David Letterman has a popular segment every night on his show of the day's Top Ten list. Most of the time it is a funny look at some current event, like the Top Ten things a President might say in a particular situation. I like the issue of a Top Ten list related to sports. You always strive to be in the Top Ten to get noticed for being the best. Many businesses also use a Top Ten list to show prospects some of the best reasons that you might want to use that business. Whatever the source, I think most people are familiar with the Top Ten concept. So I thought today we might use that concept to identify the Top Ten Signs that your small business would be in need of a Chief Financial Officer. It is a lighthearted way to look at a serious topic.
The Top Ten Signs you need a CFO:
If you can identify with any of these symptoms, it might be time to consider discussing either hiring a full time CFO or a "Part-time" CFO. We have some good resources out there for you to consider in this area including a whitepaper and a web page dedicated specifically to outsourcing CFO services for small businesses. I know many small businesses where the owner either thinks they can handle the CFO duties themselves (along with all their other responsibilities) or that they can't afford it. First of all, if they try to do it themselves, it distracts their expertise from other critical areas to the business (such as business development). If they think they can't afford it, they should consider the high rate of failure of small business due to cash flow and financial related issues. Give us a call and I would be happy to discuss this with you.