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How to improve your business' cash flow with cloud accounting for start ups to large businesses

Louise Hastings

It was announced on Saturday 31st October that England will be put into another national lockdown for a period of 4 weeks.

Covid 19 has wreaked havoc for all business sectors but has had a very significant impact on the hospitality and leisure sector, which subsequently then expands into other businesses in terms of supply chains and consumer demand. 

Is your business prepared for the second lockdown? 

Whilst some business owners are prepared to ‘bury their heads in the sand’, others will use the time effectively to start planning their business recovery after lock down. Cash flow planning in a pandemic could be the difference between your business surviving, or unfortunately having to face closure. 

What is cash flow planning?

When it comes to running a business, cash flows are essential to solvency and cash flow planning and forecasting is a key element to lowering any signs of financial stress. Cash flow is the measurement of how much money is moving in and out of your business during a period of time. 

How can businesses use cloud accounting for cash flow planning?

To get a full understanding of your business’ cash flow, you will need the most up to date financial information from your cloud accounting software. 

Cloud accounting software gives you the ability to access your businesses whole financial picture from anywhere, during the day or even the night. You are also able to send invoices and claim expenses through it. 

For businesses that have not invested in a cloud accounting software provider during the COVID 19 pandemic, it may have been more complex for them to access their financial data in traditional ways and it is therefore no surprise that cloud accounting software has been viewed as a crucial business investment during the pandemic. 

Cash Flow Apps to support your business

Using an app that is compatible with your chosen cloud accounting package is usually paid for on a monthly subscription basis, meaning that there is no large upfront cash outlay. 

Fluidly

Fluidly is an intelligent cash flow tool for businesses and their financial advisors, which manages cash coming in and the cash going out as well as everything else in between. It uses artificial intelligence to be able to rapidly forecast and manage cash flow.  Machine learning based technology is used to be able to predict and optimise future cash flows, which in turn then helps business owners to make more informed financial decisions. Plans with Fluidly come with a free 14 day trial. Fluidly integrates with Quickbooks and Xero. 

Float

Float is an app compatible with Quickbooks, Xero and Free Agent. It puts cash flow at the heart of your business with easy to interpret visuals based on real time information. Float believes that on a monthly basis it gives on average 8-10 hours back to business owners who use the app, allowing them to concentrate on other areas of their business. 

Float also makes it easier to run scenarios based on your business’ current cash position including the outcomes if you were to lose a client, hire someone or increase expenses. 

QuickBooks Cash Flow Planner

In August 2020, QuickBooks introduced a tool called Cash Flow Planner. This tool enables you to forecast your cash flow, when it comes to money going in or out of your business over a 90 day period. The Cash Flow Planner is able to look at your financial history to forecast future money in and out events. 

Finding the right tool for you

There is a lot of choice in the cloud accounting market place, however your accountant can guide you through the process, helping you find the right cloud accounting package and relevant apps for your business needs. 

Our dedicated cloud teams throughout the Moore Network are trained and up to date with the latest apps and changes in the cloud accounting marketplace. 

If you would like to discuss a move to the cloud and how it can have a positive impact on your business’ cash flow please contact us today.