--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Chris Earnest description: Chris Earnest is the Director of Small Business Services --- [Family of Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/)  |  [CPA & Business Advisory](http://machenmcchesney.com)  |  [Payroll, HR & Benefits](http://focuspaysolutions.com/)  |  [Wealth Management](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) Auburn-Opelika (334) 887-7022 | Montgomery (334) 244-8900 [![mm-re-cobrand-fd-blues](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/mm-re-cobrand-fd-blues.png?width=279&height=100&name=mm-re-cobrand-fd-blues.png)](http://machenmcchesney.com) Search this site on Google Search Google Search this site on Google Search Google - [Client Portal](https://machenmcchesney.sharefile.com/Authentication/Login) - [1040 Electronic Organizer](https://www.my1040data.com/account/login/HT7902990) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/675439?trk=tyah&trkInfo=idx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1424436970395%2Ctas%3Amachen+mcchesney) - 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Today’s accounting platforms automate much of the double-entry process, making bookkeeping faster and more efficient. But even with increasingly sophisticated software, understanding the fundamentals of debits and credits can help business owners make sense of their financial reports and spot potential errors. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/debits-and-credits-a-practical-guide-for-business-owners) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [How AI is Transforming Small Business Bookkeeping](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-ai-is-transforming-small-business-bookkeeping) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Mar 16, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/AI%202236433815-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-ai-is-transforming-small-business-bookkeeping) Many time-consuming accounting and bookkeeping processes — from transaction coding to financial analysis — can now be handled more quickly and consistently with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than replacing humans, AI-powered automation helps finance and accounting teams work more efficiently, reduce manual workloads, and focus on higher-value analysis and decision-making. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-ai-is-transforming-small-business-bookkeeping) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [Unlock the Full Potential of QuickBooks Software](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/unlock-the-full-potential-of-quickbooks-software) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Feb 20, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/accounting%20reports%20-2169999642-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/unlock-the-full-potential-of-quickbooks-software)  Many small and midsize businesses rely on QuickBooks® for day-to-day bookkeeping. But the platform also offers tools designed to improve efficiency and strengthen financial oversight. In recent years, QuickBooks has expanded its automation, reporting, and integration capabilities, making it even more useful for growing businesses. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/unlock-the-full-potential-of-quickbooks-software) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [Hiring a Bookkeeper for Your Small Business](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/hiring-a-bookkeeper-for-your-small-business) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Dec 04, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Bookkeeping%201935592937-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/hiring-a-bookkeeper-for-your-small-business) Choosing the right bookkeeper is one of the most important staffing decisions your business will make. A skilled bookkeeper maintains accurate financial records, manages cash flow, and ensures compliance with accounting and tax requirements. But finding the right person can be challenging, especially in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re replacing a long-time team member or hiring for the first time, here are some key factors to consider when interviewing candidates. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/hiring-a-bookkeeper-for-your-small-business) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [FAQs About Creating and Optimizing Customer Profiles in QuickBooks](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/faqs-about-creating-and-optimizing-customer-profiles-in-quickbooks) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Oct 06, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Customer%20Profile%20QuickBooks-2210255305-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/faqs-about-creating-and-optimizing-customer-profiles-in-quickbooks) Small business owners might be tempted to rush through setting up customer profiles in QuickBooks® just to get invoices out quickly. But the extra data fields aren’t just busy work. Complete, accurate customer records help you generate more insightful reports, communicate with customers more effectively, and save time on bookkeeping tasks later. Here are answers to some common questions to help ensure your files are set up properly in your accounting software. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/faqs-about-creating-and-optimizing-customer-profiles-in-quickbooks) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [Tax Court Case Provides Lessons on Best Recordkeeping Practices for Businesses](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/tax-court-case-provides-lessons-on-best-recordkeeping-practices-for-businesses) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Sep 24, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Record%20keeping%20-2202021636-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/tax-court-case-provides-lessons-on-best-recordkeeping-practices-for-businesses) Running a successful business requires more than delivering great products or services. Behind the scenes, meticulous recordkeeping plays a crucial role in financial health, compliance, and tax savings. Good records can mean the difference between successfully defending a deduction and losing valuable tax breaks. A recent U.S. Tax Court decision underscores just how important this is. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/tax-court-case-provides-lessons-on-best-recordkeeping-practices-for-businesses) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [QuickBooks Users: It's Time for a Mid-Year Review](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/quickbooks-users-its-time-for-a-mid-year-review) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Jun 23, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/bookkeeping%20-660409386-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/quickbooks-users-its-time-for-a-mid-year-review) Performing a mid-year QuickBooks® cleanup is a smart habit that small business owners and bookkeepers can adopt to stay ahead of their financial responsibilities. Waiting until year end to review your accounting records can lead to unnecessary stress, missed deductions and preventable errors. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/quickbooks-users-its-time-for-a-mid-year-review) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [Closing Time: Mastering Your Monthly Close with QuickBooks](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/closing-time-mastering-your-monthly-close-with-quickbooks) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on May 21, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/month%20end%20close.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/closing-time-mastering-your-monthly-close-with-quickbooks) The month-end close is a pain point for many small to midsize businesses. While internal accounting teams often aim to wrap up the close within three days, a recent survey found that half the respondents actually take six days or longer to close the books. What can your organization do to help streamline this process? Leveraging cloud-based technology tools like QuickBooks® can be a game changer. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/closing-time-mastering-your-monthly-close-with-quickbooks) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [5 QuickBooks Reports to Review Each Month](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/5-quickbooks-reports-to-review-each-month) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Apr 07, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Financial%20charts%20-1164357239-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/5-quickbooks-reports-to-review-each-month) Understanding your business’s financial health is essential for long-term success. QuickBooks® offers a powerful reporting tool suite that can provide critical insights to support decision-making and help you comply with accounting and tax rules. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/5-quickbooks-reports-to-review-each-month) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [Harness the Power of QuickBooks for Your Business](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/harness-the-power-of-quickbooks-for-your-business) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Chris%20Earnest%202025%20udpate%20.jpg) Posted by [Chris Earnest](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest) on Mar 10, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/bookkeeping%20-1201260538-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/harness-the-power-of-quickbooks-for-your-business) Accurate financial records help business owners manage cash flow, tax obligations, and strategic planning. QuickBooks® is one of the most widely used bookkeeping software solutions for small and midsize businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to simplify financial management and support business growth. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/harness-the-power-of-quickbooks-for-your-business) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/chris-earnest/page/2) Search this site on Google Search Google ### Recent Posts ### Subscribe to Blog ### Posts by Category - [Business Tax (356)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) - [Business Advisory (242)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) - [Payroll, HR & Benefits (124)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) - [Audit & Assurance (113)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/audit-assurance) - [Accounting & Outsourcing (81)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) - [Individual Tax (75)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) - [Tax Planning (33)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-planning) - [Tax Updates (25)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-updates) - [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning (18)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) - [Taxation (15)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/taxation) - [Alerts (13)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) - [Business Valuation (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-valuation) - [News & Events (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/news-events) - [Tax News (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-news) - [Individual Tax Planning (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax-planning) - [Not For Profit (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/not-for-profit) - [Retirement Planning (9)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [Estate Planning (8)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [Manufacturing Industry Insights (7)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/manufacturing-industry-insights) - [Individuals (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individuals) - [Insider (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/insider) - [Professional Standard News (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/professional-standard-news) see all [![Returning\_Value](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2504250850-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/Returning_Value.jpg)](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [![AICPA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/aicpa.jpg)](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/) - [![NACVA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/nacva.jpg)](http://www.nacva.com/) - ![2026 INSIDE Public Accounting Top 400](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-ipa-top-400.jpg) - ![2026 Best of Auburn-Opelika](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-auburn-opelika.jpg) - [![2025 Best of OA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-best-of-oa.jpg)](https://oanow.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2025/) - ![2026 Best of OA Winner](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-oa-winner.jpg) - [![2025 Accounting Today Regional Leaders](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-accounting-today-regional-leaders.jpg)](https://www.accountingtoday.com/) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Employee](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting-employee.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) 1820 East University Drive, Auburn, AL 36830 | Tel: (334) 887-7022 | Fax: (334) 887-7221 1761 Taliaferro Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117 | Tel: (334) 244-8900 | Fax: (334) 364-0927 † This is not a CPA firm. \* Assurance, attest, and audit services provided by Frazier & Deeter, LLC. “Frazier & Deeter” is the brand name under which Frazier & Deeter, LLC\* and Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC† and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. 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