Top 5 Bookkeeping Mistakes Pacific Northwest Businesses Make — and How to Avoid Them

Running a small business in the Pacific Northwest takes grit, heart, and a whole lot of hustle. Whether you're roasting coffee in Eugene, running a boutique in Tacoma, or freelancing from a rainy Portland co-working space, one thing is true for nearly everyone: bookkeeping doesn’t come naturally — and it’s costing more than you realize.

Here are five of the most common mistakes I see from hardworking business owners in our region — and how to fix them without burning out. 1. DIY Bookkeeping That’s Slowing You Down

The Mistake: Using Excel, Google Sheets, or a shoebox full of receipts as your "system". The Fix: Tools like QuickBooks Online can do the heavy lifting and connect to your bank accounts — but only if they’re set up correctly. If you’ve been winging it, it might be time to call in backup. My clients often feel instant relief when we clean things up and set them on a smarter path. 2. Waiting Too Long to Reconcile

The Mistake: Reconciling months after the fact (or not at all).The Fix: Monthly reconciliations are your best defense against errors, fraud, or cash flow surprises. Don’t let a $2,000 error hide in your bank feed for six months. If you’re behind, don’t panic — I specialize in zero-judgment clean-up. 3. Mixing Business and Personal Expenses

The Mistake: Using one card for everything — or transferring between accounts without tracking. The Fix: Keeping your business and personal finances separate isn’t just good practice — it protects your legal structure and makes tax time 100x easier. I’ll help you set up clear systems (and show you how to stick to them, even during the busy seasons).

4. Not Tracking Contractor Payments Properly

The Mistake: Hiring help but not collecting W-9s or preparing 1099s.The Fix: Independent contractors can save you time — but if you’re not tracking payments correctly, you’ll have a mess come January. We offer simple systems that automate this and keep you compliant. 5. Not Asking for Help Sooner

The Mistake: Believing you “should” be able to handle your own books. The Fix: You’re not alone. Nearly every client who works with me says the same thing: “I wish I’d reached out sooner.” There’s no shame in needing help. In fact, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your business.

Let’s Bring Calm to Your Chaos

At Pacific Rise Financials, I help Pacific Northwest business owners feel confident about their numbers. If you’re ready to trade spreadsheets and stress for clarity and peace of mind — let’s talk.

👉 Contact Me for a Free Consultation