In the world of small businesses, cash reigns supreme. But for the typical small business owner with little more than an admin to assist, strong cash flow may feel like a fantasy. That’s why many small businesses turn to outsourced bookkeeping firms like CFOshare. But with the right bookkeeping processes, you can boost cash management and breathe a sigh of relief.
What is Cash Flow in Bookkeeping?
Cash flow, simply put, is your business’s heartbeat. It’s the rhythmic movement of money in and out, determining your solvency. Bookkeeping’s role here is pivotal:
- Track and Manage: bookkeeping is more than noting numbers – bookkeeping ensures a seamless flow of cash receipts and meeting vendor and payroll obligations timely.
- Invoicing and Collections: Every invoice sent and every payment followed up on means securing what your business rightfully earns.
- Bill Management: AP bookkeeping means making payments on time, avoiding late fees, and ensuring each penny paid is justified.
- Payroll: Beyond paying your team, payroll bookkeeping is about regulatory compliance, making sure every dollar aligns with legal requirements.
- Comprehensive Picture: With a consolidated view through your accounting software, you’re armed with insights, essential to navigate any financial storm.
What Methods Improve Cash Flow?
Nearly any bookkeeping upgrade will yield cash flow improvements. Here’s three business bookkeeping tips to create immediate improvements:
- Focus on accuracy: Be it AP, payroll, or invoicing; precision ensures you neither overpay nor undercharge, striking a balance that favors your bottom line. Accurate data is also essential to all financial planning. Make sure your bookkeeper is detail-oriented and takes their time to ensure data is accurate.
- Stay Fraud-Free: Nothing drains cash from a business like theft. Implement checks and balances within your bookkeeping processes to reduce the risk of fraud and protect your financial health.
- Establish a rhythm: executing bookkeeping tasks on a predetermined rhythm ensures timely execution. Develop a calendar with your bookkeeper that defines which days of the month are dedicated to invoicing, collections, vendor payments, payroll, and month close.
What Are Three Effective Strategies for Managing Your Cash Flow?
Best-in-class cash management incorporates a dozen business processes from bookkeeping to training. Here are three effective bookkeeping strategies that should be implemented at any small business:
- Adopt a collections strategy
- Perform bookkeeping regularly
- Invest in sturdy controls
Adopt a Collections Strategy
Structured collections is a critical accounting practice. Begin with polite reminders for fresh invoices, escalating to firmer steps as they age and ultimately ending at credit hold. This not only creates cash flow improvements but instills a discipline in your clientele and sales team.
Perform Bookkeeping Regularly
Do not wait until the end of the month to perform bookkeeping. Make it a routine. From entering bills to analyzing financial reports, consistent oversight ensures you’re always on top of your finances. Remember: an uninformed decision is often a costly one.
Invest in Sturdy Controls
Your bookkeeper is the most likely person to embezzle money. Proper checks and balances are an essential accounting practice to keep your cash flow untainted by fraud.
To sum up, bookkeeping isn’t just a function; it’s the linchpin of your financial journey. It’s where numbers meet narratives, charting the course of your business. At CFOshare, we marry finance and collaboration to ensure our clients receive not just data but insights, foresight, and genuine partnership. In business, it’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey, and we’re here to journey alongside you.
Schedule a call with our CFOs today to see what business bookkeeping tips can improve your cash flow.
This article was written by a CFOshare employee with assistance from generative AI for rhetoric, grammar, and editing. The ideas presented are a combination of the author’s expertise, original ideas, and industry best practices.
