What Should Small Businesses Expect From A CFO?
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, providing jobs and driving innovation. However, running a small business can be difficult, and managing finances is one of the most challenging tasks.
That’s where a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) comes in, providing strategic guidance and financial advice that can help small business owners make smart financial decisions. But what should small businesses expect from CFO advisory services?
We took a closer look at all that you need to know, and what you should expect as a small business.
What Is A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) And What Do They Do?
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is an expert who provides expertise and support on the financial aspects of a business. They will take charge of developing and maintaining financial strategy for a company, with tasks such as overseeing the budget, managing cash flow, using data, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
They can also provide key advice on investments and other long-term financial strategies that can benefit the business.
What Can A CFO Offer A Small Business?
A CFO can help small businesses in many ways, including:
● Financial Guidance, Strategy And Planning
A CFO can provide tailored guidance to ensure that small businesses are adhering to regulations and making wise financial decisions. This including having an understanding of the needs of a business, and developing strategies that are tailored to the goals and aspirations of the company.
In addition, a CFO can analyse financial data, spot trends, identify potential growth opportunities, and recommend ways to increase profitability. They have a deep understanding of financial markets and can help small business owners make better decisions.
● Team Management
The most capable CFO will know how to get the best out of their team. So, any CFO that you hire for your small business should have excellent leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others during times of potentially very significant and rapid internal and/or external change.
The CFO may also assist in picking skilled staff for the finance team, so they could exert considerable influence on your firm’s recruitment approaches, too.
● Reporting
Given that an organisation hires a CFO in the first place in large part because of a need to ensure the business’s month-by-month and year-by-year financial stability and success, it is inevitable that reporting to the board will be a key part of their role.
And when a CFO does report to the board, it will not merely be a question of them putting forward financial data and statistics. That’s because they must also be able to put forward what could be complicated data in a way that is compelling and easy for other members of the executive team to understand. This, in turn, will help ensure well-informed strategic decision-making.
● Help With Compliance
A CFO can help a business comply with laws and regulations by ensuring that all documents are in order, that taxes are paid on time, and that the books are properly maintained. They will also help ensure that a business is operating within its budget and adhering to industry-standard accounting practices.
● Provide Training
A CFO can provide training to employees on financial topics such as budgeting, cash management, and financial analysis. They can help ensure that everyone in the organisation is knowledgeable about the company’s financial situation and how decisions will impact it.
● Manage Cash Flow
A CFO can help small businesses manage their cash flow by identifying ways to increase revenue, controlling costs, and developing strategies to maximise profits. They can also provide advice on the best ways to borrow money and the management of debt.
What Should Be Expected From Your CFO?
Having a CFO can be an invaluable asset for any small business, but it’s important to know what to expect from them. Some of the main expectations you may have include:
● A High Level Of Knowledge And Experience
It is reasonable to expect a CFO to have a thorough understanding of the financial aspects of running a business. They should be able to provide advice and guidance on taxes, budgeting, cash flow, investments, and other financial matters.
● Strategic Thinking And Problem Solving
A CFO should be able to think strategically and come up with creative solutions to any problems that arise. They should be able to provide insight into the long-term financial health of the business and develop plans that will help it succeed.
● Integrity And Transparency
A CFO should be honest and transparent about all aspects of the company’s finances. They should provide accurate information and keep the business owners informed of any changes or potential risks – this is crucial for the success of any business.
● An Ability To Adapt To Change
The business world is constantly changing, and a good CFO should be able to adapt to these changes quickly. They should be able to make decisions that will help the company keep up with the times and stay competitive, in order to ensure the business’s long-term success.
● An Understanding Of Your Business
A CFO should understand the day-to-day operations of your business and be able to provide advice that is tailored to your specific needs. They should be familiar with your company’s industry, competitors, and goals so that they can provide the best possible advice.
Final Thoughts
A CFO can be an asset for any small business; the right person can help with compliance, offer financial insight, provide training, and manage cash flow. By understanding what to expect from your CFO, you can ensure that they are helping your business reach its goals and remain financially healthy.
If you are looking for the perfect fit for your business, get in touch today. Here at Practical CFO, we have the skills and experience to ensure you find the perfect match to help take your business to the next level, and beyond.