Managing your company’s finances should always be a top priority that is handled efficiently throughout the year. This is one of the most important things that you can do in order to keep your company afloat, especially since the cornerstone and foundation of your business is your cash flow.
The mismanagement and mishandling of your revenue and expenses can quickly spell disaster for your company, which is why it is imperative that you take full advantage of several key resources that are available to you.
Invest in Quality Accounting Software
There are quite a few software choices that are available within an expanding catalog of options that are used by business in different industries today. Finding the perfect one to fit your specific needs may take some time, but it is well worth the wait. A standard option that many new business owners seem to gravitate towards is QuickBooks, which is a very good starting point.
However, as you begin to expand your business with point of sales equipment and other similar devices, you may need to use an accounting system that is a little more efficient. Keep your options open and conduct thorough research on different options that other business owners have used successfully. Never be afraid to break through your comfort zone in search of a more efficient solution.
Set Up a Business Account
One easy way to keep up with your finances is to open a checking account online that is solely for business transactions. This will allow you to keep business finances completely separate from personal accounts, and will let you monitor all transactions, transfer money, and make payments, all from the convenience of your home or office.
Another helpful tip for managing business accounts when you don’t already have a bank that you love is to look into a credit union. Studies have confirmed that there are many advantages and perks that business owners can enjoy simply by managing their finances through a credit union. For example, credit unions are much more lenient when it comes to approving loans than other banking institutions, according to SmallBizTrends.com. In addition, the costs associated with enrollment and account management overall are minimal.
Hire a Professional Accountant
Even though you might be great at math and calculating figures, the efficient management of your company’s finances will call for much more than just basic math. You should invest in the expertise of a professional accountant or bookkeeper to manage this side of your company on your behalf. The average starting salary for a full-time, entry-level accountant that just graduated from college is over $53,000, according to AccountingWeb.com.
If you cannot afford to pay those types of wages, then you can still benefit by hiring accounts on an as-needed basis. There are many freelance contractors with accounting degrees and experienced CPA’s that will be more than happy to work on-call for your company. Take the time to hunt them down, because these professionals will prove to be valuable assets to your organization.
Whether you own a lemonade stand or a Fortune 500 corporation, managing your cash flow should always be a top priority. The proper management of your company’s finances will prove to be a determining factor for how long you are able to stay in business successfully. Make sure that you take full advantage of any available resources that can help you to relieve this burden and get the job done right.