Cash counts refers to the concept that ‘Cash’ is the most important aspect of business operations. Learn about how cash works and the corresponding cash cycles.
The bank reconciliation is a daily accounting function for every small business. In order to fully appreciate its value, the small business owner needs to understand the fundamentals of how bank reconciliations are performed. In addition, there are some higher level types of transactions that affect the cash position.
The quick ratio is a formula used in business to identify the ability of a business to pay its current liabilities. It is also known as the ‘Acid Test’ formula (ratio). In the large markets this formula is one of the financial industry ratios used to value the stock of a corporation. In the arena of the small business, you should only use this ratio as a means to gauge ability to pay your bills right now.
All businesses should have internal controls to deter fraud, detect theft, and preserve assets. Of all the assets, cash is the easiest to misappropriate. Effective internal controls for cash prevent the proverbial hand in the cookie jar.
Current assets carry the most value to the small business entrepreneur because of the cash conversion aspect.
There are many different types of bank loans, each having their own respective purpose. All bank loans are categorized into two distinct groupings; secured and unsecured loans. Within in each category of loans there are several different sub-types of bank notes used to make a loan. Both categories require the owner of the small business to provide a personal guarantee to ensure the loan is paid back.
Accrual accounting is the preferred method of accounting for all business operations. Any publicly traded company must comply with the principles of accrual accounting. Small business operations can choose between cash and accrual accounting for their records. Although cash accounting is the easiest to work with as a small business operation, accrual accounting will provide a more accurate picture of the financial status and affairs of any business operation.
Cash flow is the ability of a business to turn its product or service into cash. It is generally measured in dollars or in dollars against a time period. The simplest example I can think of is a child selling lemonade.
In business, liquidity is defined as the period of time it takes to turn assets into cash. It takes 20 minutes to turn the balance in the checking account into cash. You head on down to the bank and present a check. You get cash. But most businesses run on just more than the cash in the bank account.
All vendors look for avenues to expand their market share or maintain their market share. Many times it is to their benefit to provide start-up capital to potential point of sale opportunities. If they can assure themselves of a long term buyer of their product or service, then they will give serious consideration to a new business opportunity.
There is one responsibility of all business entrepreneurs that is loathed more than any other. It’s asking for money. First off, you have to find financial resources and then you have to ask for money. This article is dedicated to finding money and how to ‘ask’ for the money from a family member. It is easier than you think.
