Being an outside CFO to our clients is one of the services we offer. Many entrepreneurs we talk to do not understand the types of service outside CFOs offer.
For those of you wondering what an outside CFO can do for your business, we touch on some of the things an outside CFO brings to the table.
1 - Be Your Financial Eyes and Ears
The CFO is your go to person for understanding and interpreting all accounting and financial matters related to your business. The CFO will help you keep focused on the financial aspects of the business, which is important for success.
2 - Interpreting the Financial Statements
The CFO analyses and interprets the financial statements and explains them in a language the business owner can understand. This helps to maximize decision-making and ultimately improve profits and cash flows.
3 - Cash Flow Management
Proper cash flow management is key to business success and survival. Your CFO will provide cash flow projections with at least a six-month time frame. Your CFO will also advise on ways to manage your existing cash and to find sources of cash in times of need.
4 - Identifying Key Performance Indicators
The CFO will help you identify and interpret key performance indicators for your business, and advise on how to utilize these indicators to maximize revenue and profits.
5 - Strategic Planning
The CFO is a great resource when it comes to planning for your business, helping you to write your strategic plan and to ensure it is properly implemented.
6 - Budgeting and Forecasting
Budgeting and forecasting are essential for companies to understand their current position and to plan for the future. The CFO helps with creating the budget and forecasting the company's likely future position. Budgets and forecasts are adjusted as situations change.
7 - Mergers and Acquisitions
If you're planning to buy or merge with another company, the CFO can review the transaction and advise you on the merits of the deal to help you make an optimal decision.
8 - Customer Contract Review
Contracts can be complex, and while you probably want your legal team to lead on reviewing contracts, the CFO plays a vital role in assuring that the numbers in the contract will be beneficial to your company in the long run.
In Closing
An outside CFO is a cost-effective way to to help you stay on top of the accounting and financial aspects of your business. Too often we see companies that are doing well in growing sales, but have no idea whether they're making a profit, what's the status of their cash flows, or whether their growth is sustainable. An outside CFO can help with these and other matters that will help you get a more holistic view of your business, and help make your business more sustainable.
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