The Ten Tools You Need To Be On Top Of Your Small Business

Owning a small business comes with many responsibilities, and much of that lies with keeping track of the finances. It is something that seems to have no end, and there are always financial admin tasks that need to be taken care of – from daily accounting like invoices right to the bigger finances like dealing with taxes. Entrepreneurs can have a tough time juggling their time and finances while still producing quality service or products for consumers.

The good news is that as technology grows, there are more and more tools at the fingertips of every entrepreneur to help manage time and financial tasks. Here, we are going to take a look at some of the financial tools that every small business should make use of to streamline the financial management process!

Accounting Software

Online accounting programs are the solution to handle basic accounting tasks in one easily navigable, robust, and flexible software system. This allows a business owner one platform to perform a range of tasks, like tax preparation, invoicing, payroll processing, automated billing, and much more. These software programs can be integrated with other software for a custom experience as well.

Budgeting Tools

A realistic budget is an invaluable tool for a small business. A stand-alone budgeting tool allows you to create a business budget for you to avoid financial shortfalls. This feature is often available in the accounting software as well but can be used separately if desired.

Payroll Management System

Payroll is a time-consuming process that is highly prone to error, and identifying errors itself is a time-consuming process. Streamline the management of the payroll system by employing a program that handles it for you. These usually integrate easily with other accounting programs or tools.

Cloud-Based Billing System

A smooth and nimble billing process makes for quicker payments, making a faster flow of cash into your business. Of course, a shorter billing process increases customer satisfaction as well, so it is a win-win situation. Reduce delays and improve your customers’ experience by implementing a cloud-based billing system – the fact that it is cloud-based means you don’t have to worry about losing information to a crash!

Digital Finance Dashboard

A digital dashboard is useful in that it provides an overview of your business’ finances, and a quick revision of the dashboard easily assesses whether the finances are healthy or not. Dashboards can be used with key performance indicators and other tools to effectively translate data into useful information in a jiffy! You will be able to lead and manage your business far better if you are well-informed of its health.

Cash Flow System

Accurate and frequent measurement of a small business’ cash flow is crucial, and a cash flow analysis tool or system can greatly simplify the process. You will be better equipped to handle any ups and downs in the business finances and will even be able to project future financial forecasts.

Inventory Management System

Inventory management is highly useful in helping you keep track of the goods you have and what you are running short on supply of. The tools also generate sales reports, and you can set up custom alerts for goods to remind you to replenish stock as required. Shipping and packaging can also be managed by these tools.

Expense Tracking System

It can be easy to lose track of your small expenses like meals and fuel, for example, and the small amounts add up very quickly. Before you know it, you are wondering what has gone wrong with your finances! Expense tracking systems allows for easy tracking of every small expense in one system. Here, small cash expenses are recorded and receipts can even be scanned and uploaded, and information imported from there. This gives you full control of your finances and no empty gaps in your admin!

A Business Credit Card

Having a business credit card open, whether you use it or not, gives you access to a number of benefits as an entrepreneur, like higher credit limits and business-specific loyalty programs or discounts.

E-commerce Solutions

Instant payment for products and services is in high demand, and making online purchases available will open up your business to a range of benefits. Having well-known and trusted e-commerce platforms functioning for your business increases the likelihood of receiving customers as well.

So there you have it – take advantage of all the online and digital tools you can to take the guesswork and elbow work out of financial management for your small business.