3 Ways to Take Control of Your Business Finances Today

 Let’s face it—Tax Day has a way of revealing things.

Even in a mature, growing company with a solid team and consistent revenue, the question still creeps in:

“Where exactly did the money go this quarter?”

You’re not in startup mode anymore. You’ve got real infrastructure. A real team. A real company.

But here’s the truth most business owners in your position won’t say out loud:
You’re still making too many financial decisions based on feel—not fact.

Revenue may be up. The team may be busy. But if you’re relying on the bank balance or rough estimates to make cash decisions, you’re running a bigger business with small-business habits.

Let’s change that.

Here are three ways to get control of your financial picture—without becoming your own CFO.

1. Replace Gut Feel with a Rolling 90-Day Cash View

At your size, cash flow issues don’t always come from lack of sales.
They come from timing mismatches, team expansion, vendor terms, and multi-layered expenses.

And that’s why looking at the bank account isn’t enough.

You need a rolling 90-day cash projection.

  • What’s already committed?

  • What’s scheduled to come in?

  • Where are your potential pressure points?

This isn’t about forecasting down to the penny. It’s about being able to say:

“If we land that new client, here’s how it affects the next 90 days. If we don’t, here’s what to watch.”

Cash clarity helps you lead before problems show up.


2. Budget by Function, Not by Line Item

At this level, you don’t just need a budget—you need a financial map that reflects your operational reality.

Forget micro-managing office supplies or software subscriptions.
Start thinking in functional budgets:

  • Service delivery

  • Marketing & sales

  • Ops & admin overhead

  • Team compensation

  • Owner pay & reserves

Why this works:
You’re no longer trying to control spending. You’re now aligning investment with strategic outcomes.

You shouldn’t be asking “Can we afford it?”
You should be asking:

“Is this spend aligned with what we said we’re building this quarter?”

 

3. Build a Financial Dashboard That Keeps You Focused

You’ve got a bookkeeper. Maybe a controller. You might even have a fractional CFO.

But you still need to lead. And leadership requires fast, high-level visibility.

Create a CEO-level dashboard that tracks:

  • Monthly and quarterly revenue vs. goal

  • Team cost as a % of revenue

  • Operating margin health

  • Cash runway or buffer

This isn’t a spreadsheet for your accountant—it’s a leadership tool to keep you focused, clear, and calm.

You wouldn’t fly a plane without instruments.
Don’t run your company without them either.


The Bigger You Get, the Less Guessing You Can Afford

At this stage, financial complexity is baked in.
But confusion? That’s optional.

You don’t need to become a spreadsheet expert. You need to install the right visibility systems so you can:

  • Make better strategic bets

  • Stay ahead of cash and margin issues

  • Protect your time, your focus, and your team

If Tax Day gave you a headache, don’t wait another year. Put these three steps in motion and start building financial clarity into the core of your leadership.

And if you're wondering what a simple, effective dashboard could look like at this stage—I’ve got you covered.

On April 25, 2025, I’ll be sharing a new podcast episode all about how to create your own one-page business dashboard—something any owner can use to see the numbers that matter, fast.

You’ve built something real. Now it’s time to lead like it.

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