Author: Stephen Huck

The assets convertible into cash without the slightest decrease in market price is a company’s liquidity cash. Running a business sounds great, but it is a bed of thrones equally decorated with benefits and drawbacks. Moreover, a precise evaluation of a company’s liquidity is vital because a decline in liquidity leads to a higher chance of bankruptcy. 

A company without revenue is as motionless as a paralyzed person. Liquidity is an imperative factor for a business to operate successfully. Financiers and bankers traditionally look to the company’s financial and balance statement to estimate the synchronous or expeditious ratio to gauge liquidity. However, another lesser-known metric is the cash conversion cycle (CCC), sometimes called the net operating cycle.

The cash conversion cycle is a metric that calculates the number of days or time required for a company to convert its investment into valuable assets and merchandise from the generated sales. Although, you can calculate the cash conversion cycle by employing the following:

• How long does it take to promote and sell your business goods?
• How quickly can you gather accounts receivable?
• What is the turnaround time for reimbursing bills payable?

Three factors are involved with each cash conversion cycle:

Day’s Inventory Outstanding (DIO)

DIO is the average time required for a company to convert its merchandise into competitive market goods and then sell them in the market. Overall, the calculation of DIO is uncomplicated. You must exert the aggregate of your inventory, divide it by the cost of goods sold, and multiply it by 365.

Day’s Sales Outstanding (DSO)

DSO is the average number of days required to collect your account receivables. To calculate the DSO, take the average of the days needed to manage the receivables of the amount, divide it by the net credit sales, and multiply it by 365.

Days Payable Outstanding (DPO)

DPO involves the average number of days required for your business to purchase merchandise from vendors and then make their receivables. Moreover, the end amount received is divided by the cost of sold goods and 365.

You can calculate the Cash Conversion Cycle of your company using the following basic formula given below:

CCC = DIO+DSO−DPO

Here:

• DIO = Days of inventory outstanding (also known as days sales of inventory)
• DSO = Day’s sales outstanding
• DPO = Day’s payables outstanding

​ 

Importance of Cash Conversion Cycle

Estimation of the Cash Liquidity

The cash conversion cycle’s prime focus is its crucial role in estimating a business’s financial condition and credit health. Overall, the entire process has also been proven to detect any industry’s liquidity and goods assessments.

Low Cash Conversion Cycle

A low or negative cash conversion cycle indicates that you are working very well in converting your investment to merchandise and later into revenue. Furthermore, it also proves that you are striving competently.

High Cash Conversion Cycle

A too-high or positive cash conversion cycle indicates that your business is struggling with operational issues and that market demand for your product is rapidly declining. 

Estimation of Cash That You Can Ask for Lending

The cash conversion cycle is critical because it is a step ahead in providing ease to business owners despite countless downsides. Overall, this cycle helps to evaluate the amount of cash you can borrow from the lenders to score higher in the corporate world. 

To Maintain the Cash Collection Method of the Company

Internal management is the base of a sustainable and profit-generating business. Therefore, the Cash Conversion Cycle maintains the company’s core aspects and helps adjust lenders’ credit statements.
Sum-up

The cash conversion cycle estimates the time required for the production and sales process before it gets changed into cash received. The conversion of each net dollar is linked to CCC. Overall, the calculation of CCC involves three main steps, as it involves the aggregate time spent in the entire process of liquidity of cash of a successfully operating business.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

All businesses operating in a market face fraud at least once. Sometimes, even businesses commit fraud when paying taxes, providing financial information to investors, or advertising false images of their products. They do this to decrease their costs of taxes, attract investors, and trick consumers into buying their products to increase their sales revenue. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), businesses lose around five percent of their funds or payments from fraud. The types of scams a business faces are as follows:

Inventory Theft

A business can face inventory theft from the employees in the industry. The company’s employees steal the inventory existing in the industry without paying for it. 

Expense Account Theft

Employees may record their expenses in the company’s expenses account and could represent them as the business’s expenses.

Cash Theft

Some employees steal the cash existing in the industry or may not record revenue and take the money themselves. 

Commission Fraud

Some employees could overstate their sales to gain more commission than they are supposed to earn.

Money Fraud

Sometimes, even the customers perform imitations. This type of fraud includes customers using counterfeit and fake receipts or bills to exchange or purchase.

Fraud Warning Signs

Due to multiple types of fraud occurring within a business, detecting or identifying them becomes difficult, so they face unnecessary or unknown losses. Sometimes, business authorities even fail to recognize the signs of fraud and ignore the source of the losses they face. At the same time, it is imperative to identify and acknowledge these frauds. Here are a few warning signs indicating your business is facing fraud.

Unbalanced Cash Accounts

When the cash accounts are not balanced, bookkeepers or accountants understand irrecoverable debts and record the unbalanced amount in those ledgers to balance out the debit and credit at the end of the calculations of all the transactions in the double-entry system. If your Accountant or bookkeeper is not even trying to identify the bad or irrecoverable debt, it could mean that they are stealing or committing fraud.

Protests Over Strict Rules and Having a Reporting System

Some businesses set up an anonymous reporting system to ask employees to report suspicious activity or fraud without revealing their identity. If some employees are unwilling to follow these practices and rules, then it is time to monitor them and observe their activities to detect any suspicious activity.

Signs of Over-efficiency

Suppose employees take up all the tasks for themselves and do not let other workers perform them. In that case, it could be a giant red flag for you that they are not trying to be productive but hiding their questionable acts. 

Track Down the Expenditure of Your Workers

Suppose your employee(s) is spending on expensive materials like cars and properties, which cost more than they are being paid. In that case, you must run a background check on them and interrogate how they can afford such expensive purchases. This could indicate that your worker is stealing money or committing any other fraud in the business.

Unusual Prohibitive Costs or Expenses

Suppose you notice a sudden increase in your costs and fees without a solid explanation or reasoning. In that case, it could mean someone on your staff is overstating the expenses or stating their costs in your business’s costs account. If partners run your business, then they can also commit this fraud. 

Secret Agreements with Suppliers or Customers

Sometimes, the employees dealing with the third party, such as suppliers and customers, make deals with them. They let the suppliers overcharge the business and then take a percentage of their gain. They may also give “discounts” to customers by agreeing with them to pay a part of their payment to the worker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, detecting and preventing business fraud is crucial for safeguarding a company’s financial integrity and reputation. With various types of fraud posing threats, it’s essential to remain vigilant and proactive. By recognizing warning signs, implementing robust internal controls, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, businesses can mitigate the risk of fraud and protect their assets. Regular monitoring, thorough investigations, and adherence to ethical standards are vital for ensuring business integrity and long-term success.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Terminating an employee is undoubtedly one of the most challenging tasks for any employer. However, handling it professionally and sensitively is essential to avoid potential problems or legal issues. Here are some crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition and minimize organizational disruption.

Navigating Employee Terminations with Professionalism and Compassion

Firstly, it’s vital to establish clear expectations from the outset when hiring an employee. Conduct thorough research to ensure the job description accurately reflects the responsibilities and required skills. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that employees understand what is expected of them.

When it comes time to terminate an employee, approach the situation with grace and dignity. Be direct and transparent when communicating the decision, ensuring the employee understands the reasons for their termination. Just as you wouldn’t want to be blindsided by bad news, employees deserve honesty and clarity when facing termination. Please address any questions or concerns they may have, including details about their final paycheck, unemployment benefits, and health insurance coverage.

It’s essential to recognize that the impact of termination extends beyond the individual employee. Other team members may feel unsettled or anxious about their job security, especially if they have personal or professional connections with the departing employee. To maintain morale and trust within your team, handling terminations discreetly and professionally is crucial. Avoid discussing sensitive personnel matters in public or front of other employees, as this can undermine morale and erode trust in leadership.

In addition to the emotional impact on employees, terminations can also affect your organization’s overall productivity and culture. By handling terminations respectfully and efficiently, you can minimize disruption and maintain a positive work environment for remaining employees. Provide support and guidance to help the team navigate any changes or challenges that may arise due to the termination.

Ultimately, while terminating an employee is never easy, it’s essential to approach the process with empathy, professionalism, and integrity. By following these steps and prioritizing clear communication and respect for all parties involved, you can navigate the complexities of employee terminations with confidence and compassion.

Conduct the Investigation

When you feel you should fire someone, start by investigating their performance to see if you have genuine reasons. It should include documented interviews with supervisors and colleagues and a study of employee performance. If you are considering dismissal because the employee committed a fault or violated company policies, continue to the second step.

Document the Violations

If an employee commits a fault or is not doing his job, it is not enough to reprimand him. It is also necessary to document what happened in writing. It is advisable to write a memo and add it to the personal file of the worker with his knowledge. This type of evidence will allow you to formulate reasons for a dismissal free of lawsuits or any complaint by the worker.

Ensuring Fair and Legal Terminations

The law penalizes dismissals based on race, disability, and gender reasons. Before thinking about a release, know if exceptional circumstances may affect the process. If so, consult a lawyer who can support you to avoid legal problems.

Notify the Employee

Even if it is not your legal obligation, it is better to let the person know if they are not performing correctly and improve. A common complaint in wrongful termination lawsuits is that the employee was never told he was doing something wrong. In the same way, if an employee has violated any company policy or committed another fault, let them know that they could be grounds for dismissal.

Be Brief and Precise

If, after you give him a second chance to improve the employee, he does not, it is time to end the relationship with dignity and in a professional manner. You must make layoffs in privacy with at least one witness but far from other employees. Keep the conversation brief and precise, get ready by listing the points to play with the worker, and let this be your guide during that conversation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating employee termination is undoubtedly challenging for employers. However, following the five essential steps outlined, you can ensure the process is conducted professionally and by legal requirements. Conducting thorough investigations, documenting violations, understanding legal implications, communicating effectively with the employee, and handling the termination meeting with brevity and precision will help mitigate risks and avoid potential legal issues. Ultimately, approaching terminations thoughtfully and respectfully is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment and safeguarding the interests of the employer and the employee involved.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The selfie image takes many shapes, from Ellen DeGeneres’ star-studded Oscar selfie to astronaut Chris Hadfield’s truly out-of-this-world reflecting space snap. Since the advent of social media, the selfie has flourished and, in many ways, irrevocably transformed how we view photography. But when did it all begin, and how did it become so famous quickly? Is the selfie still important today, particularly for marketers, or was it just a fad?

The History of The Selfie

Historians think a Philadelphia resident named Robert Cornelius took the world’s first selfie in 1839 using a daguerreotype camera.

While the selfie in its contemporary version is regularly used as a scapegoat for our digital vanity, it appears that Cornelius just wanted to see what he looked like, utilizing photography’s new capability to repeat centuries of artists producing self-portraits. Proof that, as humans, we have always wanted to capture a snapshot of ourselves.

Fast-forward to the smartphone era, and the selfie received an official place in the Oxford lexicon in 2013. Since then, the usage of the phrase on the Internet has risen by around 17,000%. The simplicity of smartphone photo-snapping fueled the growth in self-taken images, generating a fad that reversed the visual script.

With the advancement of ever-cheaper international travel and the popularity of the visual network Instagram, selfies have expanded internationally. Indeed, the site gave birth to the first hashtag-based selfie trends, such as #duckface and #IWakeUpLikeThis.

Selfies Meet Marketing

The emergence of selfie-driven hashtag trends and the format’s rising popularity provided a new perspective for businesses and marketers wanting to engage with their target audience on a whole new level.

Around 57 million #selfie hashtags were introduced into the social media in 2013. The selfie’s visual magnificence, sheer creative breadth, and possibility for engaging user-generated content (e.g., Dunkin Donuts’ 2014 Shark Week selfie campaign) became appealing to businesses across sectors.

In recent years, there have been several selfie-centric digital marketing campaigns or advertisements—here are a few hand-picked examples:

The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is one of the most well-known zombie dramas on television. What began as cult programming rapidly became a flesh-hungry global craze, becoming one of the most-watched series in television history. This is partly due to the show’s spectacular substance and its network’s astute digital marketing tactics.

To generate interest in the show, the AMC Network created an app that turns Walking Dead fans into flesh-eating zombies. AMC garnered a good amount of interaction with terrifying user-generated material by advertising its app across social media and encouraging users to post zombified images on Instagram using the hashtag #deadyourself.

Beats By Dre

Beats By Dre joined the selfie trend in 2014 to advertise its new Solo2 headphones, drawing inspiration from Karen X. Cheng’s famous film, ‘The doughnut selfie.’ Beats By Dre immediately broke through the clamor by motivating influencers, celebrities, and fans alike to mimic the donut-style selfie, adding their creative take while wearing a pair of Solo2s. The ad song’s enticing melodies and appealing substance captivated the minds of many, earning the brand 10.6 million campaign views in a couple of weeks—a perfect storm of creativity and execution.

Volvo

Volvo started its #SelfieForSafety campaign in 2019 to highlight its safety-first brand strategy. The automobile maker urged customers to upload a selfie wearing a seatbelt inside their parked cars using the campaign’s hashtag. Volvo’s effort garnered a fair degree of customer support, but more significantly, the brand used it for critical research. Volvo determined that four out of ten individuals wear their seatbelts improperly by studying the images—a revelation essential in the brand’s future advancements—a testimony to the selfie’s adaptability.

Selfies Today

Before the global lockdown, the quantity of traveling selfies wore the medium a bit thin. However, given our present COVID-19 environment, selfies have witnessed something of a revival, with individuals photographing themselves in more stylish masks (photos now known as ‘maskies’). In addition, to combat the surge in online fraud during the epidemic, organizations such as banks have used photos to authenticate official clients.

As technology evolves, we find new and exciting ways to express our creativity and connect with one idea. For years now, the selfie has been a unique form of self-expression. Even with the rise of apps such as TikTok, it does not seem like this will change anytime soon.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Every stage of business considers getting a business loan to meet their financial requirements. Also, your hired accountants and bookkeepers will suggest you get a business loan rather than reinvesting your profits. There are numerous reasons why a business prioritizes a business loan. However, not everyone can quickly obtain financing from banks or other sources. 

As a business owner, whether you want to expand the company, hire fresh employees, or develop the inventory, a business loan has you covered. However, if you are afraid of taking this leap while having insufficient capital to meet the business’s requirements, here is a list of six smart reasons why taking a business loan might be mandatory. 

Expanding the Location

When starting a new business venture, every entrepreneur dreams of turning it into a successful enterprise one day. Still, when the time arrives, it becomes impossible to make it a reality because of insufficient funds, which results in a lost opportunity. 

With the growing competition in the business world, there comes a time when expanding a business becomes a necessity for overtaking the competitors. No matter if you are a small business owner or run a successful enterprise, the act of business loan implementation suits everywhere. 

Expanding a business means more employees will join your team, and you might have to enlarge the workplace. Regardless of the requirements, if you wish to expand your business, a business loan will assist in covering the expenses. 

Improving the Credit Score for Future Purposes

Business loans help you enhance your credit score for future purposes. As a business owner, you are responsible for building versatile business credit. Small business ventures and fresh start-ups often face difficulty qualifying for a bank loan due to lower credit scores and revenue. It is because these companies do not have a strong credit history. Thus, a business loan will help you improve your credit score if you plan for long-term financing. 

Purchasing Equipment

Purchasing new equipment for your business improves your work efficiency and your offerings. You must reserve enough capital to buy new equipment and update the older ones for emergencies. Business owners often use several business loans, including equipment finances, for inventory and machinery purchases. In such a loan type, the equipment and inventory will serve as collateral, so you will not be worried about offering your business assets for security purposes. 

However, before considering equipment financing, you must acknowledge your business’s requirements and the consequences. 

Cash Flow Management

For every small business, cash flow is always a daunting situation. It can become a permanent problem, mainly when you deal with clients who do not pay for the services timely or when you’ve unsold equipment that needs to be dumped to bring in new ones. These obstacles become more problematic when dealing with the regular costs of your machinery, staff, utilities, and rent. 

A business loan provides money for regular operational costs and can help your business run when profits are low. Keeping a good cash flow through your business can constantly bring in new clients to drive profitability while covering the other losses. 

To Avail of a New Business Opportunity

Being a business owner brings several challenges. It also brings abundant opportunities to your plate that is too beneficial to ignore. These opportunities appear occasionally. For instance, the inventory that you need for a long time is available at a discounted price. Thus, it is essential to capitalize cash for such occasions as they would not appear constantly. Additionally, such advantageous experiences have fewer risks. 

Increasing Employees

Whether you are an entrepreneur or own a successful enterprise, you must wear multiple hats simultaneously. Indeed, it is not possible to manage all the responsibilities, including bookkeeping, marketing, and fundraising. Your business will require talented individuals and professionals to help you run the company smoothly. Getting a business loan will help you cover all the employees’ initial salary expenses without compromising quality and quantity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing a business loan can be crucial for various stages of business growth and development. Whether expanding operations, improving credit scores, purchasing equipment, managing cash flow, seizing new opportunities, or hiring employees, a well-timed loan can provide the necessary financial support to propel your business forward. It’s important to carefully assess your needs and consider the potential benefits of obtaining a business loan to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Starting a business is not easy, but it can be very exciting. If you plan to become your boss, you must know that your life will change radically. The best way to make a wise decision is to consider the differences between life as an employee and an entrepreneur.

Schedule 

Employee

An employee may always have a fixed schedule, generally stipulated in his contract. In many cases, employees work hard, but the benefits of overtime pay and other bonuses depend on the agreements with employers. On the other hand, there are also important limitations when performing other activities that must be adjusted around your work schedule.

Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, you work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An essential part of starting a business is that you will constantly be looking for ways to improve it, making changes, looking for new paths, testing technologies, and trying to generate more and better profits. The advantage in this case is that you will not necessarily spend all this time in a specific office or workplace. You can be flexible with yourself and allow your work schedule to fit around the rest of your activities.

Personal Time

Employee

When you work for a company, your time depends on your work schedule. It means that your meetings, appointments, visits to friends and family, or vacations are governed by what your schedule allows you to do. Fortunately, allowances may be granted based on what is stipulated in your contract or the agreements you can reach with your boss.

Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur can decide when to take time for himself and what time he dedicates to his business. The result of this decision will be your responsibility and whether your business is affected by it. Nevertheless, you are more likely to be more relaxed with a flexible personal life.

Decisions

Employee

Although the type of decisions you should or can make in your job depends on your position and responsibilities, you will always depend on what others define or decide when you work for someone. This is especially true regarding drastic changes to operations, job functions, or the start of new projects. In general, these decisions must be made by several company members and can take a long time to implement.

Entrepreneur

When you start your own business, you make the decisions. You can always surround yourself with the opinions of others, and in the case of having partners, you must make certain modifications. However, the actions you take will very rarely depend on anyone else. This makes you responsible for the success or failure of your decisions and forces you to be aware of what happens in the world all the time.

Income

Employee

One of the advantages of being an employee is the certainty of knowing that you will get a fixed salary. It may increase depending on specific circumstances, such as commissions and bonuses, but you know that you will receive your income at the end of the pay period.

Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur does not have a fixed income, which should teach you to control your finances and business funds strictly. Managing your finances could represent a significant problem, particularly in the initial stages of a new business.

Work Routine 

Most jobs generate fixed routines that can become tedious for some people. Some people like the routine, and it is very comforting to know the steps to take during their day. Whatever your case, when doing a job, you usually know what the events of the day will be and what results you can expect.

Conclusion

Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur entails significant shifts in schedule, personal time, decision-making, income, and work routines. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed choices and navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Whether it’s the autonomy of setting your schedule, the responsibility of decision-making, or the uncertainty of income, entrepreneurs must be prepared for the unique demands and rewards of starting their own business.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Bank reconciliation is an accounting process that helps ensure that the money you have spent or deposited matches the amount mentioned in your bank statement. It allows you to check or search for transactions caused by fraud or financial statement errors. Your business and bank keep separate records of withdraws, deposits, or transactions. You must prepare a bank reconciliation once a month to ensure both documents align.

How Does Bank Reconciliation Work?

To reconcile your account, match the internal record of transactions and balances with your monthly bank statement. Business accounts are not as secure as consumer accounts under federal law, so you need to check your business account. Match each transaction carefully and note down the ones that need more investigation.

Catch Fraudulent Activities

One of the essential purposes of reconciling is to check for fraudulent activities. If you have noticed any unusual transactions, make sure to investigate them. Or, if you see that someone else has unauthorized access to your account, act before something harms you. If you do not prepare reconciliation for a long time, it can end up with bounced checks or failed payments in the short term, or you may become financially overstretched in the long term. All these things will affect the growth and sustainability of your business.

Prevent Complications

The bank reconciliation helps to identify any problems or difficulties in your business. For example, it can show you that your cash flow is down. Once the issue has been identified, reconciliation can help you identify the source of the problem. After that, you can easily take steps to solve the problem and fix your cash flows. It also allows you to keep track of your check and see if any payments by your customers have bounced. Bank reconciliation also helps if you have a joint account with a business partner who says they need some amount for business expenses. Still, he withdraws more money than he had told you.

Look for Data Entry Errors

Bank reconciliation assists you in identifying any data entry errors, such as entering wrong amounts and duplicated entries.

Confirm if The Financial Statements are Accurate

It happens rarely, but it is possible. Reconciling helps to confirm whether the financial statements are correct.

Help You Record Earned Interest

If you have started a business, the interest earned may be minor, but keeping track of your interest rate is good.

Helps to Control Theft

It will help you keep a check if any employee or someone else is stealing from your company.

Prevent Administrative Issues

Bank reconciliation also highlights any problems that are ongoing in your internal administration. It helps you make better choices that might help your business grow, such as changing the record-keeping system or accounting processes you used before.

Which is the Best Time to Reconcile?

Reviewing your bank accounts at least once a month is a good decision. If you have an elevated risk of fraud, it is wise to reconcile your accounts more often. Even some companies reconcile their accounts daily. You can also secure your account from any fraudulent activities by using Positive Pay. It helps notify you about any payment going out or into your account.

How to Reconcile Bank Account

You can reconcile manually or by using accounting software. You can take the formal or informal approach to reconciliation. But you must scrutinize your records with the bank records to rule out any discrepancies.

This task becomes simple if you have a well-managed bookkeeping system in which everything is managed and professionally written. Otherwise, bank reconciliation can become an arduous task, and you will be exhausted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bank reconciliation is critical for ensuring financial accuracy, detecting fraud, and preventing complications in business operations. By reconciling accounts regularly and thoroughly, businesses can maintain integrity in their financial records, identify errors, and safeguard against fraudulent activities. It’s essential to conduct reconciliations monthly and use tools like Positive Pay to enhance security. Whether done manually or with accounting software, diligent reconciliation practices contribute to the overall efficiency and success of a business’s financial management.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The federal fund rates are the interest rates that move our stock markets. These rates are also known as the “overnight rates” as this depository changes by scrounging funds from the Federal Reserve Banks. The Federal Reserve often uses these Federal rates, or “The FED,” to avoid and control inflation. 

So, by raising the rates of these federal funds, they try to reduce the supply of funds available for buying goods and completing projects, which is possible by making and increasing the price of money itself. Equally, when the rates of federal funds decrease, the money supply will be increased by the FED, making it even more affordable to scrounge money while boosting expenditure. In many countries, banks do it frequently, all for the same reasons.

The amount a bank pays another bank is highly significant due to their prime interest rates. The rates of interest that a commercial bank charges their most creditworthy clients depend upon the federal fund rates.

When Interest Rates Rise

The FED will automatically affect the stock market when it increases the federal fund rates. This will also affect the borrowing of money from the FED by making it even more expensive to do so.

In a scenario where interest rates rise, borrowing money is more expensive, and financial institutions will have to increase the number of rates that they receive from their clients to borrow money. However, businesses that take money from banks to develop and expand are affected more directly. 

So, when a bank makes scrounging even more expensive, these companies will not be able to borrow like they used to when rates were lower and will pay higher interest charges on their borrowed funds. Consequently, a reduction in business spending can hinder a company’s growth. In other words, reducing business spending means affecting stock prices.

Interest Rates and the Stock Market

Suppose a company is decreasing its growth, scaling back its workforce and production, becoming less profitable, incurring significant debt, or generating less revenue. In that case, the amount of cash flow will drop. As a result, a company’s stock prices will also drop. If this stock price decline affects enough companies, the whole market may crash. A lower expectation regarding a company’s growth and cash flow will affect the investor’s ability to experience growth from the stock price obligation, making stock ownership less desirable. 

Investing in equities can be risky compared to other types of investment. There are a few sectors that benefit from these hikes regarding interest rates. Sectors like banks, brokerages, and mortgage or insurance companies’ revenue rises as interest rates increase so that these companies can charge more for lending.

When Interest Rates Fall

When the economy is declining, the Federal Reserve stops all the federal funds to help boost financial activity. However, a decline in their interest rates given by the Fed has conflicting effects compared to the rate hike. Economists and investors view low-interest prices as opportunities for growth. 

The advantage of personal and commercial borrowing is that it can convert leads to bigger profits and propel the economy towards robustness. As a result, a consumer will end up spending more with lower interest rates, making them feel like they can finally purchase a new house or afford private schooling for their children. Similarly, businesses can finance their processes and expansions under a cheaper range of funds.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, federal fund rates significantly influence stock markets and economic activity. Whether rising or falling, these rates impact borrowing costs, business spending, and investor sentiment, shaping the trajectory of financial markets and the broader economy. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating investment strategies and economic trends effectively.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Setting up a new business could be a lot of fun. You try to coordinate with as many avenues as possible to expedite the entire process and get yourself on the market. A huge part of setting up a business is bringing accounting software to cater to the financial sorting of your company. This software potentially changes your stepping and helps you achieve your goals by making bookkeeping easy.

There is a plethora of accounting and financial software in the market that may seem like the right option for you. But what decides if the software is the one for you?

To make the right choice, it is significant that you are entirely aware of your company’s requirements. Highlighting the conditions would help you filter out the software and make the right choice. Before assessing any potential options, be clear about your expectations from the software and how you wish to see it perform. It would assist you in making the right choice for your business because any decision you make would directly affect the performance of your business at the end of the day.

What to Keep in Mind While Choosing Software?

There are a few aspects that a business owner should look deep into before making a choice. These aspects would aid them in choosing suitable software according to their business requirements and set expectations for them.

Go through the list below to know which features you should look for in software before deciding which one to get.

The Security it Provides

Your financial and accounting software should have very tight security. The software would handle all your financial affairs while analyzing, interpreting, and sorting them. If the security of your accounting software is not up to par, the information could fall into the wrong hands. This could not only affect the future of your business in the market but could also be dangerous.

Always look for secure accounting software to do all your bookkeeping while keeping your data safe from external threats. This could save you from any potential damages in the future.

Performance

Deciding whether accounting software is the right one for you or not eventually comes down to its performance. Of course, you cannot evaluate all software on the market, but you can research. By researching, you would come across reviews and experiences from different business owners that may help you shortlist software based solely on their performance.

It is useless if the software lacks performance and does a sloppy job of organizing your financial data. Purchasing comparatively expensive software that works impeccably and lasts long is better than a cheap one that would do you more harm than good.

A Personalized Experience

Your accounting software should feel like it has been curated especially for your and your business’s needs. Customizing the software would be a significant advantage that you could use to set up the perfect system for your business.

We know customization may not feel necessary, but it is vital to understand why you need it in your accounting software. It is known that each business is different, with contrasting needs and requirements. To ensure that the accounting software you use fits your business model perfectly, you need customization to tailor it into the perfect choice for your company.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, setting up a new business is an exciting endeavor, filled with numerous decisions shaping its trajectory. Among these decisions, choosing the right accounting software is a pivotal step in ensuring smooth financial operations. As businesses navigate the plethora of available options, aligning the software’s features with the company’s specific requirements becomes imperative. Security is a paramount concern, safeguarding sensitive financial data from potential breaches.

Moreover, the performance of the software plays a critical role in streamlining operations and enhancing productivity. Investing in software that offers a personalized experience tailored to the business’s unique needs proves invaluable, enabling efficient customization to optimize financial management processes. By meticulously considering these factors, businesses can make informed decisions that empower them to achieve their goals and thrive in the competitive landscape.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

No one is exempt from an emergency in life, such as the death of a family member, an illness, or even unemployment. These situations directly affect our income, requiring us to make unexpected expenses for which we are unprepared. For this reason, creating and maintaining an emergency fund that allows us to handle these situations without having to take loans or incur debt is essential.

Above all, it is essential to possess patience. Creating a savings fund for emergencies is a process that can take some time, but you have to be consistent and patient. Additionally, it is best to be disciplined and not to fall victim to spending money all the time. When you are saving, there is no room for overspending.

Here are some steps that will help you create an emergency fund.

Create a Monthly Budget 

The first step you need to take is to analyze your monthly income and spending habits. This will help determine how much you can contribute to your emergency fund. It will also let you know if you can quickly reduce or eliminate expenses that can develop a savings fund. The idea is to create a saving equivalent to three to six months of your monthly income.

Prioritize Saving

Every month, without fail, add some money to your emergency fund. It does not matter how small or when you do it, as long as you are constant in your savings. You cannot save for a month and then stop because you forget about saving for emergencies and even find excuses not to save.

Prioritizing saving is especially important when you receive a bonus. Since the first reaction to receiving a bonus is to spend this money, it is essential to have some self-control. This bonus could be an excellent increase in your savings.

Choose a Suitable Financial Institution 

The third step you need to take is to search for financial institutions. Know the options that banks offer you in terms of savings accounts. Ideally, please save your money where they offer you immediate availability in case of emergency while maintaining benefits that allow you to grow your money. Ensure that the institution where your money is stored is reliable and regulated by the banking sector so that you can be assured that your money is protected and readily available when needed.

Cut Expenses on Daily Activities 

Occasionally, you might think that it is almost impossible to save due to the tightness of your financial situation. However, if you analyze your current expenses, you may be able to find areas where you could be spending less.

For example, in your electronic invoicing, find out about other options if you have an electronic billing provider that charges you for services you do not use or who pays a monthly amount that does not correspond to the use you give to their services. ioFacturo offers you various plans and prices that meet multiple needs with the most competitive costs in the market. Whether you issue one or two invoices a month or hundreds, you will find an option that fits your requirements. Like cutting down on your electronic billing, there are other expenses that you can reduce to increase your emergency fund.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for inevitable emergencies underscores the importance of establishing and maintaining an emergency fund. This requires patience, discipline, and a consistent commitment to saving, regardless of income fluctuations. By carefully analyzing monthly finances and prioritizing savings, individuals can gradually build a financial safety net equivalent to three to six months of expenses.

Choosing a reputable financial institution ensures accessibility and growth potential while cutting unnecessary costs from daily activities, further bolstering the fund. Ultimately, the emergency fund is a crucial buffer against unexpected events such as illness, unemployment, or losing a loved one, providing stability and peace of mind without resorting to loans or debt.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.