How do you organize accounting documents?

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  • asc200
    New Member
    • Apr 2023
    • 1

    #1

    How do you organize accounting documents?

    Basically, what does your folder structure look like?

    Is it something like dropbox_folder\Client\Date\ ?
  • Dave A
    Site Caretaker

    • May 2006
    • 22803

    #2
    In terms of filing source documents in digital form, my folder structure is "group"/fin_year/month - and almost everything for that month goes into that folder. The exception is the really confidential stuff, like payslips. We use the same approach, but the "root" folder for the confidential cluster is different to the "general filing" cluster.
    The secret with this approach is having a file name method for the actual files.
    So for us the first part is the supplier or client name. The second part is the type of record (bill, proof of payment etc.). Third part is the source's generated file name.
    Makes ordering, searching, grouping etc. a breeze.
    Participation is voluntary.

    Alcocks Electrical Services | Alcocks Pest Control & Entomological Services | Alcocks Hygiene Services

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    • Ropertroase
      New Member
      • May 2023
      • 2

      #3
      Here’s what I think, when organizing accounting documents, it’s important to create a logical structure for the folder. We can start with the main folder for each fiscal year, then create subfolders for different categories like invoices, bank statements, financial records, and more. Each folder can be subdivided by month, client name, etc for easy access and retrieval of documents.

      For Example: Folder/Subfolder/Category/Client/

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      • Blurock
        Diamond Member

        • May 2010
        • 4203

        #4
        Originally posted by asc200
        Basically, what does your folder structure look like?

        Is it something like dropbox_folder\Client\Date\ ?
        This makes me think about my school accounting. It just didn't make any sense to me. I could not understand what all the books and double entries were for. When I started asking questions, the teacher told me to shut up and do what I'm told. I then started bunking classes and rather concentrated on my music. I never passed accounting at school, but achieved a 100% pass when I did my MBA. I ended up analysing financials as part of my job function.

        I still hate accounting, but it is an absolute necessity in any business.
        Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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        • Dave A
          Site Caretaker

          • May 2006
          • 22803

          #5
          Meh.

          Accounting software has made accounting entries the easy part; it's the support documentation management that can drive one nuts.

          Happily that has become easier and easier as we move away from paper-based systems.
          A wall full of filing cabinets still holds the paper stuff we process. But the cabinets are getting emptier and emptier.
          And entirely replaced by a drive that fits into the palm of my hand.
          Participation is voluntary.

          Alcocks Electrical Services | Alcocks Pest Control & Entomological Services | Alcocks Hygiene Services

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