For many entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized business owners financial management is one of the most challenging aspects of running their business. For some it makes sense to hire knowledgeable staff to manage financial processes internally; for others, contract services make more sense. So what are the different financial roles and services available, and what can they do for your business? I’d like to help define three roles—Bookkeeper, Controller, and Chief Financial Officer—and talk a bit about the different ways these roles can support your company’s overall growth, health, and wellbeing.

Your bookkeeper keeps you organized by entering all the data of your daily transactions into your database. She tracks all your invoices and receipts, cuts checks for you, bills your customers, reconciles your bank accounts, and does your payroll, all with a smile!

The controller manages the workflow of the finance department, keeping up on all cash flow needs, and helping to set up efficient financial systems. She creates tools for analyzing when you might have a shortfall, and advises you when you need to take advantage of a line of credit. She makes sure the accounts receivable are done in a timely manner and the bills don’t get paid too early.  Your controller will be your liaison to banks, tax agencies, and your Certified Public Accountant. Sometimes some of these tasks are blurred in smaller organizations.

Many small to mid-sized businesses don’t have a Chief Financial Officer; they feel the CFO role is too expensive, and why would a small to mid-sized business even need one? The CFO is there to help you with planning, projecting, measuring and tracking the financial and operational progress of your company. The CFO role creates complex financial projections that can aid in high-level strategic decision-making, and is an active player in the strategic management of the business. She allows you to focus on what you do best, and brings to your attention what you might not otherwise see in your numbers. In short, a CFO helps grow your business.

 Even if a full-time CFO seems out of reach for your business, having someone in that role who helps you see strategic possibilities in your numbers will give you an extra edge. In this situation you might consider hiring a contract CFO—someone who gets to know your business, but serves in the CFO role for a limited number of hours per week, per month, or per quarter.

Clarity can support you in building your team, whether through providing referrals to trusted contractors, providing oversight to your in-house staff, or helping you make sense of the numbers in a way that allows you to take your business to the next level ; we are your partner in designing financial health. Want to learn more? Contact us!