Ever wondered why your business faces financial peaks and valleys as your year-end closure approaches and why this is more prevalent at this time of year? If your answer is 'always', or worse, 'I've lost count', it's about time we address this issue together. As businesses in Australia and New Zealand complete their financial year on 30th June and 31st March respectively, they often confront significant swings in cash flow. Thankfully, this financial instability doesn't have to be a business norm. By reassessing your year-end closure strategies and introducing effective practices, you can mitigate these swings and secure your enterprise's financial stability.

The Challenges of Financial Year-End Closure

Cashflow Rollercoaster

Year-end closures for businesses, can provoke substantial volatility in cash flow. Employee bonuses, tax obligations, seasonal variations, and even holiday downtime — all these elements can place enormous pressure on your finances. Add in unforeseen expenses and delayed customer payments, and the fiscal rollercoaster ride gets even wilder.

Cash Flow Swings: A Risky Business

Severe cash flow swings, especially during the financial year-end, can wreak havoc on your company's fiscal health. These fluctuations can limit liquidity, hamper growth opportunities, impact bank covenants and impede investment in new projects. In the worst-case scenario, they could even lead to business insolvency. But don't lose hope! With careful planning and foresight, these cash flow swings can be tamed.

Reassessing Year-End Closure - Stepping towards Stability

A Comprehensive Reassessment

Reappraising your financial year-end closure demands a holistic view of your business’s financial well-being. It transcends mere number crunching, calling for a meticulous review of your operations, sales strategies, payment processes, and even your business culture. and, most importantly, it should be an on-going process – not just at year end.

Crucial Areas to Address

1. Financial Forecasts: An accurate financial forecast is vital in mitigating cash flow swings. It not only allows you to prepare for both expected and unexpected expenditures but also aligns your financial decisions with your business objectives.

2. Operational Efficiency: Streamlining your operations such as cutting out waste, fine tuning expenses or quitting loss making clients, can decrease costs and boost productivity, thereby reducing the impact of year-end cash flow swings.

3. Receivables Management: Efficient management of receivables ensures prompt payments, thereby enhancing cash flow stability(1).

4. Negotiable Payment Terms: Brokering flexible payment terms with suppliers can provide some respite during strenuous cash flow periods.

5. Cultivating a Cash Flow-Conscious Culture: Encouraging a culture that is cash flow aware among your staff can lead to cost-efficient business practices.

Policies for Taming Cash Flow Swings

Constructing a Financial Bulwark

Formulating and delivering a cash reserve acts as a financial bulwark against cash flow swings. However, building this bulwark demands fiscal discipline and strategic financial management. It's a marathon, not a sprint but it enables you to not only expect the unexpected but to be confident that it is manageable.

Leveraging Technological Advancements

Financial technology, or fintech, has emerged as a game-changer in managing cash flow. Tools like automated invoicing, real-time analytics, and forecasting software can assist businesses in staying financially afloat, mitigating the risks of cash flow swings(2).

Engaging in Supplier Negotiations

Negotiating for extended payment terms or volume discounts with suppliers can significantly relieve cash flow pressure during year-end closure.

Prompt Invoicing and Collection

By instituting efficient invoicing and collection processes, you can considerably expedite payment receipt, thereby bolstering cash flow. Offering attractive discounts for prompt payment can work wonders.

Diversifying Revenue Streams

Diversifying your revenue sources offers a buffer during downturns in a particular area, providing cash flow stability(3).

Conclusion

Though cash flow swings during financial year-end closure are a reality for many businesses, they don't have to be an insurmountable hurdle. By reappraising your year-end closure strategies and applying the practices highlighted here, you can establish a sturdy financial base. Remember, cash flow management is a continuous process, and reassessing your strategies should be an ongoing task.

So, what's stopping you? Begin your reassessment of year-end closure strategies today and bring your business one step closer to financial stability and growth.

When it comes to financial stability, your goal should not just be about surviving these swings—it's about effectively smoothing them out. You've got this – and there is help out there if you need it!

References

1. Financial Planning Standards Board. Financial Receivables Management.

2. Australian Taxation Office. Financial technology (fintech).

3. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Diversifying Your Revenue Streams.

Author: Gary Ayre, Partner nem Australasia.
This article is based on research and opinion available in the public domain.