Loading...
Answers
MenuHow do you keep an eye on cash flow in your company?
Answers
Let others do the heavy work: use a software solution.
There are many out there, so start with exactly what you need to know (the information you need to have available comes first, then you determine what and how to track). Do some research on the available software and then call up a few companies and explain what you need, asking how they solve that problem.
Think of your priorities here: the right solution should be simple to manage, give quick access to information, not require a lot of interpretation, etc.
Beyond the software, think about what you can plan for to help give you the information you need. Build certain budgets to help manage how you categorize and view different invoices and areas of cashflow.
Remember, the key is to have immediate information, not just data.
Hi,
Many software solutions, "Sage" comes to mind first, have solved this problem almost 10 years ago. So if what you are trying to achieve is limited to what you've mentioned in the post, a simple accounting software will get the job done.
Someone more junior in your organization can do the actually issuing, you can see all revenue - costs - etc with a single click.
Hi - I'm work for Fortune 500 companies to analyze income and expenses to be sure the company is running optimally. First I always recommend a program, even something as simple and inexpensive as Quickbooks works. Whatever program your accountants use, you can usually pull data from to start your analysis. You dont actually need to make entries in it to be able to extract the data to analyze.
Second, you need to know where you have been to know where you are going. This means you need to look at every month for at least the last year (ideally two) - income and expenses (this can easily be pulled from a program such as Quickbooks which I assume your accounting team would use to keep the books).
Third, once you have charted income and expenses for the last year or two, you can see what has caused the largest swings up or down. Has one expense item been steadily increasing? Why? Has one line of income been decreasing? Why? Then you can start to focus on that to find savings or additional income to achieve your goal of positive cash flow.
I would build out a spreadsheet basically to dump in the numbers from the accounting program every month so you can keep a "running" spreadsheet without having to re run the reports every time.
Happy to jump on a quick call for any follow up questions!
Related Questions
-
What would be some appropriate questions to ask a successful business owner for financial advice?
In my experience great advice can move across industries in several categories; cash flow management, human resources, process improvement, systems and measurement. Ask him questions relating to how he measures, rewards and retains his best staff. Ask about how he ensures proper cash flow management, how he extends payables for instance. Ask about how he tracks the efforts of employees to know who is contributing to the bottom line and who is not. Ask him how he knows when it's time to make changes in how things are done. Ask him how he responded to the last new competitive threat. Ask him how he plays a role in different aspects of his business; sales, purchasing, marketing, etc. Good luck. Simply taking the time to put some thought into what you should be asking will help make this meeting into a great opportunity. Don't get too scripted though and ask him what he thinks you should learn about what he's been through. Cheers David C BarnettDC
-
How does one create an income without having a job, while you work on a big idea that may take time to become cash flow positive?
It worries me when I hear a (budding?) entrepreneur use words like "reliable" and "consistent" and "income". Entrepreneurs know there are no such guarantees on the road to potential success. As well your statement "may take time" also indicates that it's just a matter of time. In many (dare I even say MOST) cases your big idea will flat out fail. Sure, some people get lucky and hit it big on their first outing... But the wise ones know that luck was a HUGE factor. And they hold no such expectations for future endeavors to succeed or pan out that quickly. I say none of this to discourage you. On the contrary - these things are the reasons why being an entrepreneur is so amazing. -Most people fear failure and as such will avoid even trying. -Most people give up after their one big idea doesn't start cash-flowing immediately. -Most people have an aversion to risk so they take the path of (seeming) least resistance. Entrepreneurs aren't "most people". Entrepreneurs embrace risk. They do everything they can to MITIGATE that risk - but they also know that "sure things" are for suckers. Entrepreneurs move forward with confidence and passion but also do so knowing that there are no guarantees. They may have to hold down a "j-o-b" while pursuing their vision. It might takes years. They may spend nights and weekends toiling away. But they do so knowingly and willingly. The answer to your question - how to do it - is just to DO IT. Start taking action today. In my opinion - a better question to ask is "What can I do to increase the probability of turning my idea into a business - a profitable reality - one that creates value for the marketplace while kicking off profits to me, the owner?" Find a great mentor or coach and then just go for it. I sincerely wish you the best of luck!DB
-
What are some good ways to keep from being circumvented in a market where anyone can jump you by doing enough research?
Most people are lazy. They won't do anything other than daydream about becoming your competition. Next point: if the barrier to entry to your marketplace is low, then it's all about selling. Rather than focusing on features or what you do ("We make websites"; who cares?), start talking about serious problems your solution fixes for your customers. Things like: > reduced waste/rework > minimized project times > lowered interpersonal struggles > shrunk sales cycle > sped-up time to profitability on new products. When you concentrate on these ideas, you differentiate yourself and move out of being a commodity provider.JK
-
Have you heard of the $1000 rule...Do you not need a business license until you make one thousand dollars?
I have not heard of the $1,000 rule; however, the determination for the need of a business license will come more from the requirements of your local government. Check with your local economic development office to determine what licensing would or would not be needed for the particular type of business you have in mind. Another factor would be the type of legal structure you intend to operate under (e.g. Sole Proprietor, LLC, Corporation). The corporation and LLC would have to be registered, while the sole proprietor may not have to. Schedule a call to discuss your options in greater detail.CW
-
How do you make money to survive while you are building a business? What are some quick ways to make money with less time commitment?
I love this question. If you have to work on the side while building your business, I recommend doing something you absolutely hate. That keeps you hungry to succeed on your own. You'll also typically save your energy for the evenings and weekends where you'll want it for your business. Don't expect to make much money at your "other job" but you can work it to pay the bills while you build your business. This approach also forces you to build incrementally, and it keeps you frugal. This is not necessarily ideal. Having a bunch of money set aside sounds nice and luxurious, but not having the resources puts you in a position where you have to figure it out to survive. I love that. I started my business eight years ago on $150 and today we do a million a year. Don't wait until you have the resources to start safely. Dive in however you can. And avoid shortcuts. Don't waste your time scheming to make bigger money on the side. Do something honest to live on and create a business that drives value.CM
the startups.com platform
Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.