- 15
- April
A lot of business owners and entrepreneurs start their ventures thinking accounting is just about recording income and expenses… but in reality, how you record these transactions makes all the difference.
In this post, we’ll break down the difference between cash-based accounting and accrual-based accounting, and when to use each one.
First: Cash Basis Accounting
This method records transactions only when cash is received or paid.
Example: If you issue an invoice but haven’t received payment yet, it’s not recorded as income.
- ✅ Easy to understand and apply
- ✅ Gives a clear picture of cash flow
- ❌ Doesn’t reflect actual profit or performance
Best suited for:
- Very small businesses
- Businesses with few payables/receivables
- Those mainly focused on tracking cash flow


Second: Accrual Basis Accounting
In this method, transactions are recorded when they occur, not when cash changes hands.
Example: You sell a product today and issue an invoice — revenue is recorded immediately, even if the payment comes a month later.
- ✅ Reflects true financial performance
- ✅ More accurate for reporting and financial analysis
- ❌ Requires close monitoring of receivables and deferred expenses
Best suited for:
- Medium to large businesses
- Businesses dealing with clients and suppliers on credit
- Those needing detailed reports and regular financial analysis
So… Which One Should You Choose?
- If you're in the startup phase or your operations are simple and straightforward → Cash accounting might be a good place to start.
- But if your business is growing, you're dealing with invoices and delayed payments, or you want a more accurate picture of your performance → Accrual accounting is the way to go.
🔔 And remember: most government entities, banks, and investors prefer reports based on the accrual method.
How Can Sutumatic Help You?
Sutumatic gives you full flexibility:
- Supports both cash and accrual accounting
- Automatically converts transactions when needed
- Generates reports based on the accounting method you choose