FINAL Flashcards
a financial plan of there sources needed to carry out tasks and meet financial goals. It is a detailed plan for the future that is usually expressed informal quantitative terms.
Budget
is the act of preparing a budget.
Budgeting
the use of budgets to control a firm’s activities.
Budgetary Control
It all starts with a vision. What are your company’s financial objectives?
Growth, profitability, debt reduction?
Define clear goals to guide your budgetary decisions.
Goal Setting
Historical data is your treasure trove.
Analyze past income statements, balance sheets, and cashflow statements to identify trends, seasonality, and areas for improvement.
Financial Statements Analysis
This is where your crystal ball comes in.
Use market research, sales pipelines, and historical data to estimate future revenue streams.
Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on market changes.
Revenue Forecasting
Every penny counts.
Analyze past expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and factor in planned investments or expansions.
Categorize expenses for better control and allocation
Expense Planning
Don’t just predict the likely future, prepare for the “what-ifs.“
Create different budget scenarios based on best-case, worst-case, and midrange predictions.
This flexibility is crucial for navigating uncertainties.
Scenario Planning
Budgeting isn’t a solo act.
Involve key stakeholders from sales, marketing, and operations.
Gather their insights, address their concerns, and create a budget that everyone understands and supports.
Collaboration and Communication
The budget is a living document, not as tone tablet.
Regularly monitor actual performance against your forecasts.
Be prepared to adjust expenses, revenue estimates, or even goals if needed.
Monitoring and Adjustment
No more flying blind. A budget gives you a transparent view of your company’s financial health, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
Financial Clarity
Allocate resources effectively. Prioritize investments, identify growth opportunities, and make strategic decisions based on data, not gut feeling.
Informed Decision Making
Anticipate potential cash flow problems, identify financial vulnerabilities, and develop contingency plans to weather storms.
Proactive Risk Management
Align everyone on the financial goals. A shared budget fosters trust, transparency, and accountability across departments.
Improved Communication
Track progress towards goals. Compare actual results to your budget to measure success, identify areas for improvement, and refine future forecasts.
Performance Measurements