You wear multiple hats to run a successful small business. You’re not only the CEO, but you’re also the head of human resources, customer service representative, salesman, marketer, and bookkeeper.

 

Juggling all of these roles can be exhausting, and bookkeeping is often pushed to the side, as many small business owners view keeping the books as the task least related to the core of their business. Bookkeeping is, however, one of the most important jobs that must be done well in order for a small business to thrive.

 

Keeping accurate books ensures that you get paid on time. Also, you’re filing all of the necessary paperwork at the correct time. If you don’t stay compliant with local, state, and federal taxes and regulations, you and your business could be fined and penalized. 

 

Stay on top of your small business bookkeeping by putting these simple checklists in place to remind you what you should be doing every week, month, and quarter.

 

In order to make sure you are on the right track, here are the most common bookkeeping mistakes and how you can avoid them.

 

Weekly Small Business Bookkeeping

 

• Record Client Payments

This task could be done on a monthly basis. However, it saves you time and headaches if you do it on a weekly basis. If your accounting software is not connected to your bank, go over your bank statement and reconcile every payment. Doing so will allow you to see which clients are late paying you. That’s money that should be in your bank account!

• Pay Your Vendors

Review your accounts payable and make sure you have enough funds to pay all your vendors. It’s smart to use accounting software to keep copies of vendor invoices, regardless of how you actually make payments to your vendors. Paying your vendors on time and in full ensures that your supplies of the materials you sell or services you need are always available.

• Sort or File Receipts

It can be tempting to put all your receipts in a drawer or a box to deal with later, but come tax season, you’ll have a mountain of receipts to deal with. It’s better to organize them while your memory is fresh and you remember the details of the events. If you run a paperless office, use your accounting software to scan and file paper receipts. Doing this task weekly will ensure a far easier tax season.

 

Monthly Small Business Bookkeeping

 

• Payroll

Compensating your employees for their time is important. Make sure you have the correct tax tables and you’ve added any potential bonuses and overtime pay. If you’re using accounting software like FINSYNC, the tax withholdings will be made automatically.

You’ll also need to pay federal payroll taxes, which you can choose to pay monthly or bi-weekly. Many payroll providers can automate these tax payments as well.

• Send Invoices to Clients

This task is pretty straightforward. Gather up all of the information needed to invoice your clients, including timesheets, extra costs, etc. If you use FINSYNC’s Projects module, you’ll be able to simply generate the invoice from within the project, and the appropriate costs will carry through. 

Make sure you have the correct invoice information for all your clients, including the correct due dates and payment terms. One of the most important factors in managing your cash flow is understanding when you’ll get paid by your customers. 

• Follow Up on Unpaid Invoices

Go over unpaid invoices and decide what to do. You may want to follow up with an e-mail or a phone call, or it may be time to send those invoices to a collections agency. 

• Pay State Withholding Taxes  

If you operate in a state with income tax, you need to pay these taxes monthly. The amount and procedure will vary from state to state, so talk to your accountant to figure out the details.

• Reconcile Bank and Credit Card Accounts

This is important for making sure your bookkeeping records match your actual bank balances. It’s also a form of internal control to catch any fraud or payment anomalies.

 

Quarterly Small Business Bookkeeping

 

• File a Form for Federal and State Income Tax

Your payroll provider can help you file your income tax forms. Most small businesses will have to file a Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, each quarter. This form reports income taxes, social security taxes, or Medicare taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks. For state tax filing, check with an accountant. Your payroll provider will calculate taxes automatically and automate your tax returns to streamline this process. 

• Take Distributions  

Depending on your business structure, you might want to take distributions or pay quarterly dividends. 

• Evaluate Annual Profit and Loss Estimates

Once every three months is a good time to check in to see how your business is doing: how much money you’re making, how your net assets are doing, the difference between revenue and expenses, how well the profits are spent, etc. All of these factors will tell you if you need to make adjustments to improve sales and margins.

 

Yearly Small Business Bookkeeping

 

• Close Your Books for the Year

Ensure all financial information is documented, and save a copy of your year-end balance sheet, P&L statement, and cash flow statement. 

• File Any Necessary Forms  

Your payroll provider will ensure that you file any necessary forms, including a 1099-MISC form or a W-2, with the Social Security Administration and the state. You must also file either an IRS Form 1120 or an IRS Form 1120S for your business income taxes. Of course, you’ll need to file a personal income tax return as well. 

 

With proper planning, bookkeeping doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task, and we hope this checklist helps along the way. 

 

How FINSYNC Can Help

 

FINSYNC allows you to run your business on One Platform. You can send and receive payments, process payroll, automate accounting, and manage cash flow. To learn more about how we can help your business start, scale, and succeed, contact us today.

 

 

Many small business owners consider incorporating their business, and for good reason. From tax benefits to name protection, there are many benefits to incorporation. 

 

There are five types of corporations you can choose from. When you’re trying to figure out which one fits your business the best, consider the following questions: 

 

• To what extent do you need protection from legal liability?

• What form of taxation fits your individual situation and the goals of your business?

• How much are you willing to spend on the formation and administration of your business?

• How much flexibility in ownership structure do you and your business partners need?

• Will you raise capital or need a bank loan?

 

Consider what your business might look like in 3-5 years. The advantages of some business structures might turn into disadvantages down the line.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the five types of incorporation for small businesses. 

 

C Corporation

 

C corporations are the business structure that most small businesses start with when they get incorporated. A small business might get incorporated for the sake of limited liability, raising capital, deduction of certain expenses, or ease of operation.

 

The owners of C corporations bear no legal responsibility for the liabilities of the company. In addition, C corporations can deduct fringe benefits from their taxes, such as insurance and medical expenses not covered by insurance. Employees are exempt from paying taxes on these benefits as well. 

 

Lastly, C corporations are easy to manage in terms of stock ownership. Stocks can transfer between owners or new owners fairly easily, and the company doesn’t have to dissolve when one of the owners passes away.

 

Limited Liability Companies (LLC)

 

LLCs are a hybrid business structure that has features of both a corporation and a partnership or a sole proprietorship. The owners of an LLC are called members. There are few restrictions on who can become a member. In addition to individuals, corporations, foreign entities, and even other LLCs can be members. 

 

In general, LLCs offer the following advantages:

 

• Members are not personally liable for the company’s liabilities.

• No double taxation because LLCs don’t pay taxes. Profits or losses appear on members’ tax returns.

• Good for holding appreciating assets.

 

LLCs require a bit more paperwork to run, and some states also impose more rules on LLCs than partnerships. For example, the requirements to form an LLC in Texas are simpler and more affordable compared to New York, where businesses must navigate a mandatory publication requirement, adding to both the cost and complexity. 

 

S Corporation

 

S corporations are often recommended to small business owners because it offer the same liability protection and tax benefits as an LLC. Owners may receive dividend payments, which are not subjected to self-employment tax, in addition to their salaries. Additionally, S corporations are simple to manage as stocks are easily transferable compared to ownership in an LLC.

 

There are, however, many more restrictions on who can form an S corporation, which includes individuals, estates, and certain types of trusts. Companies often start out as some other type of incorporation and then switch to an S corporation once they fit the criteria. Furthermore, S corporations cannot have more than 100 owners or issue more than one type of stock. 

 

While an LLC might be easier to set up, S corporations are the right choice for business owners who plan on getting outside capital or issuing stock in the future. In those cases, the best scenario is to form a C corporation and then make the S corporation tax election.

 

Sole Proprietorship

 

A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure. It’s inexpensive to run, has minimal mandatory reporting, and very simple tax reporting. It is ideal if only one person will be running the business. There is no double taxation on sole proprietorships, as all business net income is taxed as personal income. 

 

On the downside, sole proprietors are personally responsible for all business liabilities, meaning their assets might be seized to cover any business debts or legal claims. It’s also difficult to raise capital or get a business loan as a sole proprietor.  

 

Partnership

 

A partnership is any for-profit venture undertaken by two or more parties. Governments, nonprofit enterprises, businesses, or private individuals can enter a partnership. There are two types of partnerships: general and limited. 

 

In a general partnership, all parties share profits and financial liability equally between themselves. In limited partnerships, each party is held liable individually, meaning you won’t be held responsible for the malpractice of your business partner. Partnerships are a common business model for professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or architects.

 

If you are still unsure what type of corporation is right for your business, talk to your accountant and lawyer. They know the details of your business and may be able to advise what business model will benefit your particular business the most.

 

How FINSYNC Can Help

 

FINSYNC allows you to run your business on One Platform. You can send and receive payments, process payroll, automate accounting, and manage cash flow. To learn more about how we can help your business start, scale, and succeed, contact us today.

Whether you work alone, with business partners, or with trusted employees, a retirement plan can help you care for yourself and your team. A retirement plan can also offer tax breaks, attract employees, and help build personal wealth. 

 

How to Decide Which Plan to Pick

 

As a small business owner, you can choose between three types of retirement plans: 

 

• Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP IRA)

• Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA)

• Self-Employed 401(k) (SBO 401(k)) plan

 

All three plans have their own benefits. The plan that’s best suited for your business will depend on: 

 

• The number of employees you have

• If you currently work alone, and whether you plan to hire in the future

• Who will contribute to the plan (you, the employees, or both)

• How much you want to contribute

• How much time and money you can spend on setting up and maintaining the plan

 

If you already have employees, the Self-Employed 401(k) plan is not an option for your business as the plan does not include “common law” employees. The same applies if you have any future hiring plans. 

 

Let’s take a look at all three plans in greater detail. 

 

SEP IRA

 

This type of retirement plan is the only employer-sponsored plan of the three. You can choose this plan if you are: 

 

• Self-employed

• Small business with employees

• Sole proprietor

• Partnership

• Corporation

• S-corporation

 

The 2020 contribution limit for this plan is up to 25% of employee’s salary or $57,000 (whichever is less).

 

This limit is flexible, which means that you can change the contribution from year to year, depending on the financial situation of your business. This is a great opportunity for businesses that go through years of fluctuating income or for newly established companies. However, the percentage you choose to contribute to the plan cannot be different from what you contribute to your own retirement plan as a business owner. 

 

This type of retirement plan is free to set up and maintain. There is also no need to file a Form 5500. For each tax year, you have until April 15th of the following year to make the contribution. All SEP IRA contributions are tax-deductible. 

 

SIMPLE IRA

 

With the SIMPLE IRA, you, as a small business owner, can set up retirement plans both for your employees and yourself. The rules of who can open a SIMPLE IRA are a bit different than a SEP IRA. The following are eligible to open a SIMPLE IRA:

 

• Companies with less than 100 employees

• Sole proprietor

• Partnership

• Corporation

• S-corporation

 

The contribution limits are quite different compared to the SEP IRA. You can choose between:

 

• Option 1: You match up to 3% of your employees’ contributions. The 2020 contribution limit for employees is $13,500.

• Option 2: A 2% contribution of your employees’ salary regardless of whether they contribute or not. The maximum contribution for 2020 is $5,700.

 

The only difference between the options is whether you, as a business owner, will be required to contribute to the plan. If you choose option 1, you can lower the matching contribution percentage to 1%, but that’s only allowable for 2 out of 5 consecutive years.

 

In terms of cost and time management, SIMPLE IRAs have a plan fee and a participant fee. They don’t require you to file a Form 5500, but you must submit annual employee notifications. As a business owner, you can deduct your contributions to a SIMPLE IRA plan.

 

Self-Employed 401(k)

 

As stated earlier, this option is only available for small businesses with no “common law” employees. However, if you have business partners who have shares in the company, all of you can be covered by the plan. Spouses can be included in this plan as well. 

 

With a self-employed 401(k) plan, you and your business partner can contribute to the plan both as employees and employers. The contribution limits are the most generous of all plans:

 

• As an employee, you can make a salary-deferred contribution of up to $19,500 for 2020. If you are over 50, that limit is $26,000.

• The business can contribute up to 25% of your annual salary or $57,000 (whichever is lower). If you are over 50, that limit is $63,500.

 

If you and your business partner don’t have any plans to hire in the future, this is the best choice for your business. SBO 401(k) is simple to set up and has no maintenance cost. You must file a Form 5500 annually after the plan’s total contribution exceeds $250,000.

 

Both types of contributions to Self-Employed 401(k) are tax-deductible. If your business is not incorporated, you can deduct contributions for yourself from your personal income. If your business is incorporated, the contributions are considered a business expense.

 

Next Steps in Retirement Planning

 

Now that you’re familiar with your options, it’s time to start planning. Take some time to consider a few factors: 

 

• Are you planning on hiring in the future? 

• How important is it for you to contribute to your employees’ retirement? 

• How much do you, as a business owner, wish to save in retirement?

 

Answering these questions will help you decide which plan suits your business now and in the future.

 

How FINSYNC Can Help

 

FINSYNC allows you to run your business on One Platform. You can send and receive payments, process payroll, automate accounting, and manage cash flow. To learn more about how we can help your business start, scale, and succeed, contact us today.

One of the first realizations that strike entrepreneurs when they set out on their own is just how much multitasking is required to operate their small business day to day.  

 

You have to explore ways to grow your revenue, maintain existing customer relationships, and ensure you’re managing costs. All while staying on top of payments, invoicing, and myriad other key accounting tasks.  

 

That’s a tall order, especially when you’re running the show alone or with a handful of employees. Often, the technology businesses rely upon to help streamline their accounting tasks end up complicating matters. 

 

It can be time-consuming enough to learn how to navigate a typical bookkeeping program, never mind when you add on other software for making payments, managing payroll, and invoicing. Pretty soon, the time it takes to switch between multiple interfaces just to get a handle on whether you have enough cash flow to cover expenses at the end of the month begins to add up.

 

Even the most skilled multitaskers will be hard-pressed to keep up with that approach. Of course, there’s a far better option. Consolidating all of your financial accounts and simplifying cash flow management within a single software system. That’s what you get with FINSYNC’s financial platform.  

 

Centralizing control of your financial tasks within a single platform will optimize a large swath of your responsibilities. It will save you time and money. All while providing you with insights into how you can grow your business that would be far harder to come by with a decentralized accounting approach.  

 

One-Stop Accounts Management 

 

Streamlining financial tasks begins with consolidating your various accounts under one software platform. Once all your accounts are linked, essentially talking to each other, you can automate a variety of back-office tasks, including making payments, sending out and tracking invoices, and even processing payroll.   

 

This means you can quickly confirm whether a bill was paid or a customer received an invoice. A system like FINSYNC also automatically sends out invoices and email reminders to customers whenever their payment is past due.  

 

Every secure transaction, regardless of which bank or credit card account, is easily accessible. No more bouncing around from one application to the next and struggling to keep passwords straight.  

 

More importantly, the integration of your accounts makes it possible to set your bills to be paid automatically. This consolidated approach also generates an accurate electronic data trail of all your payouts and accounts receivable.  

 

Payroll is another area that can be greatly optimized by linking it to your other accounts within a platform like FINSYNC. An employee time-tracking feature can slash your processing time and minimize mistakes when calculating payroll.

 

A time-tracking application can also eliminate the data entry associated with physical methods of keeping tabs on employee work hours and ensures that your payroll is in compliance with employee tax withholding requirements.

 

This not only saves you time — and stress — it saves you money. Consider that FINSYNC customers, on average, save 30% on payroll alone.  Read more about the benefits of doing payroll processing from an integrative system.

 

A Consolidated, Comprehensive View  

 

Perhaps the most important benefit of combining all your back-office tasks under a single platform is that you gain a real-time, accurate view of your business’s financial condition. This enables you to optimize how you manage your cash flow. You can spot potential funding shortfalls well in advance.  

 

Need to make sure you have enough cash coming in to cover a big expense later in the quarter? FINSYNC enables you to set the time schedule for your customer invoices. This is so that you can allow enough time to increase the likelihood that revenue will be coming in on time to help cover your costs.  

 

Consolidating your accounts within FINSYNC’s platform also helps make it easier to keep your company in the black, with built-in time and expense monitoring and tools that can more accurately deliver project cost estimates. You can even track expenses and profitability on a task, phase, and project basis.  

 

More Payment Options

 

A platform like FINSYNC can also help you manage your cash flow by giving you the option of using credit cards to cover costs for goods or services even if the recipient doesn’t have a merchant account.  

 

The platform allows you to send and receive payments with full remittance details with an email address alone. That means you can send a payment using a credit card. Your customers or vendors won’t ever see your credit card details. If you use a credit card that offers cash back or other rewards, you’ll accrue rewards any time you send a payment using the card.  

 

The ability to use credit for all types of payments can come in handy, especially when you’re trying to preserve cash. 

 

How FINSYNC Can Help

 

FINSYNC allows you to run your business on One Platform. You can send and receive payments, process payroll, automate accounting, and manage cash flow. To learn more about how we can help your business start, scale, and succeed, contact us today.

Running a small business requires adaptability. Managing your finances and planning new product launches are important assignments. But if you have to turn down clients, prepare to launch a new product or location, or have a specific set of tasks that require a different set of skills than you have, you should consider hiring employees to grow your team.

 

Hiring is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses. Recruiting new team members is not just about filling a vacant spot; it is an investment in your company’s future. It requires careful planning, thoughtful decision-making, and a clear understanding of your business needs. 

 

However, the process can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating it for the first time. This article will walk you through the essential steps to hiring new employees ensuring you find the right fit for your team.

 

Recruiting Talent

 

Craft a Comprehensive Job Description

A precise and informative job description can save you time in the long run. Specify the essential skills, experiences, and qualifications for which you are looking. Describe the responsibilities, but also share the mission and vision of your business to attract those who align with your values. Compensation and benefits details, if competitive, can lure top candidates.

Use Multiple Avenues to Find Candidates

Platforms like Glassdoor, Monster, and especially LinkedIn can be invaluable. Your network—family, friends, and business associates—can also be a treasure trove of recommendations. A personal referral can sometimes lead to a better fit than an unknown candidate.

Attend Industry-Related Events

Trade shows, seminars, workshops, and job fairs are goldmines for networking and spotting talent. You can engage with potential candidates by setting up a booth or simply attending as a participant. This allows one to gauge their interest, expertise, and fit for your company in a more informal setting. Moreover, these events can give your business visibility among professionals in your industry, making them more likely to consider joining your team.

 

The Hiring Process

 

Begin by categorizing the received resumes into ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ and ‘maybe’ groups. Streamline this process by ensuring each candidate meets the essential qualifications, presents a polished resume free from glaring mistakes, and possesses the necessary soft skills.

 

Once your potential interviewees are shortlisted, design your interview strategy. Formulate questions that delve into the candidate’s mindset, problem-solving abilities, and possible fit within the role. 

 

Probe into scenarios where they have excelled or faced challenges. A question about managing a challenging customer scenario could be revealing for roles directly interacting with customers. 

 

Further, gauge their enthusiasm for your company by inquiring about their specific interest and how they envision their first few months. End the interview by inviting any questions they might have and discussing the subsequent stages in the hiring journey.

 

Upon identifying the perfect employee to hire, determine a suitable compensation package. Before formalizing the offer with a letter, acquaint yourself with your state’s labor regulations, ensuring your offer complies. 

 

Setting Up Payments, Benefits, and Systems

 

Hiring is just the first step. Integrating your new hire into your business system is next.

 

1. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN), essentially a business’s SSN. A state or local tax ID might be needed, depending on your location.

2. All employees must fill out and return a W-4 or 1099 form. Decide on your pay schedule, leave and vacation policies, and which benefits you will offer.

3. Have a process to administer payroll. Make sure your team’s hours are correct and reimbursement requests are getting paid.

4. Ensure the new employee is equipped with the necessary hardware, such as a computer, and has access to all the software and platforms they will use. Send out invites or set up permissions in advance so they can seamlessly transition into their role from day one.

 

Employee Retention

 

Prioritizing employee retention not only helps in saving resources and maintaining productivity. It also preserves the foundational culture and knowledge base of the organization. Investing in your employees is an investment in the success and growth of your business.

 

Here is how you can keep your staff motivated and loyal:

 

• Competitive Compensation: Stay updated with industry benchmarks and ensure your compensation packages align.

• Avoiding Burnout: Understand that continuous work without breaks can lead to employee burnout. Ensure mechanisms are in place to give employees adequate downtime, regular holidays, and vacations. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable taking time off without fearing falling behind.

• Guidance to the Next Level: Ensure your employees know the path forward. Provide them with clear guidelines on how to advance in their roles. This could involve training programs, mentorship, or even a clear list of milestones they need to achieve to move up in the company.

• Benefits Beyond Salary: While a competitive salary is essential, employees often appreciate additional perks such as health and wellness programs, childcare assistance, and other non-traditional benefits.

• Engagement Activities: Organize team-building events, workshops, and other activities to foster camaraderie and keep spirits high.

 

The Benefit of Contractors

 

When your business encounters peak seasons, contractors might be a valuable solution during these crucial times. By bringing them on board, you can effectively lighten the load on your current employees, allowing them to focus on higher-priority tasks and strategic initiatives.

 

Contractors usually bring specialized expertise tailored for specific projects or temporary needs. Their proficiency often means they require minimal training, making their integration seamless. Furthermore, opting for contractors provides flexibility; you get the necessary skills without committing to long-term benefits or contractual obligations.

 

Wrapping Up

 

Every small business has its own growth trajectory. As you consider expanding your team, it is vital to pinpoint what your business requires explicitly. Whether adding permanent team members or bringing in specialized contractors, being strategic in your hiring decisions is crucial. By making well-informed choices, you set the foundation for lasting success and continuous growth in your business.

 

How FINSYNC Can Help

 

FINSYNC allows you to run your business on One Platform. You can send and receive payments, process payroll, automate accounting, and manage cash flow. To learn more about how we can help your business start, scale, and succeed, contact us today.

Few small businesses get going, much less succeed, without hard work, tenacity, and tolerance for risk. Having a good idea for delivering a product or service better than the competition doesn’t hurt, either. None of those attributes matter much, however, if your business is chronically low on cash. 

 

This is the reality for many small businesses; it can be their undoing. Nearly a third of small businesses fail because they run out of money, according to an analysis by business intelligence company CB Insights.  

 

Of course, there is no shortage of ways businesses can end up in dire financial straits. Sometimes, the economy hits a downturn, and projected sales dry up. Or there’s a problem with a key supplier that spoils what would have been a big payday.  

 

Even so, forward-thinking entrepreneurs know there are ways to put their business on the best footing to ride out the inevitable swings.

 

All too often, the source of small business cash flow problems is within your control. Have you set up your accounts payable and accounts receivable to maximize your cash flow? Are you able to accurately forecast your cash needs six months or a year from now?  

 

Are you certain you’re doing all you can to ensure your company can withstand a big, unexpected, and unavoidable expense? 

 

Here are three common reasons small businesses run out of cash — and what you can do to avoid a similar fate.  

 

Badly Timed Invoicing  

 

One of the first places to eliminate potential cash flow issues is in your business’s own back-office operations. This is where poor planning in how you set up your billing and other accounting practices can have costly ripple effects months or even years down the road.  

 

One big red flag is when businesses fail to coordinate their accounts payable and accounts receivable. This comes down to sending out invoices to your customers on a deliberate schedule that takes into account when you will need to meet your most pressing cash needs, like covering payroll, paying your bills, or other key expenses.  

 

This isn’t likely to work well if you’re still sending out invoices by mail. Even sending email invoices can be hit-or-miss if you opt to do it yourself or rely on an employee. There’s always going to be some distraction that ends up delaying when those invoices go out. And why risk that when there’s technology you can use to ensure it gets done on time, every time?  

 

FINSYNC allows users to automate bill payments and invoicing, along with payroll processing and other back-office tasks. Sending out invoices automatically increases the likelihood that you’ll be paid sooner. This reduces the possibility that you’ll come up short on funds to cover your business expenses.  

 

Lack of Foresight  

 

A big part of managing cash flow is having good insight into what it will take to financially navigate through the predictable ups and downs of your business cycle.

 

For example, retailers need to ensure they have the funding to place orders for goods in the spring so that they have fully stocked shelves in time for back-to-school sales in the fall. Also, they can hire more workers for the holiday shopping season in November and December.  

 

Your business has its own seasonal patterns when demand — and the potential for more revenue — is perhaps strongest. And conversely, when sales are likely to slow. By syncing up all your financial accounts, FINSYNC can help you better manage how you plan for these cash flow swings.

 

FINSYNC’s accounting and cash flow management platform provides you with an accurate, comprehensive view of your company’s finances, making it easy to get quick answers to questions such as which bills are coming up, the status of accounts receivable, and where you stand on covering payroll.  

 

This data is key to forecasting your cash flow needs. That way, you can take steps to avoid any funding problems well in advance. Features like built-in time and expense monitoring and employee time tracking can also make it easier for you to manage your cash flow.  

 

Things Outside Your Control

 

Sometimes, things happen that are well beyond your control in business. All you can do is hope that you’ve done enough to ride out the turbulence. This is what many businesses had to do more than a decade ago, when a booming economy, housing, and stock market skidded, triggering the biggest economic slump since the Great Depression.  

 

Many businesses didn’t make it, especially as the credit markets dried up. Those who survived learned that certain strategies can help. For example, building up cash reserves to cushion against times when sales slow. Lining up capital before you need it can be key, especially during a severe economic downturn that could lead to banks pulling back on lending. 

 

Even if you’ve been turned down in the past for a business loan from a traditional bank, there are more options than ever for small businesses to obtain the financing they need.  

 

The pullback in traditional lending after the 2008 financial crisis helped give rise to online lending companies that use technology to speed up the loan application process and broaden how they gauge a borrower’s creditworthiness, including looking beyond a business’ collateral. That’s led alternative lenders to become a key source of financing for small businesses in recent years.  

 

FINSYNC’s Network matches applications from small businesses with a variety of lenders in a matter of minutes, making it easy for you to choose who has the best option for your business.  

 

Finding other ways to extend your cash flow is also a good strategy when funding needs increase suddenly. FINSYNC Card Processing will allow you to use your credit cards to cover costs that you would normally only be able to pay with cash, such as your rent, freeing up your cash for other needs.  

 

While there are many trajectories for growth, successful business owners know investing in sound financial management will help get them there faster. No matter the challenges along the way.

 

How FINSYNC Can Help

 

FINSYNC allows you to run your business on One Platform. You can send and receive payments, process payroll, automate accounting, and manage cash flow. To learn more about how we can help your business start, scale, and succeed, contact us today.