Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Challenges
Entrepreneurs have to cope with many unique factors that come along with running a startup firm, and many are directly related to financial management, accounting and reporting. Failing to get these matters right can lead to significant challenges such as compliance and budget. Thus, having a solid accounting strategy is key.
Fortunately, there are ample remedies available that are specifically targeted at helping entrepreneurs tackle these challenges. Many solutions come in the form of affordable cloud-based software solutions that are administered by an outsourcing firm. In order to discuss the benefits of cloud-based accounting and reporting and outsourcing, it is important to first identify the pain points and challenges that startups face.
No Foundation
Startups rarely have a strong foundation of accounting practices in place. Typically, they start from scratch. Building an accounting strategy from the ground up is challenging for financial professionals, much less for individuals with no financial training. Creating an accounting strategy without understanding what is required can seriously hinder growth of your business. Outsourcing your accounting work to a firm that utilizes a cloud-based accounting and financial management software, gives you real time access to all the information you need to react proactively to your changing business environment. Outsourcing the financial piece of your business to experts will allow you to focus on developing your product and getting it to market.
Related: Accounting Solutions for Early Stage Companies
Tight Cash Flow
New businesses tend to have a minimal safety net of funds to fall back upon if they experience an unexpected cash shortfall. If accounting experts are running your books and analyzing your financial performance with cloud-based solutions, you can be assured that you will have the information you need about your companies financial situation. Thus, you will then be ready to raise capital or obtain a line of credit to cover the shortfall or even avoid experiencing a shortfall at all. For startups, adhering to a budget and managing cash are critical to your success
New to Compliance
The financial and accounting regulatory compliance statutes for startup companies can be extremely complex and difficult to meet. Entrepreneurs are often new to the matters involved, putting them at a disadvantage when trying to maintain compliance. Your outsourced accounting firm has the resources and experience to ensure that your company is in compliance so you can focus on what you do best.
No Accounting Department
Startups often begin with a small team of individuals who are passionate about a product or service, but who may not have experience running the financial side of things. But far too often, the founders end up shouldering these responsibilities anyhow, because they cannot afford to staff a financial team. By outsourcing your accounting and financial management needs to the experts, you mitigate errors and inefficiencies involved with doing it yourself, at a fraction of the cost of an in- house accounting team. Services are scalable, so you utilize only what you need to get the job done.
Starting a new business is exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Consider utilizing cloud-based accounting and financial solutions managed by experts so you and your team can spend all your time building something wonderful – your own business!