Financial Basics For Non-accountants

Large firms tend to bring in expert accountancy companies to carry out all the tasks associated with the financial organisation and performance of businesses, despite this it will be of great benefit to you to know what their reports include and how data could affect your business.

If you're a manager of a small to medium firm then you might find that you are more closely acquainted with financial terms, but if you do struggle to make sense of accountancy jargon and the impact data has on your firm, then you're free to book training courses in this subject. As well as helping you to understand the important tasks that need to be completed each tax year, knowledge of financial process could help your business to succeed and boost your profile in the market place.

By the book

Records made regarding transactions reflect the level of trade within your firm, but accounting books offer so much more information that is crucial to the financial health of your company. For example, there are notes on your assets and liabilities, which can influence whether other firms and banks want to give you extra investment. Here, you'll also find balance sheets that give intricate information on your net worth, which is worked out by establishing what you own and what you owe.

Getting paid on time

As much of the world has seen from the latest recession, sub-prime lenders started to scale back the amount of money they were lending to customers when they began defaulting on payments. This led to an atmosphere of fear among banks that have consequently tightened their policies, meaning lenders find it difficult to get credit. It's up to you whether you wish to boost the financial health of your organisation by offering credit payment systems to customers.

As described above, your books will reflect the liabilities and assets you have, with some of the latter standing in as a cash alternative if you need access to money through problems with customer payments. These decisions should never be taken lightly, but with a good understanding of terms and an accountant on hand, you'll likely find you are capable of choosing the best options for your organisation.

Manipulating the flow

Business leaders are often heard talking about profit but their firms are very unlikely to bring in big money if they do not have their cashflow sorted out. It is imperative that your company puts together all the necessary data so you can grasp how much money is going in and out of your organisation and when. The useful thing about cashflow is that it gives you an indication of any problems.

For example, if you're building houses then you need materials and workmen to get the job done, but if you haven't sold any properties then financing may be difficult to get hold of. You could still make a profit at the end of the venture, but it's essential that you know when your cashflow experiences a hiatus, so you able to put the necessary plans in place to stimulate investment at this time.

Investments

When it comes to putting money into your firm in order to recoup the gains later on, then you'll probably find yourself referring back to your balance sheet again. This will have a record of all your fixed and current assets, which you may be looking to add too.

Business owners often decide to fund further fixed assets, as these are possessions that are considered long-term and can give your company a boost over time, such as new machinery or renovations. In order to secure financing you may need to provide evidence to shareholders on what your organisation currently owns as well as the liabilities that could detract value.