Apps Archives - BUSY01 and First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray

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How to use forecasts and scenario-planning

How to use forecasts and scenario-planning

How to use forecasts and scenario-planning

For centuries, accounting was all about reviewing historic information – but that only told you about the past, not what was going to happen in the future.

If you’re only looking back at past periods and historic numbers, that limits the insights you can achieve into your business. With a backward-looking ideology, it becomes difficult to plan, run through different scenarios or understand the path of the business.

Forecasting changes this. With the right data analysis and forecasting tools, you can project sales, cash, revenue and profits into the future – and get in control of your business.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we understand that your business is dynamic, constantly evolving, and influenced by countless factors. We specialise in implementing forecasting apps, such as Futrli, that allow you to see beyond the numbers and into the future of your business. 

Our bookkeeping and app implementation expertise helps ensure that you’re using up-to-date, accurate data when forecasting, giving you confidence in the decisions you make.

A forward-looking view of your business journey

Forecasting switches the focus of your financial management. By moving to a forward-looking view of your business journey, you can see further down the road – and that helps to spot the opportunities and avoid the common business pitfalls.

By collaborating closely with you, our team at First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray can implement Futurli, or alternative forecasting apps to help you analyse trends, identify patterns, and anticipate challenges ahead of time. Our goal is to provide you with a clearer picture of what’s coming, so you can focus on making strategic decisions to grow your business. Whether it's sales, cash flow, or profit forecasting, our team is here to help you take charge of the future.

Forecasting adds value by:

Highlighting the data patterns

A forecasting tool takes your historic data and projects it forward in time. This helps you and your advisers to spot the patterns, trends, gaps and opportunities, revealing the true ‘story’ behind your business accounts. For example, forecasting may reveal a predicted seasonal slump in the next quarter, allowing you to plan ahead and proactively take action to minimise any negative impact.

Giving you a future view of your business

Instinctively, business owners will look back at prior periods to assess performance. There’s value to reviewing your historic actuals, of course, but using forecasting helps you to look forward, rather than just backwards. Forecasting is the satnav, showing you the road ahead, rather than the rear-view mirror showing you the road you’ve already travelled.

At First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray we make it easy to access this future view by integrating apps that generate future financial projections with just a few clicks.  This gives you a clear understanding of what’s next for your business, enabling you to allocate resources more effectively, plan for growth, and avoid potential pitfalls. 

Helping you scenario-plan

With a financial model of your key drivers, combined with accurate forecasting, you can quick answer your burning ‘What if…?’ questions.

Forecasting lets you run different scenarios, with different drivers, to see how business decisions may pan out over time. If option B performs better than option A, that’s invaluable information when defining your next strategic move.

Making informed, evidence-based decisions

Having ‘the full picture’ of combined historic numbers, forecasts and longer-term projections aides your business decision-making. Forecasting gives you solid evidence on which to base your strategy, and helps to red flag any threats that are looming on the horizon – giving you the best possible information to keep your executive team informed and on the ball.

We believe in making decisions based on evidence, not guesswork. That’s why implementing the appropriate apps can provide you with the data you need to inform your strategies. We ensure that your forecasts are based on accurate, up-to-date financial information, helping you make better decisions. Whether it's managing cash flow or planning for future growth, we give you the tools to act with confidence.

A deeper relationship with your accountant

Forecasting also helps us to get a far more granular view of your business. This helps to spot potential areas of performance improvement, and to give you the best possible strategic advice, all backed up by solid, empirical data and management information.

Take Control of Your Future with Forecasting

If you want to get in control of the destiny of your company, come and talk to us. Forecasting helps you highlight your future threats and opportunities – and create a proactive strategy to improve the performance of your business.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we not only manage your bookkeeping but also help you implement powerful forecasting tools like Futrli. By connecting this app with your Xero platform, we can give you clear insights into what lies ahead. 

Our goal is to help you plan for the future, whether that involves managing cash flow, preparing for growth, or navigating uncertain markets. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, manage cash flow more effectively, or simply get a better sense of what’s coming, we provide the tools and insights you need to succeed.

Talk to us today to learn more about how forecasting can benefit your business and set you on the path to future success.

Keeping your tax and expenses in check when you are self-employed

Keeping your tax and expenses in check

Keeping your tax and expenses in check when you are self-employed

Running your own business means juggling multiple roles—building relationships, managing time, marketing your services, and, of course, delivering the work. 

However, one critical aspect that shouldn't be overlooked is how you keep your tax  and expenses in check when you are self-employed. 

Establishing good financial habits from the start will set the foundation for your business’s long-term success. Below, we'll explore key steps to keep your tax and expenses in check, ensuring that you’re on solid ground, especially when the tax season rolls around.

Understand Your Deductions

Knowing what you can and can’t claim as business expenses is crucial. 

Every industry has different rules, and what might be deductible for one business may not apply to another. 

For instance, if you work from home, you might be able to claim a portion of your home office expenses, such as utilities and internet, but there are specific criteria that must be met. On the other hand, if your business requires travel, those expenses may also be deductible, but only if they are directly related to your work.

It’s easy to miss out on legitimate deductions if you’re not fully aware of what’s available to you. This is where professional advice comes into play. By consulting with us early, you’ll be better prepared to track the right expenses and keep the necessary documentation. 

Additionally, understanding deductions isn’t just about saving on your tax bill; it’s about planning. Knowing what you can claim allows you to budget more effectively and reinvest savings back into your business, helping it grow. 

Regularly reviewing your expenses with a professional ensures that you are not missing out on opportunities to save and that your financial records are in order when tax time arrives.

Get a System Sorted

One of the smartest moves you can make as a business owner is to set up a robust system for tracking your finances. This includes recording expenses, managing invoices, and keeping tabs on your income. A well-organised financial system saves time, reduces stress, and gives you a clear picture of your business’s financial health.

There are several software options available today that cater to small business needs, many of which are cloud-based, allowing you to access your financial data from anywhere. 

These tools not only track expenses but can also integrate with your bank accounts, helping you automate tasks like invoice generation and expense categorisation. Some platforms even offer time-tracking features, which is particularly useful if you bill clients by the hour.

By staying on top of your finances daily or weekly, you avoid the year-end rush to get everything in order. It also reduces the chances of errors and missed deductions, which can be costly. More importantly, having a reliable system in place gives you peace of mind, knowing that your finances are well-managed, and allows you to focus on growing your business rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.

Another benefit of using a comprehensive system is the ability to generate reports that can offer insights into your business’s performance. These reports can help you identify trends, such as seasonal fluctuations in income or areas where you might be overspending. Armed with this information, you can make strategic decisions to optimise your business operations.

Stash That Cash

One of the most common pitfalls for self-employed people is not setting aside enough money for tax obligations. Unlike traditional employees, you don’t have an employer withholding tax from your paycheck, so it’s up to you to ensure that you’re saving enough to cover your tax liabilities.

A practical approach is to set up a separate savings account dedicated solely to your tax payments. Regularly transfer a percentage of your revenue into this account, treating it as non-negotiable. This way, when your tax bill is due, you won’t be scrambling to find the funds. 

In addition to tax, don’t forget about superannuation contributions. As a self-employed person, you need to manage your superannuation savings, ensuring you’re putting enough away for retirement. Superannuation contributions can also be tax-deductible, so it’s worth discussing with your accountant how best to incorporate this into your financial plan.

Budgeting for quieter periods is another important aspect. Unlike salaried employees, your income might fluctuate throughout the year, so having a financial buffer can help you navigate through slower months without compromising your financial stability. This buffer can also cover unexpected expenses, such as equipment repairs or last-minute business opportunities that require upfront investment.

Lastly, consider the advantages of paying yourself a regular wage. This not only simplifies your budgeting process but also helps keep your business and personal finances separate, preventing you from dipping into business funds for personal expenses. 

Keeping your accounts distinct allows for clearer financial planning and makes it easier to identify areas where you might need to cut back or where you can afford to invest more.

Taking the Headache Out of Your Finances

Managing your finances doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By setting up a reliable system, understanding your deductions, and planning for your tax obligations, you can stay on top of your business’s financial health and avoid the last-minute scramble when tax time arrives. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reach out to us. We can help you establish good financial habits from the beginning. 

Proper financial management is not just about keeping your tax  and expenses in check when you are self-employed and staying compliant; it’s about positioning your business for sustainable growth and success. Let us help you take control of your finances so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.

Talk to us about setting up a system that takes the headache out of your finances. We can help make the process easier.

Successful App Migration

Successful App Migration – A Case Study

Successful App Migration - A Case Study

How ENZED Albury Transitioned from Fishbowl to CIN7 with First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray.

Having the right applications (apps) implemented in your business can significantly enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall operational success. 

Cloud-based apps, in particular, offer unparalleled accessibility and real-time data management, making them invaluable tools. 

Migrating to a more advanced app can address existing system pain points and streamline processes, allowing businesses to operate more smoothly and effectively. 

ENZED Albury recognised these benefits and embarked on a journey to transition their inventory management system from Fishbowl to CIN7, leveraging the expertise of First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray to ensure a seamless migration.

On July 1, ENZED Albury successfully migrated their inventory management system. While the 'go live' date was crucial, the preparation and planning that preceded this transition were key to its success.

Why Move from Fishbowl to CIN7?

ENZED Albury's decision to migrate to CIN7 was driven by the need for a cloud-based solution that could support both their retail store and mobile Hose Doctors. The main advantages of CIN7 included:

  • Anywhere, Anytime Access: This allows staff to review inventory and complete customer invoicing from any location.
  • Seamless Payment Methods: Onsite payments are now more straightforward and efficient.

How First Class Accounts Supported ENZED Albury

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray played a significant role in ensuring the success of this app migration. Here's how we supported ENZED Albury:

Understanding Pain Points with Fishbowl

We began by identifying the issues with Fishbowl, understanding what wasn't working, and pinpointing areas for improvement. This was essential to ensure that CIN7 would address all of ENZED's needs.

Scoping the Requirements of the New System

We worked closely with ENZED Albury to outline the requirements for their new inventory management system. Key requirements included:

  • Multiple Warehouse Locations: The ability to manage inventory across different locations.
  • Bill of Materials for Assembled Products and Kits: This was crucial for their product management.
  • Integration with Their Barcoding System: Ensuring smooth and efficient inventory tracking.
  • Easy Access for Hose Doctors: Allowing mobile staff to access the system effortlessly.
  • Integration with Xero: Seamless integration with their existing accounting software.

Data Import from Fishbowl to CIN7

We handled the import of all data from Fishbowl to CIN7, ensuring that real-time stock quantities were transferred accurately by June 30.

Training and Support

To ensure a smooth transition, we provided comprehensive training for key staff before the migration. Additionally, we offered support to all staff during the first week of operating with CIN7, addressing any issues and ensuring everyone was comfortable with the new system.

Development of Custom Reports

We developed specific reports to meet ENZED Albury's needs, such as:

  • Hose Doctor Commission Calculations: Ensuring accurate and timely commission payments.
  • Franchise Reporting Requirements: Meeting all reporting needs for franchise operations.

More Than Just Bookkeeping

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we pride ourselves on offering more than just bookkeeping services. Our mission is to provide comprehensive solutions, including selecting and implementing addon apps that enhance business operations. The successful migration of ENZED Albury to CIN7 is a testament to our commitment to supporting our clients through significant changes.

The Importance of App Migration

App migration, particularly for inventory management systems, can transform the way a business operates. By moving to a cloud-based system like CIN7, businesses can enjoy greater flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy. The benefits of such a transition include:

  • Improved Accessibility: Staff can access the system from anywhere, at any time.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined processes and seamless integrations reduce manual work and errors.
  • Better Data Management: Real-time data updates ensure that inventory levels are always accurate.

Could Your Business Benefit from an App Migration?

If you know a business struggling with its current systems or looking to upgrade to a more efficient solution, we can help. Our experience with ENZED Albury's migration to CIN7 shows how a successful app migration can significantly improve business operations.

Get in touch with First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray to discuss how we can support your business in achieving a successful app migration. Whether it's inventory management, accounting software, or other business applications, we are here to help you transition seamlessly and efficiently.

Supercharge Your Business with these ten tips

Supercharge your business

Supercharge Your Business: Proven Strategies for Success

Maintaining momentum and driving growth can be challenging. However, with the right strategies in place, you can supercharge your business and achieve remarkable results. 

Here are ten practical tips to help you navigate each business quarter with purpose, vision, and the courage to elevate your business to new heights.

1. Use Technology

Embrace technology to streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication, and improve reporting and accountability. Utilise the best apps to reduce paperwork and automate processes where possible.

Research and implement software solutions that cater to your specific business needs, such as project management tools, CRM systems, and accounting software. Stay updated with technological advancements and continually seek ways to integrate them into your operations.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray and Busy01 Consulting, we can help your business by integrating the most effective apps tailored to your needs. 

2. Eliminate Distractions

Time is the most precious resource for any business. Many owners find themselves bogged down by distractions and focusing on non-essential tasks. To combat this, be decisive. Reduce standard meeting times, cut down on unnecessary administrative tasks, and delegate whenever possible. By doing so, you'll create more time to focus on what truly matters.

Implementing productivity tools like time-tracking apps can help you identify and eliminate time-wasting activities. Additionally, consider setting specific times for checking emails and notifications to avoid constant interruptions. Creating a daily or weekly priority list can also keep you on track and ensure that you're focusing on high-impact tasks.

3. Say Goodbye to Bad Customers

Some customers may drain your resources without providing significant value in return. If feasible, identify and phase out ten time-wasters, late payers, or troublesome clients. This will not only relieve stress but also allow you to allocate your resources more effectively.

Conduct a customer analysis to identify which clients are profitable and which ones are not. Use metrics such as customer lifetime value (CLV) and customer acquisition cost (CAC) to make informed decisions. By focusing on high-value customers, you can improve your overall profitability and customer satisfaction.

4. Invest More

With the time and mental space gained from the first two steps, allocate resources—time, key personnel, and money—toward strategic initiatives. Passionately redeploy these resources to drive significant improvements in your business.

Consider investing in employee training and development programs to enhance their skills and productivity. Explore opportunities for upgrading your equipment or expanding your product line to meet market demands. These investments can lead to long-term growth and a competitive edge.

5. Get a Plan

Operating without a plan is like embarking on a journey without a map. Develop a robust planning process, create a comprehensive business plan, and ensure its execution.

Include measurable goals and timelines in your plan to track progress effectively. Regularly review and adjust your plan based on market changes and business performance. Incorporate contingency plans to address potential risks and uncertainties.

6. Reconfigure

Don’t let unmotivated or incompatible employees hold you back. If someone isn't a good fit, consider parting ways to free up their future and make room for someone who aligns better with your business goals.

Implement regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to help employees improve. Offer opportunities for skill development and career advancement to retain top talent. A positive and motivated team can significantly impact your business success.

7. Value Add

Avoid stagnation by focusing on activities that add value. Aim to make a meaningful impact through your work, ensuring that it brings real value and significance to your clients.

Engage with your customers to understand their needs and preferences. Develop new products or services that address their pain points and exceed their expectations. Consistently delivering value can lead to increased customer loyalty and referrals.

8. Be Different

Stand out from the competition by positioning yourself as unique. Attract ambitious, growing, and engaged clients and employees by breaking the mould.

Identify your unique selling propositions (USPs) and highlight them in your marketing efforts. Foster a culture of innovation and encourage your team to think creatively. Differentiate yourself through exceptional customer service and a strong brand identity.

9. Deploy Marketing

Develop a straightforward marketing plan to enhance your reach and market penetration. Dedicate a percentage of your revenue to marketing efforts and ensure online engagement is a core component.

Leverage digital marketing strategies such as SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns to reach a broader audience. Monitor and analyse your marketing performance to identify areas for improvement and maximise your return on investment.

10. Ask for Referrals

Actively seek out referral relationships to attract high-quality customers. Networking and word-of-mouth can be powerful tools in driving business growth.

Establish a referral program that rewards customers for referring new clients. Build strong relationships with complementary businesses and explore partnership opportunities. Regularly request feedback from your clients to ensure their satisfaction and encourage referrals.

Supercharge your business

By implementing these ten tips, you can supercharge your business and achieve sustainable growth. Stay focused, be proactive, and continuously seek ways to improve and innovate.

Ready to take your business to the next level? 

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we provide tailored bookkeeping, payroll and advisory services to help you implement these strategies effectively. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to success and supercharge your business!

Cloud accounting

Digging deeper into cloud accounting

Digging deeper into cloud accounting

If you’re managing a small business, the chances are that you’re using one of the current crop of cloud accounting platforms. Whether your chosen software is Xero, QuickBooks or MYOB, these online accounting tools are now the standard for business accounting.

But are you exploring the full benefits of your cloud system?

The basic benefits of running your finances in the cloud

Not so long ago, business owners were reliant on paper ledgers and manual accounts to understand their financial performance and cashflow position. Thankfully, accounting technology has moved on in leaps and bounds in the past two decades.

The average business owner will almost certainly be using some form of cloud accounting to manage their finances. And the advantages of the cloud don’t just lie in the convenience and easy access of being able to do your bookkeeping in the online space.

Whatever cloud platform you’re using, you get:

A simple, straightforward way to record all your transactions

Every sale, purchase and expense is recorded in your cloud accounting software, with some of this record-keeping process even happening automatically, using tools like Dext Prepare.

A real-time view of your finances

Instead of your accounts being weeks, or even months out of date (as in previous decades), you now have an almost instantaneous view of your profit and loss (P&L), cashflow position and expenses.

An easy way to collaborate with your advisers

It couldn’t be easier to invite your bookkeeper, accountant, tax adviser or business coach into your accounts. In the cloud, you can all access the same numbers and have one point of truth for all your financial metrics.

Going beyond the basics of your cloud accounting platform

Managing your bookkeeping and accounts with cloud accounting software gets the job done. But the reality is that you could be doing so much more besides. If you’re just using your cloud accounting to do the accounts, you may just be scratching the surface of the potential value.

Here are just a few of the deeper benefits:

A growing ecosystem of add-on apps

Most of the big players in the accounting space have sizable app stores, where you can choose from hundreds of different ‘add-on apps’ and integrations. These apps add different functionality to your basic accounting system, allowing you to add automated bookkeeping like Auto Entry, debtor chasing with Chaser or an expenses management app like Expensify.

Extensive forecasting and scenario-planning

There are plenty of sophisticated forecasting tools that integrate with your cloud accounting. Tools like Spotlight Reporting, Float, and Fathom all allow you to extrapolate your cash numbers forward in time. And because these forecasts and projections are based on your own historic and real-time data, you can be sure that they’re based on solid information that’s a sound basis for your future planning, cash management and business decision-making.

Job management and industry specific apps

A helping hand with your operations and project management is always going to be welcome. Most app stores will have a wide selection of industry specific apps, that help you manage the operations in your specific business sector. This might be Tradify for tradies and contractors, Re-Leased for property managers, or Dentally for dental practices.

A fully integrated tech stack to manage your whole business

By picking and choosing the most helpful and relevant apps from your platform’s ecosystem, you can quickly build up an entire tech stack that becomes the operational heart of your business.

Whatever your industry, you can create a bespoke business system that does far more than just keeping your bookkeeping in check. With an evolving tech stack, you’re ready to streamline and automate each process and operation, so you end up with a lithe and agile business that’s ready to scale as your business prospers.

Talk to us about maximising your business tech stack

Getting your accounts and compliance done and dusted in the cloud is a great start. But we’d advise digging a little deeper into your cloud accounting platform to really get the best value.

We’ll help you find the most useful apps to add to your tech stack. We’ll also help you get integrated, automated and connected – putting you in complete control of your business.

Get in touch today.

Keeping debt low through proactive credit control

Keeping debt low

Keeping debt low through proactive credit control. 

Having a large amount of debt in your business is bad for cashflow, weakens your overall financial health and brings down your credit score as a business.

So when customers don’t pay on time, that ‘aged debt’ is bad news for your finances. Aged debt can begin to stack up, adding to your liabilities and reducing the health of your overall balance sheet.

The good news is that there are ways to tackle late payment head-on.

Get effective with your credit control

Being proactive with your credit control procedures and debt management helps you speed up payment, reduce your debtor days and rein in your overall debt as a business

To improve the efficiency of your credit control, these strategies help speed up payment processes, reduce debtor days, and maintain a healthier financial status for your business.

Make your payment terms clear

The foundation of effective credit control is clear communication about payment terms. Ensure that your payment conditions are explicitly stated on all invoices. Additionally, incorporate a detailed credit control policy into the terms and conditions your customers agree to. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and sets clear expectations from the start.

Run regular debtor reports

Regular reviews of your debtor situation are vital. Run frequent reports to identify which invoices are overdue and which customers are consistently late in payments. Understanding the pattern of late payments allows you to prioritise debt collection efforts effectively.

Be proactive in chasing late payment

Being passive about debt collection is a common pitfall, however it's important to not be shy about asking a customer to pay their bill. Adopt a proactive approach by regularly contacting customers with overdue payments. Set up reminders for yourself to chase late payments, ensuring you are persistent but respectful in your communication.

Automate your credit control tasks 

Technology can significantly streamline your credit control processes. Many cloud accounting platforms offer built-in tools or integrations specifically designed for automated credit control. These systems can automatically send reminders to customers as soon as an invoice becomes overdue, reducing the manual effort required and ensuring timely follow-ups.

Leveraging technology for better credit control

The use of technology in managing credit control cannot be overstated. Automated systems not only save time but also reduce the chance of errors and omissions that can occur with manual processes. These tools ensure that all customers receive consistent communication and that no overdue invoice slips through the cracks.

If late payment and aged debt is weighing heavily on your balance sheet, we’ll help you implement the appropriate apps that support the automated systems, debtor reports and credit control processes needed to reduce debt.

Get in touch to improve your credit control.

Save time and money

7 ways to save time and money in your business


7 ways to save time and money in your business

We all know that time is money. And the quest to find balance between quality and speed can often feel like a never-ending battle.

With this in mind, the emphasis on strategies to save time and money has never been more critical. The good news is, technology offers a variety of solutions designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity.

Below, are 7 ways to help your business save time and money. These insights are not just theoretical; they're actionable strategies that have proven effective across various sectors.

How can technology help?

Here are 7 ways to save time (and money) in your business.

1. Automate your invoicing

While invoicing is a vital part of running your business, it can take up a significant amount of your time. Using a digital/cloud accounting system to extract data from supplier emails and auto-populate your invoices can save hours each week. You can also use cloud accounting systems to set up recurring invoices and timely payment reminders, saving your more time.

2. Simplify your expense claims

If you have a manual expense claims process, implementing a digital automated process means your team will save time submitting receipts, approving expenses and dealing with any mistakes.

3. Reduce human error

It’s well known that manual data entry brings a high risk of error. You can eliminate this risk by automating key manual data entry tasks. And that allows you to spend more time on data analysis so you can make better decisions.

4. Automate approvals

Streamlining your bank reconciliation with an automated platform means you don’t waste time manually approving individual transactions.

5. Up to date payroll

Keep staff details up to date and calculate tax contributions within your accounting software. You’ll save significant chunks of time and you’ll avoid mistakes.

6. Accurate information for tax

Instead of Excel spreadsheets, receipts and physical documents, by using cloud accounting software. the information needed for your accountant to complete your tax is accessible through your software.

7. Better access to business data

With smart software and cloud based apps and add-ons, you get accurate business data wherever and whenever you need it. No more going back to the office to check a number, getting back to clients with final details, or reworking quotes because the numbers were wrong.

Harness the power of technology

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray and Busy01 Consulting, we specialise in implementing smart, effective apps and solutions that save time and money. Whether you're looking to automate your invoicing, streamline your expense claims, or gain better access to business data, our team is here to guide you through the process. 

So, if you want to save time(and money) in your business talk to us about setting you up with the right systems.

Review your expenses and save yourself money

Review your expenses and save yourself money

Review your expenses - and save yourself money


Running a business will always mean incurring certain expenses or 'spend'.

Whether you’re a large family business or a small fledgling startup, there will be costs, overheads and supplier bills that mount up – and these expenses will gradually chip away at your cash position, making it more difficult to grow and make a profit.

So, what can you do to reduce your spend levels? And what impact will this have on your overall margins, profits and ability to fund the next stage in your business journey?

Getting proactive with your spend management

Spend management is all about getting in control of your expenses – and, where possible, aiming to reduce the level of costs and overheads that you incur as a company.

Why does this matter? 

Well, excessive spending eats into your cash flow, reduces your profit margins and stops you from achieving the profits that you’re capable of as a business.

So if you can get proactive with your spend management, you can actually make your company a far more financially productive enterprise – and that’s great for your overall business health.

So, what can you do to reduce spend and slim down your company expenses?

Here are some key ways to reduce expenses:

Reduce your overheads

Your overheads are the unavoidable costs of running your business, producing your products or supplying your services.

If you have bricks and mortar premises, these overheads will include rental payments, utility bills and even the cost of paying your staff.

Drill down into the numbers and see where there are opportunities to reduce these overhead costs. That could mean moving to smaller premises, or reducing the size of your workforce, to reduce payroll expenditure.

Put limits on staff expenses

If your employees can claim expenses, or buy raw materials and equipment with the company’s money, these costs can soon start to rack up. It’s a good idea to put a spending limit in place, so each staff member can only spend up to an agreed amount.

Having a clear expenses policy helps, as will training up your staff in good spend management techniques. Expenses cards – such as WebexpensesSoldo or Pleo – allow you to quickly set spend limits, track expenses and pull your expenses data through to your cloud accounting platform for processing.

Look for cheaper suppliers

If you can reduce your supplier costs, this will go a long way to bringing down your overall spend.

If you’ve been with certain key suppliers for years, look around for new quotes, look at current market prices and see if you can negotiate better deals. And if your old suppliers aren’t flexible enough, try swapping to newer, more eager suppliers who will be willing to meet you in the middle on price.

Make your operations leaner

The bigger your operational costs are, the less margin you’ll make on your end products and services.

One way to resolve this is to aim for a ‘lean approach’, paring back your staff, resources and operational complexity to the bare minimum.

By making the business as lean as possible, whilst still delivering the same output, you keep your revenue stable, but reduce the spend level that’s eating into your cost of goods sold (COGS). The smaller your COGS, the more profit you make on each unit or sale – and that means better cash flow, more working capital and bigger profits.

Talk to us about improving your spend management

If you’d like to get in control of your expenses, we’d love to chat.

We’ll review your current costs, run forecasting, and help highlight the key areas where expenses can be cut. Then we’ll help you formulate a proactive spend management programme, to reduce your unnecessary spending.

Data regulation and ticking the right compliance boxes

Data regulation and ticking the right compliance boxes

Data regulation and ticking the right compliance boxes

Your business faces an increasingly complex regulatory landscape when it comes to data privacy, consumer protection and industry-specific compliance requirements.

Keeping on top of these compliance requirements is a complex task. Failing to meet your requirements can have serious implications, with non-compliance (whether intentional or accidental) resulting in legal repercussions and possible reputational damage for the company.

Taking excellent care of your customer data

We live in a digital world, where your organisation collects huge amounts of data from your customers. This includes contact details, financial information, credit card details and detailed breakdowns of their spending habits and buying preferences.

In an effort to protect this data and preserve customer privacy, there are various data regulations that you must comply with.

A sample of these global data privacy laws include:

Depending on your organisation's home territory, and where you trade, there may well be international, national and local data regulations to comply with. That’s a lot to get your head around, especially if you’re new to business and not familiar with the legal framework.

So, what can you do to make your compliance journey simpler and as effective as possible?

Here are five simple steps to enhance your compliance:

Work closely with legal advisers

Navigating compliance can be complex without legal expertise. Consulting legal professionals provides clarity on specific obligations relevant to your industry and region. They can guide you through the intricacies of laws such as GDPR, ensuring you understand how these regulations affect your business operations.

Run regular compliance audits

It’s important to conduct regular risk assessments of your in-house data compliance. These audits help your organisation stay in line with all relevant regulations and industry standards. They also keep you abreast of any changes in compliance laws. By regularly reviewing your processes, you can identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate them before they become issues.

Protect your customer data

Your customers expect you to take good care of their data, both personal and financial. Secure your customer and business data through end-to-end encryption and use of the best data privacy practices. Implementing robust security measures like end-to-end encryption and following best data privacy practices is crucial. This involves more than just securing data against external threats; it also includes internal policies to prevent data misuse.

Deliver regular training and keep your employees up to speed

Your team needs to know the latest rules around compliance and what’s required of them. This means running frequent compliance training, so there’s a culture of compliance awareness. By keeping your employees updated, you minimise the risk of inadvertent non-compliance and empower your staff to handle data responsibly.

Use the latest data storage solutions

With so much customer data being generated, it’s important to use up-to-date documentation management and data storage software. These solutions keep your records and data secure, organised, and readily accessible. They also facilitate compliance by ensuring data is stored and managed according to legal requirements.

A team effort

Getting a grip on data compliance is a team effort. It’s important to work with legal, IT and data security professionals to ensure your organisation is ticking all the correct compliance boxes.

By following these steps, your business is more likely to not only comply with current regulations but is also prepared for future changes in the legal landscape. It's about safeguarding your business from legal repercussions and strengthening your reputation as a trustworthy and responsible operator in the eyes of your customers and industry peers.

As your bookkeeper and payroll service providers we can connect you with experts in all the relevant compliance areas, so you get the advice, support and training you need as an organisation. Get in touch

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