If you are a business owner, you know how busy and fully occupied your day can be when overlooking your business operations. There is so much to be done and numerous things to be looked after. With the tasks that need to be fulfilled and your clients demanding your attention, the last thing you want to think about is bookkeeping. With loads of expense receipts, invoices, and other piled-up paperwork, you are likely tempted to put your bookkeeping obligations off until tomorrow or next week.
Many small business owners (SBOs) try to save their costs by taking responsibility for their bookkeeping on themselves instead of appointing a professional bookkeeper. There’s no harm in doing it yourself, provided you have the time and knowledge to do so. However, small business owners must understand that inaccurate bookkeeping will cost them plenty.
Bookkeeping is not necessarily complicated. Small and mid-sized business owners should make it a point to reconciletheirbooks weekly or even daily. In the end, this will prove to be much more profitable. Here are why it is essential to reconcile your books every week.
Conceals The Positioning Of Your Business
Your books offer a picture of the financial viability of your company. Without updated and accurate records, the picture will be blurry and fuzzy. Inaccurate bookkeeping will lead to inaccurate cash flow reports.
This is why it is important to maintain your bookkeeping accounts frequently. It could be that your business is struggling financially, and you cannot see the root cause of the problem. What’s worse is that you might not know about an issue in your business.
Causes Pricey Mistakes
Miscalculating costs or profits because of lousy bookkeeping can be disastrous for you. If you overestimate your profits, your taxes will increase when you file for them. On the other hand, underestimating your profits might result in an audit. Miscategorizing your assets (for example, fixed assets) and expenses may result in you paying excess taxes.
Having exemptions, deductions, or expenses that are not adding up and filing your taxes late ends up with the IRS conducting an audit of your company. Also, any irregularities in the audit will have penalties that go along with them.
Tax Deductions Decrease
To claim your taxes, you need to document your expenses. Overlooked or misplaced receipts prevent you from claiming all of your costs. If you do not have your bookkeeping records set straight, your accountant can’t help you spot your eligible deductions. Make sure that you get every tax advantage that is rightly deserved. This can only be done when you reconcile your books frequently.
Payroll Issues
With all other financial aspects, your payroll will also be affected because of your inaccurate records. It can be that you are overcompensating or undercompensating the paychecks or benefits of your employees without even knowing it.
Invoicing Cycle Increases
If your business books are not reconciled, you cannot tell who and how much you owe. If left unattended, you must spend much of your valuable time organizing and sending the invoices. The longer you delay sending your outstanding accounts, the longer your debtors will take to pay back your funds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the demands of running a business can be overwhelming, neglecting bookkeeping duties can lead to significant consequences. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records is crucial for several reasons:
It provides a clear picture of your business’s financial health, allowing you to promptly identify and address any underlying issues.
Accurate bookkeeping helps prevent costly mistakes, such as miscalculations that could result in higher taxes or audits.
Detailed records ensure you can claim all eligible tax deductions, maximizing your savings.
Accurate bookkeeping is essential for managing payroll effectively and ensuring employees are compensated correctly.
Timely reconciliation of books reduces invoicing cycles, improving cash flow by accelerating the collection of outstanding payments.
Therefore, prioritizing regular bookkeeping practices is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental aspect of maintaining a successful and sustainable 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.
Falling prey to a sale made with a stolen credit card is something many businesses, especially small ones, do not consider until they become a victim. It makes you vulnerable to losing money and trust. As a business, you want to minimize the risks and cut losses regarding fraud.
Even though credit card fraud is rare, if your business accepts them, it is something you can’t neglect. It is estimated that such activities cause losses amounting to $16.31 billion worldwide; almost half of these are reported in the United States.
It can happen regardless of whether your business operates online or offline and can be conducted on a massive scale. A particular group was caught and charged with conducting a credit card fraud that had caused losses of around $13 million over 16 months.
Usually, the holiday season is a profitable time for all kinds of business owners. Sadly, the profits can fade if any such loss occurs, resulting in additional liabilities for the business or the owner. It is seen that many companies start placing preventative measures only when credit card fraud hits them. It is suggested that owners take proactive measures to prevent such losses from affecting them in the first place.
Spotting Fraudulent Orders
If your business takes orders online or over the phone, there are a few things you can do to screen suspicious orders. One of the most common methods is to ask for AVS or CVV verification methods. These methods are useful in transactions where the credit card isn’t physically present.
Other things that you can look for are:
Large or expensive orders placed online, especially if they require things like same-day shipping or overnight shipping
Buyers who claim they will place a large order and ask for a catalog or list of what you sell
Customers who are hesitant to provide personal information, such as phone numbers or full name
Shipping to foreign countries paid by a US card or orders with different billing and delivery addresses
Labeling a transaction as fraud is not feasible if it fits only one condition. However, several reasons could be reason enough to be suspicious. It is suggested that you investigate the matter to avoid losses.
What Should be Done to Investigate the Order Further?
If you find several of the above things applicable to the order, you have legitimate reasons to be suspicious. Now, to thoroughly analyze whether it is fraudulent or not, you can do a variety of checks to ensure that the order is being placed by the cardholder or someone authorized by the credit card holder. These are:
Request complete information on the cardholder, such as name, address, phone number, and zip code.
Make CVV a compulsory requirement for transactions.
Verify the provided information through the bank or whatever other verification system is practiced in your area. If the information doesn’t match up, decline the order.
Block transactions through a service that intercepts the order based on the region of origin and other things. These services are available easily for a fee.
Attempt to call on the contact information of the cardholder. Decline the order if you can’t reach the cardholder.
Look up local orders and match them with phone numbers and addresses in the phone book.
Utilize an address verification service to mark suspicious sales and block them.
When you ship the product, it is wise to send a reminder message. Sometimes, people forget what they have ordered. A letter to the billing address may also help you verify the order.
If you take these steps to cut losses, your business will do all possible to avoid credit card fraud.
Conclusion
Protecting your business from credit card fraud is paramount. Preventive measures and thorough checks can safeguard against potential losses and maintain customer trust. By staying vigilant and proactive, companies can mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent transactions, ensuring their financial security and reputation remain intact.
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.
Organizations must think diligently about their business approach in a digitally evolved, connected, and complex world. They should consider strategically every aspect of their business in a digitally revolutionized arena to ensure they concentrate on the correct elements in programs, projects, and transformations.
Prioritizing Cybersecurity in Today’s Interconnected World
We live in an increasingly interconnected society and economy where we must reflect on and respond to how we treat this technically complex environment far more than ever in history. Here, information and cybersecurity are other brand-new vital considerations. A company must perform various tasks and activities to protect itself from all kinds of matters that threaten trust and digital identity, among many others.
Today, the digital world demands companies to consider how they manage their business applications, identity, infrastructure, privacy, and several other domains.
Thus, organizations must be innovative and vigilant. It implies that we must understand what happened, its impact and intensity in an incident, and how we should respond to it. However, with digital prudence in an entirely new dimension for several organizations, vigilance and watchfulness are inherently complex. However, prompt action is crucial as they operate in their unique environments. Ultimately, when something unexpected occurs, organizations must be steadfast and able enough to comprehend the event’s significance and how to bring normal business operations back to speed as soon as possible.
Cyber Resilience: Facing Threats
Resilience and determination to find a prompt digital solution are crucial components that every organization must consider. Therefore, there were only almost 800 significant breaches in the US in the initial six months of 2017. According to a Wall Street Journal report, that is about four every day, including weekends. This report also signifies that rising cybersecurity threats are even making it to the top chief executive’s worry lists as a data breach could potentially harm their jobs and businesses.
The fallout of cyber-attacks on organizations such as Equifax, Target, and Yahoo has thrust corporate bosses and technical staff to the front line of cybersecurity problems and significantly changed their working processes. Business owners and managers should never assume that cyber breaches occur only to others. They can happen to anyone, including your customer’s accounts. Consequently, we must take matters seriously. However, a group of information and security experts claimed that, in November 2017, most businesses were unprepared to handle any cyber-attack issue.
Approximately 600 US and UK cyber professionals gathered as a critical part of Red Seal’s 2nd annual Resilience Report. This group found four significant areas of significance that, unless addressed promptly, will undoubtedly expose organizations to potential cyber threats.
Areas that expose organizations to cyber threats
The complex landscape of the digital world exceeds security teams’ capabilities and technical competencies.
A lack of preparation is immensely pervasive, with merely a quarter of respondents’ organizations examining their cybersecurity status and response to a potential incident yearly.
There is a dangerous gap between discerned and actual detection times.
In many cases, diligent compliance and a poor strategy drive security planning. Almost 97% of respondents outlined that their external control and regulations play an extensive role in their cybersecurity and resilience planning and execution.
The poll emphasizes the importance and urgency of cyber strategy advocates to leverage and proactively chase resilience, the skill, and the ability to keep and support business while steering an attack, which is the latest gold standard. All in all, being prepared is the essence of the best defense.
On the cyber front of the digital world, digital resilience (or the ability to hold the harmful agents inside your network and safeguard high-value business assets like customer data and content from exfiltration) can protect not only your corporate and brand networks but also your vital financial assets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the digital revolution has reshaped business landscapes, demanding a meticulous approach to cybersecurity and resilience. Organizations must adapt swiftly, prioritizing the protection of digital assets and customer trust. The surge in cyber threats underscores the necessity for proactive measures and strategic preparedness. By embracing digital resilience and addressing key vulnerabilities, businesses can fortify their defenses and navigate the complexities of the interconnected world with confidence, safeguarding their reputation and financial assets against evolving cyber threats.
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.
Entrepreneurs, starting a business is not for the faint at heart. Running a business entails juggling various tasks simultaneously, from employee management to overseeing operations. But don’t overlook the vital responsibility of managing company debt. Thankfully, a debt management service company can be your saving grace. With their expert knowledge in debt management, they can help mitigate financial risks and ensure your business’s success. Trust us: investing in a reliable debt management service is an innovative and proactive move for any business owner.
Understanding Service Companies: Debt Management and More
So, what exactly is a service company? Put simply, it’s a business that provides services to other industries. This can include anything from marketing to accounting to debt management. In the case of debt management, a service company will work with your business to help you manage your debt and improve your financial situation.
You may be wondering why you would need a service company to help with debt management. After all, can’t you just handle it on your own? While it’s certainly possible, working with a service company has a few key benefits.
First and foremost, a service company has specialized knowledge and expertise in debt management. They know the ins and outs of the industry and can help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of debt. They can also provide you with valuable insights and advice on how to improve your financial situation.
Additionally, working with a service company can save you time and energy. Managing debt can be a time-consuming process, and if you’re already juggling many responsibilities, finding the time to dedicate to it can be challenging. By outsourcing this task to a service company, you can free up your time to focus on other areas of your business.
Maximizing Debt Management Services
So, now that you understand the benefits of working with a service company, let’s discuss how to properly utilize their debt management services to aid your business’s growth and success.
The first step in utilizing a service company for debt management is to do your research. There are a lot of companies out there, and not all of them are created equal. Look for a company with a proven track record of success and a team of experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in debt management.
Once you’ve chosen a service company to work with, the next step is to provide them with all the necessary information about your business’s debt. This includes outstanding balances, interest rates, and payment schedules. The more information you can provide, the better equipped the service company will be to help you.
From there, the service company will work with you to develop a debt management plan tailored to your business’s specific needs and goals. This may include negotiating with creditors to lower interest rates or developing a payment plan that works for your budget.
It’s important to note that debt management isn’t a quick fix. It takes time and effort to see results. But by working with a service company and following their guidance, you can make steady progress toward getting your debt under control.
In addition to managing your current debt, a service company can help you avoid future debt by providing financial education and guidance. This may include budgeting tips or advice on improving your credit score.
Conclusion
Utilizing a service company for debt management can be a game-changer for your business. By working with experts in the field, you can take control of your debt and set yourself up for long-term financial 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.
In the US, farming was once considered a significant occupation. Statistics show that, in 2012, not more than 1% of the American population were professional farmers. Farmers of today face many challenges that the general public is oblivious to.
Most of the general public has an obsolete view of a farm. They consider it a small parcel of land owned and run by family members, where cattle are raised and crops are harvested. In reality, present-day farms must overhaul their operations to cater to the demands and stay competitively priced while adjusting to new technology. Here are the top three challenges faced by the farming industry.
Technology
Rural farming communities of today are expected to consider integrating modern technology into their farming industry.
As easy as it may sound, it is not. To make such a shift in rural areas is quite a challenge. The communicationssystems are not as up-to-date compared to urban areas. All of these factors combined make it difficult for the farming industry to make the switch and become accustomed to ever-changing technological trends.
Technology is also an opportunity in the farming industry. Research shows that the farmers who made the shift and involved modern technology in their business noticed an increase in their production process. It also had a substantial effect on labor supply.
Decline in Farming as a Profession
Very few Americans claim the farming industry as their primary occupation. In our country, most farmers are now above 55 years of age. Most young adults don’t consider the farming industry as one of their aspired professions.
Environmental Apprehensions
Many farmers are held responsible for how the farming business affects the environment. These days, the emphasis is placed on conservation and sustainability. It has resulted in public protests against some farmer’s certain practices. These practices refer to the pollution of water, raising livestock, use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, etc.
On the other hand, many farmers have changed their methods and practices to be more self-sustainable and environmentally friendly in the process.
This is not the only environmental issue that farmers face in their industry. Climate and weather changes are also ecological issues that farmers must deal with. Severe droughts and intense storms have made the farming industry even more demanding and difficult.
Opportunities in the Farming Industry
Despite all the challenges, there are still opportunities in the farming industry. The NSAC (National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition) works hard to provide farming opportunities to all of the independent family farmers of America. New federal programs and policies are coming out to support young adults in the farming industry.
Every few years or so, Congress reauthorizes the state farm bill, in which legislative decisions about funding and policies provide opportunities for women, beginning farmers, veterans, and minority farmers. The government also considers the funding and monetary aspects to support young adults entering the farming business. They will also be there to support and fund any farmers involved in the yearly appropriations process, along with delivering guide program applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the landscape of American farming is undergoing significant shifts, marked by challenges and opportunities. Despite the dwindling number of professional farmers and the hurdles presented by technological integration and environmental concerns, there remains a resilient spirit within the farmingcommunity. With initiatives like the NSAC and federal support programs, there are avenues for revitalizing the farming industry and providing opportunities for new generations of farmers. As the farming sector navigates these challenges and embraces advancements, it plays a crucial role in sustaining communities and feeding the nation.
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.
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Retail cash management challenges drain profitability through manual handling errors, security vulnerabilities, and cash flow disruptions, but implementing automation technologies and strict accountability protocols transforms these costly inefficiencies into streamlined operations that boost your bottom line.
As the founder of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how cash handling silently erodes profits across every retail sector. Did you know retailers lose an average of $58,000 annually just from cash handling errors? Over my 20 years working with businesses of all sizes, I’ve discovered that the difference between struggling retailers and thriving ones comes down to treating cash management as a strategic priority rather than a necessary evil. This article reveals the automation strategies, security protocols, and cash flow techniques that have helped our clients reclaim thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
What are retail cash management challenges, and how can you solve them?
Retail cash management challenges include manual counting errors, internal theft risks, cash flow timing mismatches, and lack of real-time visibility into cash positions
Manual processes consume 15-20 hours weekly per location in counting, reconciliation, and deposit preparation tasks
Security vulnerabilities account for 29% of retail shrinkage, with employee theft averaging $2,180 per incident
Cash flow disruptions stem from seasonal sales variations, high return rates, and misaligned expense timing
Automation solutions reduce costs by 53%, eliminate 95% of counting time, and accelerate bank deposits by 24-48 hours
Understanding Retail Cash Management Challenges
Despite the surge in digital payments, 62% of consumers still consider cash an essential payment option, making efficient cash management critical for retail success. The challenges retailers face today go far beyond simple counting and storage—they represent complex operational, security, and financial hurdles that directly impact profitability.
Manual cash handling creates a cascade of problems starting with basic operational inefficiencies. Store managers spend up to 20 hours weekly on cash-related tasks, from preparing registers to completing deposits. This time drain pulls experienced staff away from customer service and sales activities, creating a hidden cost that compounds daily.
The financial impact extends beyond labor costs. According to Wavetec’s research, retailers invest $333,000 annually in cash security measures yet still lose $58,000 to handling errors. These losses stem from miscounts, incorrect change, and reconciliation discrepancies that accumulate across multiple locations and shifts.
The High Cost of Manual Cash Handling
Manual cash processes create operational bottlenecks that ripple throughout your entire business. Every minute spent counting bills is a minute not spent serving customers or driving sales.
Time drain and inefficiency
The numbers paint a stark picture of inefficiency. Cash Depot reports that retail staff waste 15-20 hours weekly on cash counting alone, costing approximately $1,000 monthly per store in labor. For a 10-store chain, that’s $120,000 annually spent on non-revenue generating activities.
Lids discovered this firsthand when analyzing their 1,100+ locations. Managers spent 15 hours weekly on cash tasks, leading to overtime costs and delayed store openings. By automating their processes, they redirected these hours to customer engagement and merchandising, directly boosting sales.
Administrative time for deposit discrepancy resolution
Ribao Technology’s analysis shows manual counting takes 60 minutes per drawer versus 2.5 minutes with automation—a 95% reduction. This efficiency gain eliminates overtime, reduces errors, and frees managers for strategic tasks.
Securing Your Cash: Theft and Fraud Prevention
Cash attracts both internal and external threats, making security paramount for protecting your assets and maintaining profitability.
Employee theft and accountability gaps
POS Nation’s research reveals employees cause 29% of retail shrinkage, with 75% admitting to stealing at least once. The average internal theft incident costs $2,180—nearly 11 times more than external theft.
Unclear custody chains enable this theft. When multiple employees access the same drawer without individual accountability, discrepancies become impossible to trace. Smart safes with biometric access solve this by creating digital audit trails for every cash interaction.
Key prevention strategies include:
Assigning unique login credentials for each cash handler
Implementing surprise cash audits during shifts
Requiring dual verification for deposits over $500
Installing cameras focused on all cash handling areas
Robberies and counterfeit threats
External threats require different defenses. Pry-resistant smart safes with time-delay mechanisms deter smash-and-grab attempts, while integrated bill validators catch counterfeits before they enter your system.
Modern cash recyclers from Loomis combine both protections, validating bills during customer transactions and storing them in tamper-proof vaults. Retailers using these systems report 53% fewer security incidents and virtually eliminate counterfeit losses.
Cash Flow Management in Retail
Managing cash flow in retail requires balancing daily operational needs with long-term financial stability.
Seasonal swings and inventory pitfalls
Holiday seasons generate 50% of annual revenue for many retailers, yet fixed costs remain constant year-round. This creates cash crunches during slow periods when inventory ties up capital needed for operations.
Smart cash flow management involves:
Adjusting starting floats based on historical sales data
Negotiating extended payment terms during peak seasons
Using real-time sales tracking to optimize inventory levels
Maintaining cash reserves equal to 30-45 days of expenses
Returns and expense timing
High return rates compound cashflow challenges. Fashion retailers face 30% return rates, requiring immediate refunds while waiting weeks for credit card reimbursements. Automated reconciliation systems match returns with original transactions, preventing double refunds and accelerating reimbursements.
Strategic expense timing preserves liquidity:
Schedule major purchases during high-revenue periods
Negotiate monthly versus weekly vendor payments
Use cash flow forecasting to identify future gaps
Maintain separate accounts for taxes and seasonal expenses
Automating Your Way to Efficiency
Technology transforms cash handling from a liability into a competitive advantage through integrated hardware and software solutions.
Hardware for efficiency
Modern cash management hardware delivers immediate operational improvements:
Cash Recyclers: These devices accept, validate, store, and dispense cash automatically. Sesami’s solutions eliminate manual till preparation by recycling deposited bills as change, reducing cash orders by 40%.
Smart Safes: Beyond storage, these systems provide real-time deposit verification and next-day credit. Brink’s smart safes helped Florida Wingmen access funds 24-48 hours faster, improving cash flow by $75,000-100,000.
Intelligent Cash Drawers: IoT-enabled drawers track every transaction, alerting managers to overages and creating digital deposit records that eliminate manual counting.
Software for control
Cloud-based platforms provide enterprise-wide visibility previously impossible with manual systems:
Implementing Best Practices for Sustainable Success
Technology alone won’t solve cash management challenges—you need comprehensive policies and training to maximize results.
Cash handling policy framework
Effective policies standardize procedures across all locations while allowing flexibility for local needs:
Starting Float Standardization: Set floats based on transaction volume, not arbitrary amounts. Weekend floats might double weekday amounts, while holiday floats triple standard levels.
Scheduled Cash Drops: Limit till amounts to $200-300 maximum. Require drops every 2 hours during peak periods with dual-employee verification.
Daily Reconciliation: Use POS integration to auto-match sales with cash. Investigate variances over $5 immediately, documenting causes and corrections.
Before: Managers spent 15 hours weekly counting cash, deposits took 3-5 days to credit, and labor costs exceeded $10,000 annually per location.
After: Smart safes eliminated manual counting, provided next-day deposit credits, and redirected manager time to customer service.
Results:
53% reduction in cash handling costs
$100,000 improvement in cash flow
15 hours weekly returned to revenue generation
Zero cash losses from theft or errors
Final Thoughts
Cash management transformation starts with recognizing that manual processes steal more than time—they steal growth opportunities. The retailers thriving today treat every cash touchpoint as a chance to improve efficiency, security, and customer service.
In my experience leading Complete Controller, I’ve seen businesses unlock incredible potential by automating just one aspect of cash handling. Start with your biggest pain point, whether that’s counting time, theft losses, or cash flow delays. Implement one solution, measure the results, and scale from there.
Your cash management system should work as hard as you do. Ready to transform your retail cash operations? Visit Complete Controller for a complimentary cash flow optimization assessment and discover how our expertise can revolutionize your financial operations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retail Cash Management Challenges
What are the most common retail cash management challenges small businesses face?
Small retailers struggle most with manual counting time (15-20 hours weekly), employee theft risks, cash flow delays from slow deposits, lack of real-time visibility into cash positions, and high costs of armored car services relative to transaction volume.
How much can automation really save on cash handling costs?
Automation typically reduces cash handling costs by 50-70%, saving $2,000-10,000 annually per location through eliminated counting time, reduced theft, fewer errors, and accelerated deposits that improve cash flow.
What’s the minimum investment needed for cash management technology?
Basic solutions like intelligent cash drawers start around $500-1,000, while comprehensive smart safe systems range from $3,000-10,000 with ROI typically achieved within 12-18 months through labor savings alone.
How do I prevent employee theft without creating a distrustful work environment?
Focus on accountability, not suspicion. Implement user-specific logins, clear cash handling policies, regular training on procedures, surprise audits as routine practice, and celebrate accuracy achievements to create positive reinforcement.
Can cash management software integrate with my existing POS system?
Yes, most modern cash management platforms integrate with major POS systems through APIs, enabling automatic reconciliation, real-time reporting, variance alerts, and seamless deposit preparation without duplicate data entry.
Sources
American Bankers Association (ABA). “Cash Management Technology Solutions.” www.aba.com
Brink’s. “Florida Wingmen Case Study.” 2023. www.brinks.com/case-studies
Cash Depot. “The Hidden Costs of Cash Management.” NACS. March 26, 2024. www.convenience.org/Media/Daily/2024/March/26/2-The-Hidden-Costs-of-Cash-Management_Payments
Clip. “How Lids Achieved a 53% Reduction in Cash Management Costs.” January 22, 2025. www.clipmoney.com/case-studies
European Central Bank. “Digital Payments Continue to Rise.” December 19, 2024. www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2024
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.
Business success refers to the smooth and successful running of all operations of a given business establishment. Business operations are the activities performed in an office to accomplish its targets to get maximum returns at minimum cost. Entrepreneurs are said to be the people who tend to design an etiquette for the competitive working of all operations in an office. The success of a business depends upon this decorum. Several steps can be taken to design an affluent decorum that prospers, for instance:
Use of contemporary technologies
Appointment of well-qualified and experienced staff
Seeking advice from accounting experts
Big Data Control, etc.
This article explains the role of accounting operations, which tend to direct a business toward success. Accounting is the process that deals with keeping an organization’s financial records. This tends to promote healthy competition in an office. Accounting is considered a task of substantial importance, so a company should appoint expert and highly qualified individuals for this purpose. Accounting plays a significant role in a company’s success in the following ways:
Allows Budgeting for a Smooth Business
Budgeting refers to the optimal allocation of all resources and funds available in a company to drive all operations smoothly. Finance is considered the only strong backbone of an organization. Therefore, it must be efficiently controlled for the effective running of a company. This is one department that every business has in common, the one that could determine whether a business is successful or a failure. Several bookkeeping techniques are available which make a budget more manageable.
Bookkeeping is the concept of keeping records of all transactions which have already taken place in an organization. This helps a company determine where it is extravagant and its limitations, requirements, and savings. Savings can further be reinvested for the production of higher profits. Various bookkeeping software such as QuickBooks, GnuCash, and Zoho books are available online for free to facilitate budgeting. Efficient budgeting leads to the smooth and effective running of a business.
Appropriate Cash Flow Management
Cash Flow Management refers to cash management delaying the transfer of debt cash to the person who owes the money by encouraging or illustrating the money return as quickly as possible. Cash flow returns are usually prepared by an organization on a quarterly or bi-annual basis. As illustrated by definition, cash flow management refers to a responsible and hectic task that the accounts department of an office usually controls.
Therefore, it becomes an issue of deep concern for an organization. Since cash flow management is such an enormous task, it is necessary to overcome cash debts. Cash flow must be recorded accurately through several available bookkeeping software such as GnuCash. This helps in scheduling the return dates of the cash flows and in alarming scenarios when the return time of cash is near. More significant investments are made to drive more significant profits, which ultimately helps an enterprise flourish.
Conservation of Cash, No Matter What
An entrepreneur must deal with situations smartly and intellectually to promote a successful business. A business’s prosperity is adversely affected in emergencies such as civil wars, political instability, etc. Therefore, a company must keep an appropriate amount in reserve to deal with such situations efficiently.
Final Note
In conclusion, the success of a business hinges on effective operations and prudent financial management. Businesses can navigate challenges and thrive in today’s competitive landscape by leveraging accounting operations, including budgeting, cash flow management, and cash conservation. Businesses can achieve sustainable growth and prosperity with the right strategies and qualified professionals.
Accounting is a critical factor for an establishment’s smooth and successful running. It needs to be handled with great care, for which an office must appoint highly qualified and experienced accountants who can pitch expert advice when required.
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.
It took us quite a while to start trusting the cloud. Even after that, finding the best option between a private and public cloud took years. We have now reached a point where businesses are shifting towards a more hybrid IT infrastructure.
A hybrid environment provides a more custom blend of cloud-based and on-premises solutions. While this sounds like the best of both worlds, specific concerns are aggravated in the hybrid environment. Security is the most severe of the problems it raises.
Double the Trouble in Hybrid Environment
Despite improved security solutions and technological advancements, both on-premises and cloud-based systems have vulnerabilities and weaknesses. When they are merged in a hybrid IT environment, they bring those vulnerabilities along. The worst part is that the merger can also give rise to newer risks.
The issue mainly arises due to the expanding complexity of the Hybrid IT infrastructure. There is a need for a more comprehensive cybersecurity program that involves strategies for on-premises components and cloud-based systems.
Utilizing hybrid infrastructure has pushed organizations towards using more than one cloud provider. While most IT experts working for these organizations know the challenges created by such complex IT infrastructures, they are unaware of the proper security strategies to implement.
Hybrid IT Security Considerations
Data Compliance
Specific regulatory compliance laws must be considered. These laws vary from industry to industry. Organizations dealing with financial data, such as credit card providers, or organizations handling personal data, such as medical insurance companies, are subject to stricter data compliance laws. Such organizations need to ensure better security and meet the most stringent standards. You can discuss your needs with the cloud service provider and make sure they can comply.
Policy Management
For organizations using multiple cloud service providers, transferring policies across all the clouds is a headache. Your infrastructure should have a uniform security policy maintained across the entire infrastructure. These policies may include IPS signatures, user authentication, and firewall rules. The worst part is that there is no easy way to transfer policies across all the systems. It is a task best done manually with the help of IT experts.
Encrypt the Data to Improve Hybrid IT Security
Encryption is essentially the most effective answer to most security issues. Encryption becomes even more essential in a hybrid and multi-cloud environment. It would help if you considered protecting the data as it travels between different cloud demarcation points. The data must also be encrypted while it is being processed or manipulated.
However, encryption is needed throughout the data’s life cycle. It would help if you worked with your cybersecurity expert to determine the optimal encryption strategy, especially for the data in use.
Your IT Security Should be Scalable
No Hybrid IT or Infrastructure Security guide can be complete without discussing the matter of scalability. While scalability is one of the key reasons most organizations prefer hybrid infrastructures, the scalability aspect of infrastructure security is often overlooked.
One of the most significant risks hovering over your systems is the possibility of a substantial security loophole arising as your system grows. All of your security practices, procedures, and tools must be able to scale for growth.
The bottom line is that we need hybridIT security solutions that are unified and scalable. The need for unification will only increase as the choice of tools and resources becomes more diverse. A custom security strategy must be created and implemented with the help of IT professionals who can analyze your current infrastructure and predict its future growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey to embracing cloud technology has gradually evolved from initial skepticism to a preference for hybrid IT infrastructure. At the same time, the hybrid model offers flexibility and efficiency but presents unique security challenges. Combining on-premises and cloud-based solutions introduces complexities and vulnerabilities, demanding a robust cybersecurity approach. Data compliance, policy management, and encryption are crucial in securing hybrid environments.
Moreover, scalability is paramount to accommodate future growth without compromising security. Organizations must adopt unified and scalable security solutions tailored to their specific infrastructure and growth projections to navigate these challenges effectively. By collaborating with knowledgeable IT professionals, businesses can fortify their hybrid IT security posture and confidently embrace the benefits of hybrid cloud technology.
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.
Whenever someone opens a business that involves an inventory, a question that comes up after some time is, “How do I value the taxes on something that is continuously fluctuating?” or “How do I evaluate something that has a different value when I buy it versus when I sell it, and it’s on the market?”
No matter how confusing this all sounds, there are multiple methods to simplify matters for business owners.
3 Factors that will Determine Your Inventory Value
Cost – This is the price you paid for the items in your inventory.
Market Value – This involves evaluating your stock based on the market value of the goods on the specific valuation date.
Retail – This method involves calculating the inventory value on your selling price and then reducing a specific markup percentage to arrive at the final cost.
While calculating your inventory value by using any of the above factors, if you come across any item that you consider ‘damaged’ or ‘worthless,’ you may exclude it from your calculation.
Now, as for the methods of calculation, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) prefers the FIFO (First in, First Out) and LIFO (Last in, First Out) methods, but there are also other methods that the IRS allows. The IRS recommends both of these methods for Stock Valuation, especially in the case of taxes.
The First In, First Out Method in Inventory Valuation
First In First Out (FIFO), it is assumed that the first things that went into the stock were the first ones to be sold. This is very effective when prices are rising (this is the usual case) and the inventory value is recorded to be higher. The earlier and cheaper items in the stock are subtracted from the entire value of the old and new (expensive) items, creating a more taxable amount.
However, suppose this method is used in bookkeeping. In that case, it can attract investors to put money into your company and make it easier for your business to get loans for expansion, which is beneficial for many companies despite leading to a higher tax.
The Last In First Out Method of Calculating the Stock Value
The Last In, First Out (LIFO) method assumes the last item to be boughtfor resale is the first item to be sold. When prices increase, the item at the highest expense is the first to be sold and deducted from the sum of old (cheap) and new (expensive) goods in the inventory. This leads to an overall lower taxable income.
Some would be wondering if a mixture of FIFO and LIFO could be adopted into accounting for a particular business. Even though using multiple valuation methods is allowed, if a company utilizes LIFO in tax, it must utilize it in bookkeeping. Moreover, if a company’s subsidiary is utilizing LIFO, the entire company must also employ LIFO in calculating the value of their stock.
Nevertheless, LIFO is the preferred calculation method for many companies, especially those looking to cut their taxes.
Advice for Inventory Valuation Methods and the Effect of Stock Size on Tax and Business
Deciding which method to use depends on the goals of your business, whether you are looking for a lower tax bill or wanting to build solid financial books to attract investors. Some people think that maintaining a large inventory can get them an advantage in taxable income. However, this is a misconception.
Items in the inventory do not give out any tax-deductible effect until and unless they are considered ‘worthless’ or sold, resulting in their removal from the stock. You must also ensure that your inventory is not too small, as it gives no advantages in terms of taxes. The ideal solution is to maintain a flow in your stock that involves a delicate balance between the purchases into the stocks and the sales that get out of the stock. This is also beneficial for businesses as it reduces the costs of borrowing money for stock or storing supplies.
You should consult an accountant to advise you on the stock valuation methods and help you manage your business’s financial records.
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.
Mastering Business Credit Management for Sustainable Growth
Business credit management is the systematic process of evaluating, extending, monitoring, and collecting credit to optimize cash flow while minimizing financial risk, enabling companies to maintain healthy customer relationships while protecting their bottom line.
According to the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey by the Federal Reserve Banks, 59% of small businesses sought new financing in the past 12 months, but only 41% received all the financing they requested—with firms increasingly denied due to excessive existing debt, jumping from 22% in 2021 to 41% in 2024. As someone who’s guided hundreds of businesses through financial challenges over two decades at Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how strategic credit management transforms struggling companies into thriving enterprises. This article reveals the proven frameworks, cutting-edge technologies, and practical strategies that enable businesses to reduce bad debt by up to 60% while accelerating cash conversion cycles by 15-25 days.
What is business credit management, and why does your business need it?
Business credit management encompasses evaluating creditworthiness, extending appropriate credit, monitoring payments, and collecting outstanding amounts to optimize cash flow and minimize risk
It establishes formal credit policies that provide consistency across all customer interactions
Effective systems reduce bad debt losses by up to 60% while improving cash conversion
Modern approaches integrate technology and data analytics for scalable growth
Strategic implementation protects working capital and enables competitive payment terms
Building a Strategic Credit Policy Framework
A comprehensive credit policy serves as the foundation for all credit decisions, providing consistency and legal protection while enabling scalable growth. The most successful policies balance risk tolerance with market competitiveness, adapting to industry standards while protecting cash flow.
Your credit policy should define clear approval hierarchies, standardized documentation requirements, and automated decision-making criteria for routine applications. Companies implementing structured business credit solutions report 35% faster approval times and significantly reduced administrative costs while maintaining consistent risk standards across all customer segments.
Developing business credit solutions that scale
Every growing business needs credit policies that evolve with changing market conditions and customer bases. Start by establishing baseline criteria for different customer tiers, including minimum credit scores, financial statement requirements, and reference verification standards.
The framework must accommodate both automated approvals for low-risk transactions and manual review processes for complex or high-value accounts. Progressive companies layer in dynamic adjustments based on payment history, allowing credit limits to grow automatically for consistent payers while flagging deteriorating accounts for review.
Corporate credit management best practices
Large-scale credit operations require sophisticated risk modeling and portfolio management approaches. Corporate credit management systems segment customers by risk profiles, implement dynamic limit adjustments based on payment behavior, and establish clear escalation procedures.
Integration with existing ERP platforms provides real-time visibility across all business units, enabling portfolio managers to spot trends and adjust strategies proactively. Leading organizations also implement cross-functional credit committees that bring together sales, finance, and operations perspectives for major credit decisions.
Mastering Credit Risk Assessment Methodologies
Accurate risk assessment determines the success of any credit program, requiring both quantitative analysis and qualitative judgment to evaluate customer creditworthiness effectively. Real-time AI systems reduce credit risk prediction errors by 25% compared to traditional methods, while companies using blockchain-based credit systems report 15% higher returns.
Modern credit risk assessment techniques
Today’s assessment methods go far beyond traditional credit scores, incorporating alternative data sources, behavioral analytics, and predictive modeling. Companies utilizing advanced credit risk assessment tools experience 45% fewer defaults while approving 20% more applications.
The process evaluates financial stability through ratio analysis, payment history across multiple vendors, industry-specific risk factors, and forward-looking indicators of customer health. Machine learning models now analyze thousands of data points to predict payment probability with unprecedented accuracy.
Implementing business credit score improvement strategies
Businesses can actively help customers improve their creditworthiness through educational initiatives and payment facilitation programs. Business credit score improvement strategies include offering early payment discounts, providing flexible payment terms for good customers, and implementing automated reminder systems.
Proactive credit management teams share credit reports with customers, helping them understand factors affecting their scores and providing actionable improvement recommendations. This collaborative approach builds stronger relationships while reducing future credit risks.
Optimizing Business Financing Options and Credit Terms
Strategic credit terms balance competitive market positioning with cash flow optimization, requiring careful analysis of customer segments and business objectives. Different industries expect different payment terms, and your offerings must align with market standards while protecting your interests.
Structuring business financing options for growth
Different customer segments require tailored financing solutions, from traditional net terms to innovative payment plans and credit insurance options. Business financing options should align with customer cash flow cycles while protecting working capital requirements.
Consider offering tiered payment terms based on order size, payment history, and strategic importance. Early payment incentives, volume discounts, and seasonal adjustments help optimize cash flow while maintaining competitive positioning. Companies offering flexible terms report 28% higher customer retention rates.
How to build business credit relationships
Long-term credit relationships require trust-building through transparent policies, exceptional service, and demonstrated reliability. How to build business credit partnerships involves establishing clear communication channels, providing predictable credit decisions, and creating mutual value.
Successful programs include regular account reviews that proactively address changing needs, transparent communication about policy changes, and loyalty incentives for consistent payers. Building these relationships creates competitive advantages that price-focused competitors cannot match.
Leveraging Technology for Effective Credit Management Strategies
Digital transformation has revolutionized credit management, enabling automation, improved accuracy, and real-time decision-making capabilities. Companies implementing accounts receivable automation typically see a 10-15% reduction in bad debt write-offs and can cut their Days Sales Outstanding by up to 22%.
Implementing effective credit management strategies through automation
Modern credit management systems automate routine tasks while flagging exceptions for human review. Effective credit management strategies include automated credit applications with instant decisioning, real-time risk scoring that adjusts with market conditions, and intelligent collections workflows.
Global logistics giant DHL successfully automated 85% of its invoicing and accounting processes using robotic process automation combined with artificial intelligence, achieving a 70% increase in efficiency while reducing human error and improving data accuracy.
Business credit monitoring services and analytics
Continuous monitoring provides early warning of customer deterioration and enables proactive risk management. Business credit monitoring services track payment patterns across your entire portfolio, flag credit utilization changes, monitor financial statement updates, and aggregate external risk indicators.
Advanced systems integrate multiple data sources, including trade references, bank data, social media sentiment, and industry trends, to provide comprehensive risk dashboards. Automated alert systems notify credit managers of significant changes, enabling intervention before problems escalate.
Benefits of Business Credit Management for Sustainable Growth
Well-executed credit management programs deliver measurable benefits across multiple business dimensions. A comprehensive study of 100 small and medium-sized enterprises found a strong positive correlation (r=0.78, p<0.01) between structured credit management practices and improved financial performance.
Quantifying the benefits of business credit management
The benefits of business credit management extend beyond bad debt reduction to improved cash conversion cycles, enhanced customer relationships, and strategic growth enablement. Companies with mature credit management systems typically see 15-25% improvement in working capital efficiency and 40% reduction in collection costs.
Additional benefits include reduced financing costs through improved cash predictability, enhanced negotiating power with suppliers, and the ability to offer competitive terms while maintaining healthy margins. Strategic credit management also provides valuable customer insights that inform product development and market expansion decisions.
Small business credit management tips for resource-constrained operations
Smaller businesses can implement effective credit management without significant resource investment. Small business credit management tips include leveraging cloud-based credit checking tools that provide enterprise-grade capabilities at affordable prices, outsourcing initial credit evaluations to specialized agencies, and implementing automated invoicing with built-in payment reminders.
Success requires prioritizing high-impact activities like establishing clear credit policies, implementing consistent collection procedures, and focusing manual efforts on the highest-value accounts. Start simple and scale systems as the business grows, always maintaining the discipline to follow established procedures.
Final Thoughts
Mastering business credit management transforms companies from reactive cash flow managers to proactive growth engines. Throughout my 20 years helping businesses navigate financial challenges at Complete Controller, I’ve seen how the right credit management approach unlocks sustainable growth while protecting against unnecessary risks.
The companies that thrive invest in comprehensive credit management systems today, positioning themselves for long-term success through improved cash flow, reduced risk, and stronger customer relationships. Ready to implement world-class credit management strategies tailored to your business? Contact the experts at Complete Controller to discover how our proven frameworks and cutting-edge technology can optimize your credit operations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Credit Management
What is business credit management, and why is it important?
Business credit management is the systematic process of evaluating, extending, monitoring, and collecting customer credit to optimize cash flow while minimizing risk. It protects working capital, reduces bad debt losses by up to 60%, and enables sustainable growth through improved cash conversion cycles.
How do I establish an effective business credit policy?
Define clear credit terms, approval processes, and collection procedures. Set appropriate credit limits based on customer risk assessments, establish payment terms that balance competitiveness with cash flow needs, and implement consistent policy enforcement across all customers with regular reviews.
What are the key components of credit risk assessment?
Effective assessment includes analyzing financial statements, checking credit reports, reviewing payment history, evaluating industry risks, and considering economic factors. Modern assessments incorporate alternative data sources and predictive analytics, reducing risk prediction errors by up to 25%.
How can technology improve my credit management process?
Technology enables automation of routine tasks, real-time risk monitoring, predictive analytics, and streamlined collections. Cloud-based solutions provide scalability while integrated systems offer comprehensive visibility, with companies reporting 10-15% reduction in bad debt write-offs.
What KPIs should I track to measure credit management success?
Monitor Days Sales Outstanding, Collection Effectiveness Index, bad debt ratios, approval rates, and customer satisfaction scores. Track both leading indicators like application processing time and lagging indicators like collection success rates for comprehensive performance measurement.
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.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.