Attention Small Business Owners: Master Your Business Financials & Use Software to Organize Your Financial Records for Long-Term Business Success

As a small business owner, mastering your finances is key to long-term success. It’s essential that you have a good understanding of finance and stay on top of your business financials through regular updates and reports. In this article, courtesy of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, we’ll discuss the basic financial literacy and knowledge that you need, the steps you can take to improve your financial knowledge, software you can use to manage your finances, and how to stay organized.

Basic Financial Literacy and Knowledge

Financial literacy is essential for business owners, as it allows you to make informed decisions and effectively manage your finances. A basic understanding of financial theory and terminology, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, accounting principles and concepts, and how to read financial statements are important skills to have when owning a business. Additionally, key financial indicators such as ROI (Return on Investment), break-even point, gross margin ratio, and debt-to-equity ratio should be monitored regularly to ensure the continuing success of a business.

Steps to Improve Your Financial Knowledge

Developing your financial knowledge starts with setting aside time each week or month to review your finances and accounting records. There are also many online courses available that provide a great introduction into finance basics like bookkeeping and accounting. You can also find helpful resources from organizations like SCORE or Small Business Development Centers, which offer advice about managing finances for small businesses at no cost or low cost. Finally, consider hiring an accountant who can help you understand the numbers behind your business operations in more depth.

Use Software To Manage Your Finances

Software is an essential tool for staying organized and managing your finances. There are several different types of software available such as QuickBooks for invoicing customers and tracking expenses, Xero for generating cash flow predictions, Wave for automatic bookkeeping,  Hurdlr for tracking tax deductions, Expensify for expense reports, or Adobe Sign, which allows you to digitally send PDF documents and request an e-signature from key stakeholders. Each type of software provides its own set of benefits, so it’s important to research all options before deciding what’s best for you.

How To Stay Organized

To ensure the smooth running of day-to-day activities related to managing your finances — as well as long-term goals — it’s important to develop systems that keep everything organized. Start by creating a filing system where all documents related to your finances are kept in one place. Additionally, create clear systems regarding processes such as invoicing customers so that everyone involved knows what their role is in the process. Developing organizational habits will help you stay on track with managing your finances over time so that nothing falls through the cracks.

Staying on top of your business finances is a must if you want long-term success as a small business owner. Having an understanding of basic financial literacy, taking steps toward improving your knowledge through courses and programs, using software like QuickBooks or Adobe Sign, and developing organizational habits will help keep everything running smoothly when it comes time to make decisions about operations or growth based on sound data points. By following the tips outlined in this article today, you'll be able to set yourself up for success tomorrow!