You don’t need fancy accounting software on day one. Google Sheets can track sales, stock, and expenses from any phone with internet — perfect for Ghanaian SMEs.
Why Sheets Works for Small Business
- Free with a Google account
- Share with a partner/staff (controlled access)
- Works on Android
- Automatic cloud backup
- Easy totals with formulas
Starter Workbook: 4 Tabs
1) Sales
Columns: Date | Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total | Payment Method | Customer
Total formula: =C2*D2
Daily sum: =SUM(E2:E500)
2) Expenses
Date | Category | Amount | Notes
Categories: transport, data, packaging, rent, supplies.
3) Inventory
Item | Opening Stock | Sold | Remaining (=B2-C2) | Reorder Level
4) Monthly Summary
Pull totals with SUMIF by month/category once you’re comfortable.
Google Sheets Business — Quick Setup
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create Drive folder Business Finance 2026 |
| 2 | Build the 4 tabs |
| 3 | Format currency columns |
| 4 | Freeze header rows |
| 5 | Share as Viewer/Editor carefully |
Mobile Tips
- Use the Google Sheets app
- Enter sales same day (don’t trust memory)
- Keep product names consistent (
Jollof Traynotjollof,JL tray,tray) - Protect the sheet if staff help enter data
Simple Formulas Worth Learning
| Formula | Use |
|---|---|
SUM | Totals |
AVERAGE | Average order value |
COUNTIF | How many MoMo payments |
SUMIF | Total spent on packaging |
Common Mistakes
- Mixing personal and business money with no notes
- Editing old months without a backup copy
- Giving “Anyone with link → Editor” access
- Tracking sales but ignoring expenses
FAQ
Is Sheets okay instead of Excel?
Yes for most small shops. Excel is fine too if offline is critical.
Can I print reports?
Yes — File → Print / download PDF for your records.
When should I move to accounting software?
When volume, tax reporting, or multi-branch complexity outgrows sheets.
Sources / Verify With
- Google Sheets function help
- Our Excel beginners guide for formula fundamentals
This article is original editorial for Sen Gideons News Studio. Not tax advice — consult a professional for formal bookkeeping.