5 Must-Have Finance KPIs

5 Must-Have Finance KPIs

Finance & Accounting
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are critical for any organization to track, as they provide insight into how well the organisation is performing and where improvements can be made. While there are many KPIs that can be tracked, some are more important than others. Here are 5 KPIs that every organization should track: Cash burn rate This is a critical metric for any organisation that is looking to manage its finances effectively. It is a measure of the rate at which an organisation is spending its available cash and helps to determine how much runway (time) the organisation has before it runs out of cash. Calculating cash burn rate  Step 1: Determine the Period of Time The first step in calculating the cash burn rate is to determine the period for which you…
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The Benefits of Switching Auditors

The Benefits of Switching Auditors

Audit
Changing your auditor can seem like a daunting task, but it can also be a powerful step for your organisation. Staying with the same auditor for years may bring comfort and familiarity, but it can also prevent you from unlocking your full potential. The practise of audit is a regulated profession and must adhere to the pronouncements of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). There are standards for practically every facet of an audit. The specific standard that regulates the rotation of an auditor is ISA 220, “Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements.” ISA 220 provides for the need of an auditor rotation to enhance auditor independence and objectivity. This can help to prevent the development of long-term relationships between auditors and clients, which can impair the…
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Partnering with Non-profits for Compliance

Partnering with Non-profits for Compliance

Audit
There are several common pain points that non-profit organizations in East Africa experience when engaging with auditors of financial statements. Whereas audit findings can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of each organization. From our experience with audits of non-profit organizations, there are certain areas that may be commonly identified as issues during the audit process, including but not limited to: Lack of proper financial documentation: Non-profit organizations may have inadequate documentation or records of their financial activities, which can make it difficult to accurately report on their financial position. Non-compliance with financial regulations: Non-profit organizations may not be fully compliant with financial regulations, such as requirements for financial reporting or restrictions on the use of funds. Weak financial controls: Non-profit organizations may have weak financial controls, such as…
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The role of an auditor in East Africa

The role of an auditor in East Africa

Audit
An auditor is a professional who examines and evaluates an organisation’s financial statements to ensure that they are accurate. They also review the internal controls of a company to make sure that they are effective. Auditors play an important role in ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and helping to protect investors, donors, and other stakeholders. Types of auditors External auditors An external auditor is an independent professional who examines the financial statements of an organisation to ensure that they are true and fair. They also review the internal controls of to make sure that they are effective. External auditors are an essential component in building public trust in institutions and guarding against the excesses of senior management. Investors and other interested parties rely on the external audit to provide credible assurance…
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Gone in a puff; 2022

Gone in a puff; 2022

Leadership
Most ambitions are either achieved or abandoned. At the onset of the year, I had many. Some acted up and some stuttered to the wire. I felt the year was short, gone in a puff, like a wind that blows and never comes back. I was diligent with my reading; I added a few titles to the rack. Today I present to you ten books that shaped my thinking in 2022. Numbers don’t lie – Vaclav Smil If there is a quant throne; I enthrone Vaclav. His ability to comprehend such vast topics as human demographics, energy, economics…virtually just about any subject under the sun and with so much authority demonstrates his level of erudition. Reading through this book, you will have nothing but respect for the author, his insights…
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Management Consulting in East Africa

Management Consulting in East Africa

Managemnet Consulting
When it comes to business, there are a lot of moving parts that need to be in sync for the company to succeed. It is impossible that you will have all the requisite skills for all the facets in the organisation; that’s where management consulting comes in – to help businesses identify and solve problems so they can continue running smoothly. Management consultants come from all backgrounds, but typically have strong analytical skills and an ability to see the big picture. In this article, we’ll discuss what management consulting is all about, the role and responsibilities of a consultant, and the qualities that make a great consultant.  What management consulting entails Management consulting is all about helping businesses solve problems. In most cases, these problems are related to strategy, operations, financial restructuring or…
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Why you should double your cash liquidity buffer

Why you should double your cash liquidity buffer

Risk Management
We all know the importance of cash in businesses. It costs a lot to run and grow a business, especially when it’s brand new. You don’t want your business to temporarily shut down due to cash flow issues. You can’t afford to do that because it can mess up your track record of delivering on promises, hurt your reputation and ability to retain employees, and put undue strain on your relationships due to the stress of not meeting obligations. Learn why you should double your cash liquidity buffer as a business. What is a cash liquidity buffer? A cash liquidity buffer is a fund of liquid assets you keep on hand to help you meet your short-term obligations. Cash liquidity buffers are typically used by businesses to protect against unexpected…
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Mastering capital allocation

Mastering capital allocation

Strategy
Capital allocation aims to maximize shareholder value by deploying capital in ways that generate the greatest return. The purpose of capital allocation is to improve company performance by investing in growth opportunities and reducing or eliminating underperforming or non-essential businesses. Capital allocation decisions should be made with a long-term perspective, as opposed to being based on short-term financial results. Running a business takes work. There are a lot of factors that come into consideration, such as resources, finance, and management. There are a lot of examples of organizations that recorded great success but failed to manage their finances well, leading to their untimely demise. Prevention is always better than cure, so why not learn from those mistakes and ensure you don’t fall into those same traps? After all, a balanced capital…
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Importance of a finance policy

Importance of a finance policy

Risk Management
Knowledge is power, but if you don’t know what you’re spending and where your money is going, you run the risk of being penniless. The same is true for your organisation. If you don’t know your expenses and how much cash you generate and where it is spent, then something needs to change. Today we’ll focus on the importance of a financial policy in your organisation. We’ll cover why you can’t afford not to have one and how it will benefit your organisation. What Are Financial Policies and Procedures? Financial policies are rules, regulations, and guidelines for how an organization will handle its financial affairs. These rules can be broad, overarching statements of principle that apply to all aspects of the business. For example, one financial policy might be that…
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How to read a balance sheet

How to read a balance sheet

Finance & Accounting
A balance sheet is one of the first reports we review whenever we assess an organisation. It allows us to understand the business’s assets and liabilities clearly and provides a snapshot of how those figures have changed over time. Understanding the basics of balance sheets is almost essential for any finance enthusiast. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common sections and formulas to enable you to read and understand your balance sheet report.  What Is a Balance Sheet? A balance sheet is a financial statement that presents a snapshot of the company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholder’s equity at a specific time. The balance sheet is one of three primary financial statements, along with the income and cash flow statements used to compile an annual report. A company’s…
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