Author:

Rachel Blakely-Gray

As Patriot's Content Manager, Rachel creates engaging and informative content aimed to help business owners understand complex accounting and payroll topics.

Warehouse worker preparing a workplace incident report

Guide for Reporting Workplace Incidents Under OSHA (With Example)

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen in the workplace. When they do, you must fill out a workplace incident report.

Business owner and employee doing payroll forecasting.

Payroll Forecasting: Strategies for Predicting Employee Expenses

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Payroll is arguably a business’s biggest expense. Between taxes and benefits, an employee costs up to 32% more than their wages. To accurately budget for your payroll-related expenses, try payroll forecasting.

Woman talking to a co-worker over the phone about data entry errors.

Strategies for Minimizing Data Entry Errors in Accounting

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Mistakes happen all the time—just look at your phone the next time you’re texting someone or putting in your password. Entering numbers in your books is no different. Data entry errors are common, but unchecked mistakes can quickly tank the accuracy of your books.

$100 bill with American flag in the background.

Understanding Final Paycheck Laws by State (+ Ultimate Chart!)

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Did an employee leave your business? It’s time to whip out your employee termination checklist to see what you need to do. And one of the responsibilities on said checklist is giving terminated employees their final paycheck. But, how soon do you need to pay their final paycheck? Cue final paycheck laws by state.

woman handing employee their final paycheck to comply with pto payout laws by state

PTO Payout Laws by State: Is Your Use-it-or-lose-it Policy Breaking the Rules?

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Deciding whether you want to provide paid time off (PTO) is something you need to do before you hire an employee. Offering PTO also requires you to craft a PTO policy that explains how your business treats accrued PTO. But, PTO payout laws by state may restrict whether you can establish a use-it-or-lose-it policy. Sure, […]

Woman using a calculator. Twinkling lights in the background.

What Are the Types of Revenue Small Business Owners Need to Know?

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

To keep business operations running smoothly, you need incoming money. When you make a sale or earn money from another activity, you need to record it. Learn how to record the types of revenue in different accounts. That way, you can keep your accounting books updated, organized, and legal.

Man calculating payroll taxes with calculator.

How to Calculate Payroll Taxes: A Look at Social Security and Medicare Tax Calculations

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Having employees is an amazing feeling. But learning the responsibilities of being an employer can be daunting. One responsibility you have once you hire employees is learning how to calculate payroll taxes and withholding taxes from their paychecks. For accurate withholding, learn how to calculate payroll taxes here.

The Average Cost of Living by State, and Why Ignoring it Could Sink Your Business

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

You hear about it all the time in the news—Cost of living rising! Maybe you think about it on a daily basis—Do I earn enough to cover my standard of living in my state?

Payroll Data Security: Defending Against Payroll Data Breaches

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Data breaches and cyberattacks happen every day. Payroll contains sensitive employee information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details, making it a goldmine for cybercriminals. And because 43% of all data breaches target small businesses, payroll data security should be top of mind.

How to Get a PTIN So You Can Prepare Your Clients’ Tax Returns

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Do you have a valid PTIN? Getting or renewing a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) is required for preparing or assisting in preparing a return or refund claim. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to get a PTIN, including the application process, fees, and renewal requirements.