Is Your Business Money-Smart?

Lyndsay Connelly • April 4, 2025

Is Your Business Money-Smart?

Is Your Business Money-Smart? The Numbers That Really Matter

Running a business is exciting, but let's be honest – keeping track of your finances can feel overwhelming. Don't worry! You don't need to be a math genius to understand the important numbers in your business. Let's break down the key figures that can help your business thrive.

Show Me the Money: Cash Flow Basics


Think of cash flow like your business's bank account – what's coming in versus what's going out. It's simple: if you have more money coming in than going out, that's positive cash flow (yay!). But here's the important part: even profitable businesses can struggle if they don't have enough cash available at the right time. That's why checking your cash flow regularly is crucial – it helps you spot potential tight spots before they become problems.

Getting Paid On Time: Your Secret Weapon


Here's a common headache: you've done the work, sent the invoices, but the money isn't coming in fast enough. We call these 'debtor days' – the time it takes for customers to pay you. The longer it takes to get paid, the harder it is to pay your own bills and keep your business running smoothly. A good bookkeeper can help you set up effective systems to get paid faster, like automated reminders and clear payment terms.

Profit: The Real Story


Everyone talks about profit, but what really matters is your profit margin – how much you keep from each pound you earn. For example, if you make £100 from a sale and get to keep £20 after all your costs, that's a 20% profit margin. Different industries have different typical profit margins, and a bookkeeper, like us, can help you understand if you're on track compared to similar businesses.

Making Your Numbers Work for You


The best part? You don't need to track everything. Start with these basics:


• Weekly: Check your cash flow

• Monthly: Review how quickly you're getting paid

• Quarterly: Look at your profit margins 


Small Changes, Big Impact


Sometimes, small tweaks can make a huge difference. Maybe you notice customers are taking longer to pay, or your profit margins are down (because your costs are creeping up). Spotting these trends early means you can take action before they become problems.

Need Help Making Sense of Your Numbers?


At Valorem Financial Accountants, we're experts at making business finances less scary and more useful. We help business owners just like you understand their numbers in plain English – no accounting degree required.

Ready to take control of your business finances? Let's chat about how we can help you make smarter money decisions for your business.



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Running a small business can be tough - there are many challenges that small business owners face daily. However, maintaining accurate and consistent financial records doesn’t need to be one of them - and it’s a great way to help your business grow. Bookkeeping is the area of accounting that deals with recording financial transactions, and it can play a vital role in the success of your business. In this blog post, we will discuss five ways bookkeeping can help your small business grow. Track your finances One of the primary reasons to keep accurate financial records is to track your finances. With bookkeeping, you can see how much money is coming in and where it's going. This will help you make informed decisions about your business's future. You can look at your financial statements and easily identify trends, such as increasing expenses or declining profits. This information will enable you to adjust your business strategy accordingly. Manage cash flow Cash flow management is an essential aspect of running a successful business. Without sufficient cash flow, your business may not survive. Bookkeeping enables you to track your receivables, payables, and all other financial transactions. You can also forecast your cash flow based on your current financial position, helping you to avoid shortfalls in the future. Make informed decisions With accurate financial records in place, you can make informed decisions about your business. You can analyze your financial statements, identify areas that need improvement, and implement changes that will help your business grow. For example, if you identify that your expenses are increasing, you can explore ways to cut costs. Alternatively, if you notice that your sales are declining, you can develop new marketing strategies to attract more customers. Prepare for tax season As a small business owner, preparing for tax season can be stressful. However, with bookkeeping, you can simplify the process. By keeping accurate and organized financial records, you can file your taxes quickly and accurately. This will save you time and reduce your stress levels. Additionally, you can take advantage of tax deductions and credits that you may be eligible for, reducing your tax liability. Plan for growth Finally, bookkeeping can help you plan for the growth of your business. By tracking your finances, you can identify areas that are performing well and invest in them further. Additionally, you can analyze your financial statements to identify areas of your business that need improvement. By doing so, you can make adjustments to your plans and strategies to ensure your business grows in a sustainable and profitable way. Conclusion In conclusion, bookkeeping is essential for small business owners who want to grow their businesses. By tracking your finances, managing cash flow, making informed decisions, preparing for tax season, and planning for growth, you can build a successful and profitable business. Accurate financial records can help you identify opportunities, avoid risks, and make strategic decisions that will benefit your business in the long run. If you haven't already invested in bookkeeping, now is the time to do so. Your business's success may depend on it. Are you ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? Book a free call with us
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