and use reports to make smarter decisions
01
Reading a Profit and Loss Statement
Learn what a profit and loss statement shows, understand its key sections, and discover how to use it to make better business decisions.
beginner 4 min read
02
Understanding the Balance Sheet
Learn how to read a balance sheet, understand the accounting equation, and use this financial snapshot to assess your business health.
intermediate 5 min read
03
Cash Flow Basics
Understand why profitable businesses can run out of cash, learn the three types of cash flow, and discover how to manage cash flow proactively.
intermediate 4 min read
04
Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
Understand what AR and AP are, why aging reports matter, and how to keep both healthy for a financially stable business.
beginner 3 min read
🏛️
Tax & Compliance
Stay compliant and stress-free at tax time
01
Small Business Tax Basics
Learn the types of taxes small businesses pay, understand key deadlines, and discover why working with a tax professional is worth the investment.
beginner 5 min read
02
GST, VAT, and Sales Tax Explained
Understand how sales tax, GST, and VAT work, learn the difference between tax-inclusive and tax-exclusive pricing, and know your filing obligations.
intermediate 4 min read
03
Keeping Records for Tax
Learn what financial records to keep, how long to retain them, and best practices for digital record-keeping that makes tax time painless.
beginner 3 min read
🚀
Growing Your Business
Financial strategies for scaling up
01
Pricing Your Services
Learn the difference between cost-plus and value-based pricing, calculate your break-even point, and know when it's time to raise your prices.
beginner 4 min read
02
When to Hire an Accountant
Know when it's time to get professional help, what to look for in an accountant, and how Fastbooks and your accountant can work together.
beginner 3 min read
03
Financial Health Checklist
Use this monthly financial review checklist to track key metrics, spot warning signs early, and keep your business in great financial shape.
intermediate 4 min read
Put what you've learned into practice
Fastbooks handles the bookkeeping fundamentals automatically — so you can focus on growing your business.
Start free today