Category: business

If you decide to hire new employees, adjust prices or expand operations, you shouldn’t rely on financial information that might be months out of date. And this may be the case if your business generates only one set of financial statements annually. Interim financial reports can provide a fresher picture of operational performance and strategic…

If your business’s renewed employer-sponsored health insurance plan starts at the beginning of the calendar year, you’re probably negotiating next year’s rates now or will be soon. The stakes are high and rising: Preliminary survey results from Marsh (whose Mercer business advises employers on health benefits) project that employers’ health benefit costs per employee will…

The accounting cycle is used to record, organize and summarize financial activity for a specific period. Also known as the bookkeeping cycle, it’s designed to produce accurate data that will help business owners understand performance, manage cash flow and plan for the future. Properly prepared financial records can alert owners to operational issues before they…

Running a business requires juggling countless responsibilities. Not surprisingly, bookkeeping tasks often end up on the bottom of to-do lists. The good news is that falling behind doesn’t necessarily mean your financial records are beyond repair. With a disciplined approach and the right support, you can regain control. Recognize the issue Many business owners don’t…

Whether you’re launching a start-up, expanding into different markets, developing a new product or pursuing a business acquisition, attracting investors requires more than a good idea. Investors want to see a compelling opportunity supported by solid financials and a realistic growth plan. One of the most effective ways to communicate all of this is with…

Business owners today face no shortage of uncertainty. Persistent inflation, evolving trade policies, cybersecurity threats and ongoing geopolitical tensions have made planning challenging. Although it’s impossible to predict every disruption, you can better prepare by evaluating how your business would respond under adverse conditions. One proven approach is stress testing, which helps organizations identify vulnerabilities…

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that hiring has slowed in recent months. Even so, thousands of people continue to start new jobs, and every new hire represents a significant investment of time and money for organizations. With labor costs remaining a concern for many businesses, it’s more important than ever to help employees…

Financial information is the foundation for every important business decision. Whether your goal is to improve cash flow, launch a new offering, hire additional workers or expand into a new market, accurate data enables you to make decisions confidently. An experienced advisor can help prepare this data and ensure your business is poised to capitalize…

Business negotiations aren’t about squeezing every possible concession from the other side. Both parties should leave the table believing they’ve protected their interests and gained something of value. This approach not only supports the current transaction, but also lays the groundwork for future deals. The reason is simple: Business owners with a reputation for fairness…

Are you selling your business, soliciting new investors, updating a buy-sell agreement, pursuing litigation or drafting an estate plan? An accurate business valuation prepared by a valuation professional is critical to the success of these and many other activities. Knowing some fundamentals about the process can help you understand your valuator’s conclusions, what drives business…