In their first year or two, more businesses fail because of insufficient financial control than for any other reason. This Guide aims to help by giving the small business owner an understanding of the fundamental principles of book-keeping - explaining how to benefit from the information contained in accounting records. Author Roy Hedges provides a practical perspective on the subject, drawing on his extensive experience as a business owner and consultant. Areas covered in this Guide are: books, ledgers and their uses; profit and loss accounts; stock valuation; balance sheets; payroll calculation; reconciliation; and, budgeting and forecasting.