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As a small business owner, you need to manage your cash flow. Any owner should understand how cash moves in and out of their business. Being aware of cash flow can help your daily operations. All companies need to have a plan that focuses on cash management. Here are a few tips to help with these tasks.

Prioritize Your Bills

When you receive an invoice, you may want to pay it right away. However, that is not always the best course of action. You should extend your payable for as long as possible so that you can spread out your payment. It is not a good idea to pay all bills at the same time. It could drain your business’s cash, which can strain your supplier and employee relationships, especially if you cannot pay on time.

Instead of paying immediately, you need to review your bills and sort them according to priority. By staggering payment days, you can take care of the most important bills first, such as payroll and rent. After that, focus on the bills that are less important and have more flexible payment dates. In some cases, you can get a discount for paying a bill before the due date. With that, you should prioritize those bills to help save some money.

Be careful with this tip. You always want to pay on time. Late payments can affect your credit and require you to pay late fees.

Select the Right Payment Cycle

When you need to pay your employees, schedule the payroll to match your revenue streams. Some businesses, like retail stores and restaurants, generate revenue on a daily basis. They can cover those costs for the weekly payroll. However, for companies with a slow revenue stream, it can be a challenge to meet payroll obligations. Some businesses will adjust their payroll cycle to a biweekly or monthly schedule. Make sure to follow all applicable state laws regarding wages. Some states may have requirements that businesses must follow for payroll frequency.

Negotiate Supplier Payments

In many cases, you can negotiate with a supplier regarding payments. If you have a great relationship with a supplier, they are more likely to work with you. Think about flexible payment options to manage your cash. Many suppliers will offer special payment terms, especially if you order regularly or in bulk. With a payment agreement with your supplier, you can get more time to settle those invoices.

Collect Receivables Quickly

When you need to manage your money, you should look at your cash flow. You can improve that flow by collecting receivables on a timely basis. There are a few ways to expedite the process of collecting receivables. First, request a deposit from customers when taking an order or project. You could also offer discounts for customers who pay quickly. Also, you may want to move outdated inventory with discounted prices. Finally, use online invoices that offer more payment options for your customers.

Manage Your Credit Policies

When you offer any credit to your customers, you must establish a few credit policies to manage your cash. For example, you will want to take a look at your invoicing. It is crucial to quickly send out the invoices and follow up with customers for payments. Before you extend any credit, make sure to require a credit check for all new customers. Those customers who pay late can hurt your available cash. You will want to identify those late payers and develop a cash-on-delivery policy for those who don’t pay on time.

Use a Business Credit Card

Many people might not want to open a new credit card. However, a business credit card can free up your cash to pay everyday expenses. When choosing a business credit card, you should find one with a rewards program. In some cases, you can reduce your costs and get a percentage back on a few purchases.

Track All Expenses

You must keep track of all your business expenses. Make sure to check your monthly statements. If you need help with this task, small business accounting services can help you keep track of your expenses and cash flow.

Open a Line of Credit

If you want to maintain a balanced cash flow cycle, consider opening up a line of credit to get quick access to cash. Many businesses have a line of credit to bridge any gaps between their receivables and payables. Also, a line of credit can help cover unexpected expenses, buy equipment, and help with growth opportunities.

Use the Latest Technology To Accept Payments

When you want to accept receivables quickly, consider using online payment methods to collect those bills. Along with that, the latest technology can help you track the payments of every customer.

Manage Your Business’s Cash

When you can monitor your cash flow, it can help with your business’s short- and long-term success. By collecting payments quickly, monitoring expenses, and negotiating with suppliers, you will have a few options to manage the cash flow in your business. If you want someone to handle these vital responsibilities, make sure to find an accountant for your business.

Find an Accountant for My Small Business

TMD Accounting has been serving the Gloucester County community for over 40 years. Our accounting firm is a family-owned and -operated business. We are an affordable, reliable, and flexible way to help manage your company’s financial health. Schedule your consultation by calling 856-228-2205.