Ideally, growth should top the to-do list for entrepreneurs and business owners, not bookkeeping. However, that is rarely the case. A big slice of startup owners’ time is spent managing finances and fixing cash flow problems. As a result, growth and progression become an afterthought.

In reality, it is not the right way to run a business. Progression must always be the top priority. A business owner must wisely divide their time between essentials and non-essentials. Undoubtedly, startup bookkeeping is essential. However, it is a chore best done by hired hands.

A startup owner must focus on more vital bits, stuff no one else can do but them. To better understand when to stick to DIY and when to delegate, pay heed to these four signs that could save you from a financial debacle.

Sign 1 – Your Financial Records Look A Mess

It must be clear that there is no room for business with messy finances at the top. These businesses eventually go belly up. The reason? Mismanaged finances.

If your cash inflows and outflows aren’t imbalanced, the time is right to seek help from bookkeepers. Else, your business will spiral down to oblivion. You won’t find a more clear sign than this. In simple words, inaccurate finances equal slow growth. Understand this principle and make amends before finances drag you down and crush your dream.

Check out: What Are Back Office Services?

Sign 2 – Bank Reconciliations Face Delays

Ideally, you must check your books weekly and reconcile them monthly. If you are facing repeated delays in bank reconciliations, it hints your team is ill-equipped to manage finances. Bank reconciliations are a must to keep your business on a successful track.

These statements don’t just give business owners confidence but also provide a clearer picture to the investors. The minute your bank statement for the month surface online, you must get down to reconciliations. However, we understand you may not have the time to do so.

That’s a sign you need to hire a bookkeeper and take your startup bookkeeping up. The more vigilant you act in matters like these, the better the chances of your success. Remember, delay pushes success further away. Team up with experts and ensure your bank reconciliations don’t face delays.

Sign 3 – Your Cash Flow Statements Are Inaccurate

Not all signs are as easy to spot as cash flow problems. For instance, you need to keep a watchful to identify delays. On the contrary, cash flow inaccuracies are much more obvious and invite double trouble.

An inaccurate cash flow is the root cause of the death of startups that start strong and die fast. As it goes, a cash flow problem rarely occurs when your business is slow. However, the second it picks up pace and sales increase, it is high time to seek expert’s help.

Moreover, it is essential to identify how vital cash flow is to your business’s success and failure. The sooner you realize it, the better the chances of your success. Apparently, negative cash flow is not always due to fewer profits and more expenses. Sometimes, the problem is not with the sales but the way they enter the books.

Cash flow problems can cause a lot of trouble. For instance, it hurts your runway and burn rate, make it tough to manage payroll and balance liabilities, and often make investor lose trust and bailout. So, before a catastrophe strikes, you must delegate cash flow management to experts at the first sign of trouble.

Sign 4 – Your Business Is Growing Fast

Growth is a good thing. However, it could turn sour fast. As the business grows, so does the need to implement robust implementation and cash management techniques. You can’t rest on your laurels and enjoy success. You must always stay on top of your finances.

Moreover, managing finances get tough as growth strike. It is possible you may be fairly in control of your numbers at the moment. However, growth implies the task will only get tougher from here onwards. Thus, it is best to plan long and step up your startup bookkeeping side-by-side with your business.

Wrap Up

Bookkeeping lies at the cost of proactive business management. You can build a business unassisted. Initially, a simple spreadsheet is all you need to manage your cash inflow and outflow. However, as your business grows, so must you. Pay heed to these four signs and step up your startup bookkeeping before it is too late.

See Also: The Role Of a CFO In Startups

Success in business is all about making timely and informed decisions. Knowing when to leave behind DIY ways and delegate finance work to virtual experts is undoubtedly among the most pivotal business decision you will ever have to make.

Wajiha Danish

Wajiha Danish is the Director at Monily, overseeing financial strategies and operations for small and medium businesses. She has over 18 years of experience, including her role as Controller at HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America. Wajiha's background includes significant roles at Pakistan Petroleum Limited and A.F. Ferguson & Co. (PwC Pakistan). She is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and Certified General Accountant (CGA) with expertise in financial management and project finance.