Got Numbers People?
August 27, 2009, 9:43 pm
Copyright © 2009 Integrated Profitability TM
If your business is squarely on the road to riches and you “don’t need no stinkin’ Numbers People,” then STOP READING! Go straight to your favorite entertainment place and reward yourself with whatever you enjoy the most.
On the other hand, if your numbers are not everything you would like them to be, then feel free to read on. If your numbers don’t exist, are unknowably mysterious or are plummeting out of control, then definitely continue reading.
You’re in good shape when you have:
● a business model that is clear, easy to understand and comprehensive
● accounting books that are accurate and timely
● financial reporting that is timely, insightful and which acts as an actionable bridge between the accounting numbers and your business processes
● planning that links the financial numbers to the future of the business and incorporates the experience and knowledge of key stakeholders
You’re not in good shape if none of the above exists.
You’re in poor shape if:
● your business model isn’t written down. Or your written business model doesn’t show, precisely, how you make money and where you might lose money.
● your “accounting” is a shoebox full of paper that you (or somebody else) go through once a year…to keep the Tax People happy and off your back
● financial numbers are only pulled together when taxes are due, a government filing is needed, or a potential lender/investor needs background information
● planning is done over coffee and a donut each morning…if ever
You’re in really bad shape if all the conditions of “in poor shape” exist AND you’re losing money hand-over-fist.
So, what’s the status of your company?
Review the series on “Numbers People” and be honest about where you and your company stand.
1. Does a comprehensive, realistic business model exist? Do all the stakeholders in making Net Profit for your company know it exists? Do they know their role in making profit for the business?
2. Are there financial books? Are the transactions that generate the profit for your business being tracked and recorded? Are all transactions that involve the business included?
3. Is there an accountant available who can answer your questions and provide detailed guidance on transactions the company does, as well as for future plans that are being considered? Has an accountant ever reviewed your accounting procedures to ensure that the numbers are both complete (e.g., are all business expenses recognized?) and accurate?
4. Are the numbers relating to the transactions posted to your financial books (general ledger) on a regular and accurate basis? Who is performing the bookkeeping function? Is it timely? Comprehensive? Accurate?
5. Does the owner, along with other important stakeholders, receive regular financial reports on the state of the business? Are things going well or poorly? If things are going well, is it clear why and can action be taken to maximize profit? How often do bad things sneak up and surprise you—a.k.a. blind-siding?
6. Is the owner, and other important stakeholders, confident about the future of the business? Are things trending well or poorly? Where will the most money be made in the next year? Where is the potential for losing money; and can action be taken now to limit or even eliminate a loss?
If you don’t know the answers to the questions above, or need help in getting to them, please contact me. Your success with profit is my main concern.
Bill
William A. Stong
Email: william.a.stong@gmail.com
Telephone: 925-202-6244
SBF&P # 42
Copyright © 2009 Integrated Profitability TM
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