Managing cashflow

and accessing funding when you need it

Working capital is one of the most important parts of running a stable business. It is the liquid cash available to cover wages, supplier payments, tax obligations and everyday operating costs.

When working capital tightens, pressure builds quickly. Payroll dates do not move. BAS lodgements still fall due. Suppliers still expect payment.

The solution is rarely panic borrowing. It is structured cash flow management, accurate reporting, and knowing what funding options are available before the pressure becomes urgent.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, this is where we step in. We help business owners understand their cash position clearly, plan ahead, and access funding in a practical and informed way.

Helping you understand your cash requirements

The starting point of any funding decision is understanding exactly what your current cash requirements are. That means sitting down and reviewing your full financial position in detail.

We look at your current bank balances, outstanding invoices, upcoming supplier payments, payroll commitments, superannuation liabilities, and GST or PAYG obligations. We also review your short term forecasts so you can see what is due over the next one to three months.

With accurate, up to date bookkeeping and reconciled accounts, you can clearly see whether there is a genuine funding gap or simply a timing issue between money coming in and money going out.

Armed with this information, you can make a considered decision about how much funding is actually required, if any. Borrowing without this clarity often leads to taking on more debt than necessary.

Understanding your true cash requirements puts you back in control and reduces uncertainty.

Liaising with banks and lenders

We can support you in conversations with banks, lenders and alternative funding providers by ensuring your financial information is accurate and up to date.

You may need to discuss extending an overdraft facility, increasing a line of credit, restructuring repayments, or exploring short term working capital finance.

Having clear and current financial reports gives you a stronger position when having these discussions. Lenders in 2026 expect reliable bookkeeping and realistic cashflow forecasts. If your numbers are current and reconciled, the conversation becomes far more straightforward.

Preparing financial information for lenders

Any lender will require detailed and accurate financial reporting to support a funding application.

We prepare up to date accounts, cashflow statements and forward projections so banks and finance providers can clearly assess your financial position.

This includes reconciled balance sheets, profit and loss reports, aged debtor listings and evidence of compliance with BAS, payroll and superannuation obligations.

Accurate reporting not only supports approval, it can also influence the terms offered.

Accessing government assistance

There are government grants, industry incentives and state based support programs available to businesses in 2026.

Depending on your industry, size and location, you may be eligible for small business grants, wage subsidies, training incentives, energy efficiency programs or regional development support.

We can help you identify what may apply to your business and ensure your financial records are accurate and up to date before submitting any application.

Clear reporting and compliant bookkeeping improve your chances of approval and reduce delays in the process.

Improving your debtor tracking

Outstanding customer invoices are often one of the main causes of cashflow pressure.

We can help you review your aged receivables report and identify which invoices require immediate attention.

From there, you can prioritise follow ups, clarify payment terms and, where necessary, negotiate realistic repayment arrangements.

Clear and consistent debtor management reduces reliance on external funding and improves working capital over time.

Extending credit from suppliers

Open and honest communication with suppliers remains important when managing short term cashflow pressure.

Where appropriate, you may be able to negotiate extended payment terms, part payments or structured repayment arrangements.

Having clear cashflow forecasts allows you to approach these conversations with confidence and provide realistic timeframes, rather than uncertain promises.

Maintaining control and stability

Cashflow pressure can happen at any stage of business growth. The key is identifying issues early and responding with clear information and practical action.

If you would like to strengthen your cashflow management, understand your working capital position or explore appropriate funding options, First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can provide practical support.

We help you review your numbers, prepare accurate reports and make informed decisions so your business remains stable and well managed.

Talk to First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray about getting on top of your cashflow.

FAQs about working capital and managing cashflow

What is cash flow management?

Cash flow management is tracking, forecasting and controlling the money coming into and leaving your business to ensure you can meet short-term obligations.

How do I improve cash flow in my business?

Improve invoicing speed, follow up overdue accounts, review payment terms, forecast upcoming expenses and maintain accurate bookkeeping.

When should a business apply for funding?

Funding should be considered when cash flow forecasts show a shortfall that cannot be managed through improved collections or expense adjustments.

What documents do lenders require for business funding?

Lenders typically require up-to-date profit and loss reports, balance sheets, cash flow forecasts, aged receivables reports and compliance history.

Can better bookkeeping reduce the need for funding?

Yes. Accurate bookkeeping and forecasting often identify timing gaps that can be resolved internally without external borrowing.