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Congratulations! Your manufacturing business is humming along, maybe you’re hitting that sweet $5 million revenue mark, or perhaps you’re eyeing it with dollar signs in your eyes. That’s fantastic! You’ve moved past the “garage startup” phase and are officially playing in the big leagues. But here’s the thing about big leagues: they have rules, and they definitely need better equipment than a rusty wrench and a prayer. Many manufacturers hit…  Read more

Manufacturing is tough. You’re juggling raw materials, complex production lines, finicky machinery, and a team of people who definitely need to be paid on time. You need cash to keep the gears turning – literally. But often, manufacturers get so focused on the product they forget to focus on the flow of money. It’s like having a high-performance sports car (your production line) but only feeding it lukewarm dishwater instead…  Read more

Let’s face it: the monthly close process is often less of a sophisticated financial ritual and more like a frantic race against the clock, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the nagging fear that you missed a decimal point somewhere. For the modern Controller, it feels like this: You’re trying to pilot a sleek, high-tech financial jet, but you still have to hand-crank the engine and check the fuel with a…  Read more

Ever looked at your profit report, seen a nice big number, and then checked your bank account only to find it doing the financial equivalent of a shrug emoji? Yeah, you’re not alone. This, my friends, is the tale of profit versus cash, a saga as old as accounting itself, and often just as confusing as trying to assemble IKEA furniture with only a picture for instructions. Let’s break it…  Read more

Let’s talk about pricing — aka the fastest way to turn “we’re so busy!” into “why aren’t we making money?” If you’re a wholesaler or manufacturer and it feels like you’re running nonstop but profits still look… meh… you might not have a work ethic problem. You might have a pricing problem. And yes, we’re going to say the quiet part out loud: a lot of businesses are accidentally donating…  Read more

Let’s be honest – managing cash flow can sometimes feel like herding cats with a calculator. You think you’ve got everything under control… until payroll, supplier bills, and equipment repairs all decide to show up at once. That’s where a 13-week cash flow forecast comes in. It’s like a GPS for your money – helping you see what’s ahead so you can steer clear of potholes (or at least brace…  Read more

Let’s face it — your Chart of Accounts (COA) probably started out simple. A few expense accounts here, a revenue account there, maybe a “Miscellaneous” bucket that somehow turned into the Bermuda Triangle of transactions. Fast forward a few years, and your COA now looks like the aftermath of a confetti explosion — colorful, chaotic, and mildly terrifying. If this sounds familiar, it’s probably time for a little makeover. Why…  Read more

Running a business is a bit like trying to keep a dozen cats in a row while juggling flaming torches — thrilling, unpredictable, and occasionally terrifying. And if your cash flow seems like it’s playing an endless game of hide-and-seek and your profits are behaving like introverted teenagers at a party, don’t panic. Accounting Sage is here to help you regain control — and maybe even have a laugh along…  Read more

Running a small business is no small feat. Every purchase, every invoice, and every supplier relationship counts. But as your business grows, so does the complexity of managing procurement. This is where a purchase order (PO) system can help.  Photo By Shutter Speed Not sure if you need one? Let’s look at the benefits of using a purchase order system and help you decide if it’s the right fit for…  Read more

Financial models are invaluable tools designed to help you understand and project the financial health of your business. By simulating different scenarios and examining potential outcomes based on various inputs like sales growth, margins, and cash flow, these models provide a comprehensive picture that aids in informed decision-making. Photo By Austin Distel Practical steps for leveraging financial models: 1. Planning and forecasting Start by creating a base financial model incorporating…  Read more

Managing a small business can feel like balancing countless tasks at once. In the midst of it all, one key metric stands out  – Gross Profit Margin. But what is Gross Profit Margin, and why does it matter for small business owners? Let’s look at how to calculate it, why it matters, and how you can use it to unlock your business’s full potential. Photo By Geralt What is Gross…  Read more

A solid sales strategy will help you consistently grow your business. It will give you a framework for generating more leads, closing more deals, and ultimately increasing your revenue. From nurturing existing accounts to thought leadership and effective pricing discussions, here are some actionable steps for a winning sales strategy. Photo By Linkedin Sales Solutions Nurture existing accounts:  Schedule regular check-ins with current customers to maintain relationships.  Use social media…  Read more

Setting financial goals for your business may be one of your most important responsibilities as a leader and business owner. Your financial goals serve as far more than wishful projections, they form the backbone of your road map for success, internal and external. Financial goals are something that every single business should possess regardless of its market, model or size. Let’s explore how you can set and track financial goals…  Read more

Running a small business is a constant juggle, and one of the more frustrating tasks is managing your receivables. How often have you found yourself waiting on overdue invoices, wondering if you’ll have enough cash flow to cover next month’s expenses? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many small business owners struggle with keeping their accounts receivable in check, which can ultimately impact their business’s health and sustainability. In…  Read more

Ever wondered how companies price custom projects accurately? The secret can be found in a method called job order costing. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding this process could be the key to increasing your profitability and ensuring that every job is priced just right. Welcome to a world where every material, man-hour, and overhead cost is meticulously tracked to unveil the true cost of doing business. Let’s explore…  Read more

When it comes to valuing a business, most people’s first thought is straightforward—profits. While financial success is undoubtedly a critical aspect, it’s far from the only factor determining a business’s true worth. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding the complexities of valuation can offer a clear roadmap for sustainable growth and long-term success. Here is a fresh perspective on what makes a business truly valuable. We’ll discuss traditional valuation…  Read more

Understanding financial statements might sound daunting, but it’s crucial for small business owners to stay on top of their game. Each financial report offers unique insights into different aspects of your company’s health. This listicle will break down the essentials, helping you make informed decisions and ultimately steer your business toward success. 1. Balance sheet What is it? The balance sheet provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at…  Read more

If your company is experiencing rapid growth, you might find yourself navigating a good news/bad news situation: while your sales figures climb, managing cash flow becomes increasingly complex, pushing you to seek additional financing to meet the rising demand. Consider this scenario: A well-known retailer expresses interest in your products, presenting an exciting opportunity that could significantly elevate your business. However, they have a requirement: they want a substantial discount…  Read more

Data is more accessible than ever. But how can small businesses leverage it effectively to drive growth? Let’s explore data-driven strategies that can help you make informed decisions, improve customer experiences, and ultimately, boost your bottom line. Why data-driven strategies matter Data-driven strategies are essential for businesses seeking to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth. These strategies enable businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights rather than relying…  Read more

Nobody likes to think about fraud, especially in their businesses. We all hope that it will never happen. Once a business owner came to us because their cash sales kept declining while credit card sales grew. They were puzzled about this trend. Upon further investigation, it was found that an employee was embezzling cash and covering their tracks. It was heartbreaking for the business owner that their employee broke their…  Read more