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Guide to managing cash flow
1. Plan your cash flow
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Develop your business plan
Planning your business helps you prepare for the unexpected, find opportunities to grow and make sure you don't run out of money. You also need a business plan to gain finance.
Develop your business plan -
Fund your business
Organising the right funding for your business can help you start up, grow and get through times when you aren't making money.
Choose your funding
2. Organise your finances
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Keep good records
Keeping records you can rely on helps you keep track of your true cash flow so you can make better business decisions.
Record keeping -
Consider an online accounting system
Digital systems can give you time back in your day by automating a lot of your accounting. They also compile reports to give you valuable insight into your cash flow.
Digital tools and software -
Set up a cash flow statement
A cash flow statement tracks all the money flowing in and out of your business. Use our free template.
Set up a cash flow statement -
Create a budget
A budget helps you direct your money to where it’s needed most and plan for future expenses. Use our free template.
Create a budget
3. Put money aside
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Get your tax right
Get an overview of the tax rules you need to follow including record keeping, registering for taxes and your options for paying.
Taxation for your business -
Prepare to pay super
Find out what you need to do when paying super for employees, including how often to make contributions.
Superannuation -
Know what to pay as an employer
Understand the entitlements your employees have relating to minimum pay, leave and allowances.
Employees' pay, leave and entitlements -
Keep on top of due dates
When things get busy, it's easy for due dates to sneak up on you. Knowing when you owe money helps you avoid unnecessary cash flow stress.
Important financial dates
4. Adjust your cash in and out
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Improve your cash flow
Explore ways to increase your cash in and reduce your cash out and consider which changes are right for you.
Improve your cash flow -
Review your prices
Check if you can adjust your prices without losing sales.
Develop a pricing strategy -
Invoice the right way
Proper invoicing helps you collect your money faster and prevent unpaid debts. Follow our steps to create and send invoices and fix invoicing mistakes.
How to invoice -
Consider your payment terms
Review how customers pay you and know what to do if they don't pay on time.
Payment terms -
Manage your inventory
Good inventory processes mean you can easily tell what stock you have on hand and its value. Find out how to stay well stocked without spending more than you need to.
Manage your inventory -
Negotiate with your suppliers
Suppliers are a crucial part of your business. Learn how to find suppliers and negotiate a fair price.
Suppliers
5. Check if you're on track
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Track your performance
Review your finances to help you pick up cash flow issues early and fix them before it’s too late.
Review your finances -
Know the signs of financial trouble
Learn how to tell your business is under financial stress and see our tips for getting back on track.
Warning signs your business is in financial trouble -
Stay on top of your yearly tasks
The end of financial year is a good time to see how you performed. Use our checklist to cover off your tasks.
End of financial year checklist -
Do a general business health check
Check if your business is operating as smoothly and safely as possible, from having clear goals to seeking help if you need it.
Business health checklist
6. Get help
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Get support for your finances
Find professional advice to help you manage your cash flow. Whether it's getting your financial accounts in order or helping you make business decisions, there are different services available.
Get help with your finances -
Find an adviser
Search for a business adviser or expert relevant to your interests and location. Chat to them online, over the phone or face-to-face—some mobile advisers can even visit your business.
Adviser finder