How to Manage Finances as a Small Business Owner

Apr 17, 2023

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Being a small business owner isn’t easy. You’re constantly juggling the demands of running your business. Financial management is often overlooked by entrepreneurs, which can lead to costly mistakes down the road. But with the right strategies and tools in place, you can keep your finances organized for better long-term success. Today, we share some tips and resources to help you get started.

 

Make Collections Easier

 

One of the most challenging aspects of financial management is collecting payments on time. So it’s important to set up payment methods that are easy for customers to use so they don’t miss a payment or forget about an invoice. For example, set up an automated billing system so invoices are sent out on time and customers can easily pay online with their credit card or PayPal account. You may also want to consider offering incentives like discounts for early payment or allowing customers to pay in installments if needed.

 

Hire an Accountant

 

Hiring a professional accountant can be one of the best investments you make for your business. An experienced accountant will be able to help you manage your taxes, create financial reports, monitor cash flow, and more. They’ll be able to provide valuable insights into ways to save money and improve profits over time as well as help you develop strategies for long-term financial success.

 

Choose the Right Accounting Software

 

Choosing the right accounting software can make managing finances easier and more efficient. When choosing an accounting software solution for your business needs, look for one that is user-friendly and offers features that match up with what you need most so you know you’re getting the most value out of it.

 

Monitor Sales and Invoicing Carefully

 

Another important aspect of financial management is monitoring sales and invoicing carefully to have an accurate picture of how much money is coming in at any given time. This includes tracking sales from both online and offline sources (if applicable) as well as keeping track of unpaid invoices. This will help ensure that no payments slip through the cracks and that all revenue owed is collected efficiently each month without fail!

 

Utilize a Project Management Platform

 

Investing in a project management platform can help businesses manage their finances more efficiently. Solutions for a project management tool provide real-time tracking and analysis of a business’s financial performance, allowing them to make informed decisions about resource allocation, budgeting, and cost-cutting. By automating invoicing and billing processes, the platform can ensure that payment deadlines are met, and payment allocation is accurate, reducing the risk of payment-related disputes.

 

Track Credit Card Processing and Chargebacks                

 

It’s important to monitor credit card processing fees and chargebacks carefully so that they don’t eat into profits unnecessarily each month due to fees or fraud-related issues such as returns or refunds being processed incorrectly or not properly tracked.  Make sure processes are streamlined correctly from start to finish so these types of losses are kept at a minimum whenever possible.

 

Save on Shipping Costs

 

Running a successful small business usually involves several moving parts, and efficient shipping is an important one. Shipping costs can quickly add up, so it pays to think of ways to save on them. Implementing simple strategies like consolidating multiple orders into one shipment, using zones instead of flat rates when possible, reusing existing packing materials, and taking advantage of online discounts can all help cut your shipping costs significantly. While these strategies might require some extra effort up front, the long-term savings in both time and money could make them well worth the investment.

 

Register as an LLC

 

Registering as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) designation is a great way to save yourself money. Not only do you get tax breaks and protection from personal liability, but you also can take advantage of deductions too! You don’t need to worry about incurring excessive business expenses, because they can be written off each year. As an LLC no longer do you need to worry about putting off necessary investments in software or other upgrades due to its costs, now you can make those necessary investments with the guarantee that they won’t eat up your entire budget!

 

Effective financial management is essential for any small business owner who wants their company to succeed over time. By taking steps such as making collections easier for customers, hiring an accountant for guidance, investing in a project management platform, monitoring sales and invoicing carefully, and tracking credit card processing and chargebacks accurately – along with other cost-saving measures such as registering as an LLC designation – entrepreneurs can take control of their finances while planning financially towards greater growth and stability!

 

Whether you’re a tenant, landlord, or investor, Starboard CRE Properties can help you find a space in the Bay Area.

Written by: Marcus Lansky