Small Business For Dummies, 5th Edition

Chapter 14

Managing Profitability and Cash

IN THIS CHAPTER

Figuring out what cash flow is

Reading and interpreting profit and loss statements and balance sheets

Reviewing the key ratios and percentages of profitability

Overseeing your inventory and accounts receivable

Controlling your costs and improving your profits

Although people drive the business of doing business, money fuels the engine. That money can be counted, compiled, and presented in numerous ways — ways that, in the right hands, can provide a steady flow of financial information with which you can accomplish a number of key business functions, including the following:

• Maintaining bookkeeping information: The bookkeeping process includes keeping records of physical inventories, monies due from others (accounts receivable), and monies due to others (payroll and accounts payable).
• Paying taxes: Federal, state, and local governments require not only that every business pays taxes but also that it keeps records to back ...