How To Improve Cash Flow To Your Business

It is well-known that little over half of all startup businesses make it into their fifth year of operation. While there are a variety of factors that cause these companies to shut their doors, one of the main issues is problems with their cash flow.

If you want to protect your business, it is essential to always be on the lookout for how the cash flow to your company can be improved. From staying on top of creditors to assessing the viability of a business loan, our accountant here at AA Tax & Accounting Services is here to help.

Keep Tidy Financial Records

Without accurate and tidy financial records, it is next to impossible to improve your business’ cash flow. Accurate records will show you what is doing well and what services or products are not performing as expected.

Also, by tracking the cash flow within your company, it is easier to ensure that all is accounted for at the end of the day. With poorly kept financial records, embezzlement and petty theft are far easier. If you don’t have time to keep up with your financial records, outsourcing your bookkeeping can keep your records in better order.

Review Accounts Receivable

Hopefully, you are up-to-date on your accounts payable. If not, you may want to contact your creditors and set up a payment plan that will allow you to generate cash flow as you repay them.

However, an area where many small businesses struggle is their accounts receivable. It can be awkward to contact debtors and remind them that you require them to pay for your services or products. But, if you are not proactive in pursuing your accounts receivable, then you may find your business underwater before long.

If there is a chance that the business relationship can be preserved, it is better not to take your debtors to court. But, if you would prefer to end any business with a particular debtor and have no expectation of payment otherwise, then pursuing court-ordered repayment may be the best course of action.

Reconsider Revenue Recognition Strategy

Your company’s revenue recognition strategy can impact both your taxes and cash flow. If your current revenue recognition strategy doesn’t work for your business, then it may show greater profits than you actually have in-hand. These skewed profits can cause your tax burden to be greater without the cash to help alleviate what you will owe to the IRS.

For instance, say you provide a software service to a client. Maybe your current strategy is on sales-basis, which recognized revenue the moment you and your client agreed to a contract. But for a long-term project, it may make more sense to switch to percentage-of-completion.

Consider A Business Loan

If you need more time to improve your business’ cash flow, a business loan may be just the thing you need to get you through a hard patch. Shopping around for different business loan rates can help you find the best loan possible and help your company make it through a tough spot.

However, this measure is just a stop-gap. If things aren’t improved elsewhere in your business, you may end up both out-of-business and in further debt. By working with an accountant, you can identify the areas of your company where improvements can be made to improve your cash flow.

Negotiate With Suppliers

When you first agreed to your current deal with your suppliers, you may have been at a disadvantage, especially if you were a new company. Other factors, such as market changes, can allow you to work out a better deal with your suppliers.

Either way, it is worth your time to reach out and see if you can get a more favorable deal on your company supplies. Also, you may want to reach out to other companies that may be to supply your needs and receive bids from them.

Let AA Tax & Accounting Services Help Your Business Improve Cash Flow

What changes your business can make to improve cash flow is highly dependent on your company’s circumstances. While the advice in this post is helpful, our accountant can provide far more personalized advice on how you can improve the cash flow to your business.

If you would like to consult with our accountant for personalized insight regarding improving your business cash flow or other accounting needs, please contact us today to set up an appointment.