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Key numbers to focus on in your business now

Marcus Wolfgram • October 5, 2022

As a business owner, it’s never been more important to have a good grasp on your finances.

 

For many businesses, priorities have changed, customer behaviours have mutated and revenue streams have had to evolve and pivot in order to create a viable business model. To track, monitor and drive your financial performance in this new business world, it’s increasingly important to have a handle on your key financial reports and metrics.

 

Getting to grips with your financial reports. Whereas in the past, extra cash in the business may have been seen as a surplus that needed to be spent on something, recent years have shown us that having these reserves is vitally important for the survival and long-term health of businesses. To truly be in control of this cash, it’s vital that you can dip into your accounts, financial reports and dashboards and ‘see the genuine story’ behind your financial position.

 

So, what are the key reports to focus on? Let’s take a look:

 

  • Budget – your budget is the financial plan that's tied in with your strategic plan. In essence, the budget is your approximation of the money it will take to attain your key strategic goals, and the revenue (income) and profits you hope to make during this period. It’s a benchmark you can use to measure your actuals (historic numbers) against, allowing you to see the variances, gaps and missed targets over a given period.


  • Cashflow Statement – a cashflow statement shows the flow of money into and out of your business. Understanding these cash inflows and outflows in detail allows you to manage this ongoing process, allowing you to aim for a ‘positive cashflow position’ – where inflows outweigh outflows. In this ideal positive scenario, you have enough liquid cash in the business to cover your costs, fund your operations and generate a profit.


  • Cashflow Forecast – forecasting allows you to take your historic cash numbers and project them forward in time. As such, you can see where the cashflow holes may appear weeks, or even months, in advance – and that gives you time to take action, whether it’s increasing your income stream, reducing your underlying costs, chasing up unpaid invoices (aged debt) or going to lenders for additional funding.


  • Balance Sheet – the balance sheet shows you the company’s assets, liabilities and equity at a given point in time. In a nutshell, it’s a snapshot of what the business owns (your assets), what you owe to other people (your liabilities) and what money and profits you currently have invested in the company (your equity). The balance sheet is useful for seeing what stock and equipment the business owns, how much debt (liabilities) you’ve worked up and what the company is actually worth – all incredibly useful information to have at your fingertips when making big business decisions.



  • Profit & Loss – your profit and loss report (P&L) Your P&L gives you an overview of the company’s revenues, costs and expenses over a given historic period of time. Whereas the balance sheet is a snapshot, your P&L is more like a moving video. It shows you how your finances are progressing by demonstrating how revenue is coming in and costs/expenses are going out (rather than cash coming in and going out, as you see in your cashflow statement and cashflow forecasts).


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Global Tax

By Marcus Wolfgram • March 3, 2025
Navigating Global Tax Complexities: Key Considerations for Businesses As businesses expand beyond borders, managing tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions becomes increasingly complex. Global taxation is a critical area that affects profitability, compliance, and operational efficiency. Understanding the key considerations for global taxation can help businesses minimize risks and optimize their tax strategies. 1. Understanding International Tax Frameworks Different countries have distinct tax laws that impact cross-border transactions. Businesses need to familiarize themselves with key international tax frameworks such as the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative, transfer pricing regulations, and double taxation agreements (DTAs) that mitigate tax liabilities across multiple countries. 2. Corporate Tax Rates and Structures Each country imposes its own corporate tax rate, ranging from low-tax jurisdictions like Ireland (12.5%) to higher-tax countries such as France (26.5%). Multinational companies must evaluate the impact of these rates on profitability and consider tax-efficient structuring to optimize their liabilities. 3. Transfer Pricing Compliance Transfer pricing rules ensure that transactions between related entities are conducted at arm’s length prices. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties. Companies operating in multiple jurisdictions must maintain proper documentation to justify pricing methodologies and avoid disputes with tax authorities. 4. Permanent Establishment (PE) Risks Establishing a presence in a foreign country may trigger a Permanent Establishment (PE), subjecting a business to local tax obligations. It is crucial to assess whether business activities in a jurisdiction create a taxable presence and structure operations accordingly to manage tax exposure. 5. Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Goods & Services Tax (GST) Many countries impose indirect taxes such as VAT or GST on goods and services. Businesses must navigate varying VAT/GST registration thresholds, reporting obligations, and input tax credit mechanisms to ensure compliance and avoid financial penalties.

Cash is King

By Marcus Wolfgram • November 17, 2024
Mastering Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Your Business Cash flow isn’t just an accounting term—it's the heartbeat of your business. Whether you're a startup or a growing enterprise, managing cash flow effectively can make or break your success. Here are a few key strategies to ensure healthy cash flow: Understand Your Cash Flow Cycle: Know when money comes in and goes out. Having a clear picture of your inflows and outflows helps you predict potential gaps and avoid surprises. Prioritize Your Receivables: Timely collections are crucial. Set clear terms and follow up with customers promptly. A solid receivables process can significantly improve cash flow. Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Regularly review your spending. Are there areas you can streamline or eliminate? Every dollar saved adds to your cash reserves. Build a Cash Cushion: It's always wise to keep a buffer for unexpected expenses. Having this cushion can help you ride out lean months. Monitor, Adjust, and Plan Ahead: Cash flow isn’t static. Keep a close eye on it, adjust your strategies when needed, and plan ahead for both growth and downturns. A steady, positive cash flow allows you to reinvest in your business, pay bills on time, and scale with confidence.

What Support Do You Need for Business Growth?

By Marcus Wolfgram • January 28, 2024
Business growth is a multifaceted challenge. Whether you're a startup or an established company, understanding the type of support you need is crucial in navigating the journey of expansion and success. This blog explores various avenues of support that can fuel your business's growth. 1. Strategic Planning and Consulting Overview : Strategic planning is the backbone of any successful business. It involves setting objectives, identifying opportunities, and creating a roadmap for growth. Why It's Important : Proper guidance in strategic planning can help you avoid common pitfalls and align your resources effectively. 2. Marketing and Branding Expertise Overview : Effective marketing and branding are essential for standing out in today's competitive market. Benefits : Professional marketing support can increase your brand's visibility, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales. 3. Financial Management and Funding Solutions Overview : Financial health is key to a business's sustainability and growth. Key Aspects : Expertise in financial management can assist in budgeting, cost analysis, and identifying funding options like loans or investors. 4. Enhancing Operational Efficiency Focus : Operational efficiency involves optimizing your business processes to reduce costs and increase productivity. Impact : Streamlining operations can lead to significant cost savings and improved customer experiences. 5. Technology and Innovation Role in Growth : Technology drives innovation and efficiency. Advantages : Integrating the latest tech solutions can automate processes, improve data analytics, and open new avenues for business models. Conclusion: The path to business growth is diverse and requires a multifaceted approach. Identifying the right kind of support is essential in ensuring that your growth journey is effective and sustainable. Are you looking to grow your business but unsure which area you need support in? Contact us to discuss how we can assist in your growth journey, providing tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
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