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Five Rules For Managing Small Business Cash FlowWritten on September 30, 2024 by Kirk Rice LLP

Invoicing is only the start. To maintain a healthy small business cash flow, you need more than just strong revenue. You need to be able to collect that revenue too. Here are five rules for managing your cash flow and getting your invoices paid faster:

• Keep your books accurate and up to date

Your small business cash flow is only as good as your accounting and reporting. Don’t let this get out of hand. Make sure your accounting information is updated regularly. Then you can see the financial state of your business at a glance.

• Don’t be too lenient with your customers

Be direct and fair without being a pushover. A clever but polite invoicing strategy will usually get you a long way. But don’t be afraid to take more formal action if you need to.

Always keep a close watch on your accounts receivable turnover. If it’s trending up, it might be time to step up your efforts at chasing payment. As receivables age, their quality goes down, so you should act sooner rather than later.

• Keep your accounting simple

If you’re not confident with numbers, hire a professional accountant. Use quality accounting software, so you always know your cash position. It will also help you forecast your small business cash flow for planning purposes.
For example, maybe you’re expecting a big order next month. How will you know if you’ll have the working capital needed to expand payroll? Or be able to buy the necessary inventory? Many small business owners get caught out when a large opportunity turns up. They are unable to take advantage of it due to a lack of cash. Don’t let that happen to your business.

What’s more, a reliable accounting system will help you track and report on key business metrics. These include accounts receivables aging, operating margins and inventory turnover. Having a good handle on these business metrics will help you manage your cash like a pro – and take advantage of new opportunities.

• Keep your business and your personal finances separate

This is essential if you want to understand your small business cash flow and forecast how it might change. Mixing your business and personal finances can leave you uncertain about business performance.
So keep them separate. That way you’ll know how much cash your company is generating. Then you’ll be in a good position to properly pay yourself – and use excess cash to strengthen and grow your business.

• Build a cash reserve

Access to cash will make or break your business. The ultimate step to managing cash flow like a pro is to build a cash reserve. A cash reserve provides the cushion you need to manage unexpected events. It also gives you the confidence and finances you need to grow your business.
It’s not always possible to build a large cash reserve. But if you do, it can insulate you from the economic cycle and the whims of banks and other lenders. It will also let you take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

For example, you may have the opportunity to pick up inventory at a deep discount or take on a large order or new client. With a cash reserve, you can quickly take advantage of such events.

Building a cash reserve puts you in a position of strength. It might mean paying yourself a little less in the short term, but in the long term it will put your business on the path to success. That ultimately means more money in your pocket.

Make your small business cash flow work for you

“Cash is king” might be a trite expression, but it really is vital for small businesses. Following the five rules above will help ensure that cash serves you – rather than the other way around.

If you would like to know more about managing cash flow please get in touch. Call us on 01344 875000 or email info@kirkrice.co.uk.

Kirk Rice have in-depth experience in recommending and implementing the most appropriate accounting systems to suit any size business, in-order for you to access regular reports to meet your cash management needs. We can also provide valuable forecasts and key performance indicators to keep your cash flow on track.

Please note: This article is correct as at the publication date. The answers are given for general guidance only and specific advice should be taken before acting on any of the suggestions made. The information is based on current tax legislation which may change in future. Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of relief from taxation are subject to change. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning.