How Fast Is Too Fast?
(Originally published in Inc Magazine.)
What typically tops the list of worries of the chief executive officers of fast growing companies? Financing that growth, according...
How to Set Up an Automatic Error-Checking System in Excel Reports
Decades ago, I worked as a cost accountant for a large company. But because our department received terrible reports, I wrote my own reports...using...
How to Report GL Account Groups in Excel
Believe it or not, this income statement is quite sophisticated. It's not nearly as simple-minded as it looks.
In fact, this income statement illustrates a...
How to Use Array Formulas to Report Groups of Accounts
Often, in accounting, marketing, and other departments, we'd like to report and analyze groups of items rather than one item at a time.
In Part...
Use this Excel ‘Cash Flow Balance Sheet’ to See Sources & Uses of Funds...
For most businesses, cash flow is more important than profits and losses.
The reason is clear. A profitable company with negative cash flows may not...
Use Excel to Fix Your Broken AR Measure of Days Sales Outstanding in Receivables
During tough economic times it's particularly important to manage your Accounts Receivable balance carefully. Unfortunately, the traditional way to measure AR performance is badly...
Map Your Financial Health With an Excel DuPont Dashboard
Management reporting is all about communication. Reporting Return On Equity (ROE) is a case in point.
The ROE financial ratio is a key measure of...
Map Costs and Sales in Excel with a Classic Breakeven Chart
When I worked as a CFO, my monthly reports always included a breakeven chart. It was one of the most popular reports I produced.
But...
Manage Periodic Payments with an Excel Cash Calendar
Most companies must write checks periodically to companies that don't send invoices. Often, their accounting systems provide little help in keeping track of these...
Weighing Your Debt Load
(Originally published in Inc Magazine.)
I've talked to any number of business owners over the years who felt buried under a mountain of debt. But...