Hair Emporium There are a number of different types of accounting systems. The Hair Emporium must choose a system based on its business situation. As a franchisor, one of the most important things to remember is that the cost of the franchise includes the systems associated with running the business. This means that they should have an accounting system in place. In addition, if they receive any fee based on revenues or net income from the franchisees, then they will need a consistent method of accounting. In addition, any lender will want a consistent and professional accounting system set up throughout the organization. It is recommended therefore that a computerized system is used. The system should be based on generally-accepted accounting principles as well. A cash accounting system is not appropriate for a professional business, and in this case it will not allow either the franchisee or franchisor to maximize the tax benefit from interest payments or depreciation.

Of the different types of systems, a computerized general accounting system is recommended (No author, 2011). This type of system allows the computer to do most of the calculating, which reduces errors. It also can be tied into the cash register, so that revenue transactions are recorded immediately. A computerized system is also more organized than a spreadsheet, especially if either Rolando and Rosa or their bookkeeper is going to design the system. The user-friendly aspect of a computerized system is a significant benefit. Lastly, although some training is required to use any computerized system, it is a basic function of management that should be mastered. In addition, for taxation purposes have a professional and foolproof accounting system is essential for any business, but especially one such as a franchise where the head office will only have limited oversight and some franchisees may be lacking business experience.

2. Balance sheets and operating statements should be offered daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly. The reason for this is simple -- the computer is tabulating the information anyway so there is little extra effort required. Quantitative...

Whether the franchisees are new or not, it is good for them to know about demand cycles so that they can improve their scheduling and their ordering. Being able to track performance at frequent intervals provides more opportunity for reflection, analysis and correction. Some of the best-operated companies, such as Wal-Mart, receive daily sales feedback and use it to improve their business constantly, rather than simply once a month or once a year.
Balance sheets and operating statements are a critical component of feedback for business owners, in addition to customer feedback, sales figures, staff feedback and other signals. They provide a clear picture of the health of the business, so tend to have significant value to business owners, especially those who are new. For a franchisor, these statements are just as important. It is important to know which franchisees are succeeding and which are not. This is important for both being able to lend assistance to those who are struggling and to grant additional locations to those who are not.

There are no benefits to doing statements only once per year. Laziness is not a benefit to any business. The statements need to be produced more frequently for the feedback to be of any value.

3. Obviously there should be common accounting procedures for all of the franchises, unless they start franchising outside of the United States. Income taxation for these businesses is at the federal level, so a nationwide standard just makes sense. More importantly, standardization is one of the benefits of being a franchise owner. Until the Hair Emporium has a strong brand name, the systems are the most important thing that the franchisee is buying. An accounting system is one of these standardized benefits, especially since is a critical aspect of the business that many owners will not be experienced in.

In addition to being able to accurately track profits for the franchisees, it is also important to have a standardized system of accounting to…