Controllers and CFOs know that having a quick and accurate financial close is essential to manage your company effectively. Accurate and timely financial statements allow leadership teams to get a view of the organization’s financial picture and allows managers to make changes to improve performance.

We all can become relaxed in our company processes, but the financial close must be attacked with discipline and rigor. It’s early in the year so now is a great time to evaluate your close and improve your close process now so you have the best information as early as possible to make the best decisions. Test your close process this month-end.

I use a closing checklist with all of my clients. See an example here. The checklist lists the closing tasks, who is responsible and the expected completion time-frame. It is a simple process and keeps everyone on the same timeline. Using a closing checklist will improve your accuracy, completeness, and efficiency. You will have better information, sooner.

Once the general ledger is closed and the checklist is complete, a basic (or sometimes not so basic) reporting package can be produced, distributed, discussed, and reviewed.

I know many business owners who don’t look at their monthly financial statements very closely or they don’t fully understand what they are looking at. Some business owners don’t even look at their financial results at all. I believe it’s important to look at your monthly report-card (earlier vs. later) and to fully understand what they are telling you or trending toward. This holds teams accountable, which improves performance and allows you to make changes and improvements earlier to avoid any bumps and improve financial performance.

The other day I met with a very experienced and talented business owner who was surprised by his company’s recent situation – his company was profitable most months, but he was having trouble making his payroll. He didn’t understand the balance sheet very well. His accounts receivable and inventory were using all his cash. After a quick review of his financials and a brief lesson on asset velocity, the balance sheet, and cash flow, he saw his problem. He is developing ideas and solutions to improve this and breathe easier.

Are you experiencing similar challenges? I can help. Contact me!