Management Accounts: Why Are They Important?

Management Information

With the cost of living crisis piling pressure onto businesses, the importance of accurate and timely management information that helps you successfully secure valuable funding, is of huge importance.

We know that many small businesses lack the staff and expertise to report the numbers that the banks need, so our team of experts will make things simple – considering all of your individual requirements.

What are management accounts?

Management accounts are a valuable type of financial report which offers insight into the financial performance of a business. These accounts are often used by business owners and management teams whose roles entail strategic decision-making.

Whilst management accounts will vary from business to business, some financial elements should be considered within your management accounts. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Profit and loss
  • Balance sheet 
  • Cash flow 
  • KPIs

Why Management Accounts Are So Important?

Management accounts are financial statements that contain information like your profit and loss account, a balance sheet, and a cash flow forecast. They are usually produced on a monthly or quarterly basis, but why are they important, and why should you have them prepared?

Better Information

Management accounts give you up-to-date financial information of your businesses. When you have an accurate overview of your business today you can take better decisions for tomorrow.

For example, this will help you see operating margins, or identify products that are selling slowly. You will be able to monitor sales volumes which will help you plan things like staffing levels more efficiently. And you will have more information to plan your stock levels to ensure you have enough to meet demand.

Better Control

Management accounts also give you more control over your business. You will be able to identify trends in sales such as comparisons with the same trading period in previous years, or changes in volumes of particular products.
You will also have more control over your costs when you prepare and study management accounts. It is easy for costs to get out of control, particularly during busy trading periods, but management accounts give you an instant and easy to digest overview. With this information you will be able to identify areas where you can spend less, but get the same result.

Helps You Grow Your Business

When you are able to identify trends in sales quickly you will also have better information for planning growth, diversification or expansion. Without the information all you have is gut-feeling, and in business that can cost you dearly.

Improves Cash flow

Preparing up to date management accounts will allow you assess your current financial position. This will provide the basis for better cash flow forecasting and planning.

Helps With Tax Planning

When you have accurate and current information on your business, you will also be able to plan your tax liabilities better especially with the various taxation payment deferment opportunities provided by the government.

Reduces Year End Audit and Accounting Costs

Finally, your year-end accounting costs should be lower when you have a system that involves the regular preparation of management accounts as issues and queries are flagged up early and can be resolved immediately, rather than trying to do everything at the end of the year.

Why use Rayner Essex’s management accounting services?

We have an experienced team who can work using cloud and traditional accounting, taking into account your needs and requirements.

Time

We can help with the preparation of timely and accurate management accounts providing you with important up-to-date information on the financial performance of your business.
Inform.

Key information

We can provide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The analysis and commentary will provide you with valuable insight and understanding of the finances and performance of your business.

Save money

We will work with you to save you money. Your management accounts will offer the opportunity to identify any inefficiencies and stop costs from running out of control. We will use the management accounts to consider remuneration and tax planning, reducing your tax bill where possible.

Use of Cloud-based solutions

We can use most of the main cloud-based solutions such QuickBooks, SAGE and Xero, Receipt Bank and others.

We can also assist in the production of budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections and the comparison of actual performance against budgets, provided with clear and concise commentary.

For further information and advice please contact one of our experts listed on the right or if you would like us to keep you up to date by email please click this link to subscribe.

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