Four must haves for optimal financial management

Set up the right financial management regime at the get-go and then you can spend your days on operations and sales.

It isn’t expensive. It is efficient. It requires planning. It works for all companies. 

You do not need to hire full-time employees.  You need to hire consultants with the following skills:

1.  A Bookkeeper –

Who can set up an online program to handle revenues and operating expenses.

Once the program is set up for your company the bookkeeper can make entries from an offsite location.  This may require 1/2 a day a week. There are many accounting firms that can provide this type of bookkeeping service plus a number of independent contractors.

Internal records should be reviewed monthly by management.  Your system should allow you to make comparative analyses. Management cannot make financial decisions if records are not kept and reviewed periodically. Do not wait for year- end financials to make strategic decisions.

2.  A Payroll Service –

If you have full-time employees and payroll taxes must be made quarterly, use a payroll service company.

If you have third-party services you can pay these consultants with 1099s. Make certain you comply with the regulations regarding part-time vs. full-time employees. Your accountant can advise you on this matter.

3.  Accounting Services –

You should have a contractual arrangement with an accountant who will file timely reports to the IRS.  If your bookkeeping records are kept current, there is no delay at year’s end.

4.  A Financial Analyst –

This is a specialist who can assist you in determining what aspects of your business should be altered or what aspects should be expanded. 

A good financial analyst can readily provide advice based on historical financials. They look for ratios, key financial metrics (such as Cost of Goods Sold and gross margins), and consistencies or inconsistencies in your record keeping.  They are not advising you on tax ramifications. T

hey are concerned principally with improving operations and profitability. They know what investors and lenders (both equity and debt) want to see when analyzing a company. They help position your company for growth and recognize the operating strengths and weaknesses from the financial records.  Do not underestimate their value.

All these professionals are part-time consultants — each with a different set of skills.  Collectively they contribute to the sound financial management of the company, both now and into the future. 

Each one plays a different role, but all are required if management sets goals and wishes to achieve them.

Related articles:

3 Questions To Optimize Your Financial Performance

3 Action Steps to Financial Management

Breaking Down the Set Up of Small Business Financial Records