In an ideal world, any business with a novel idea and a solid value system should be successful, right? Yes, but those are not the only criteria that are mandatory. A thorough financial management policy is equally important.

Irrespective of whether your business is part of the service, merchandising or manufacturing industry, and whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, a limited liability, a corporation or a cooperative, having control over the flow of money into and outside the business is crucial.

Bookkeeping, financing, cash flow, budgeting, resource planning, tax returns, and debt monitoring are concepts linked closely to financial management.

Maintaining clear, straightforward accounts for all the money that you handle in your business activities eliminates unnecessary confusion and in fact, helps increase profits. Budgeting is essential to ensure that you spend money in the right manner for the successful growth of your business and not indulge in extravagant expenses that do not reap any benefits whatsoever. Paying salary, fees, bills, and all such routine expenses on time will avoid fines and penalties. Another aspect of running a business deals with policies of marketing, distribution and pricing your products/services. These must be given attention and inward remittances must be demanded promptly.

The balance between inflow and outflow of money should be maintained in such a way that the enterprise earns income over and above what is spent. Accurate financial reporting would help in analyzing where costs must be reduced and how profits can be increased, which of your efforts help in enhancing the monetary flow and improving overall business and how those that drain resources are becoming a liability and burden on the company.

Correct calculation of payroll taxes and sales/service tax and lowering interest on debts, arranging a good mix of both high profit and low-profit margin and appropriate sales volumes of such products/services, are also part of effective financial planning.

Directly, and indirectly, a systematic and disciplined financial management structure is good for any business, especially if the goal is to not stagnate but evolve and prosper.