Ali AlHussain
ENعربي
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Reading paths

For finance professionals

Build a dependable close, cash forecast, and decision-support routine.

  1. Establish the accounting foundation

    Start with recording, classification, and controls that make the accounts usable.

    1. Why Accounting Cannot WaitArticle
    2. Chart of accountsDefinition
    3. Accrual accountingDefinition
    4. Internal controlDefinition

  2. Make the monthly close reliable

    Connect the deadline to evidence, reconciliations, and clear responsibility.

    1. What the Monthly Close Is ForArticle
    2. Month-end closeDefinition
    3. Bank reconciliationDefinition
    4. Account reconciliationDefinition
    5. Accounting cut-offDefinition

  3. Build and challenge the cash forecast

    Translate obligations into payment dates, then examine forecast differences and downside exposure.

    1. Cash commitmentsDefinition
    2. Cash-flow forecastingDefinition
    3. Cash forecast varianceDefinition
    4. 13-week cash-flow forecastCalculator
    5. Cash runwayCalculator

  4. Find where working capital holds cash

    Trace collection, inventory, and payment timing before setting achievable targets.

    1. Working capitalDefinition
    2. Days sales outstandingDefinition
    3. Days inventory outstandingDefinition
    4. Days payable outstandingDefinition
    5. Working-capital cycleCalculator

  5. Test the economics behind the plan

    Make cost behavior and pricing assumptions explicit before comparing scenarios.

    1. Fixed costsDefinition
    2. Variable costsDefinition
    3. Contribution marginDefinition
    4. Break-evenCalculator
    5. Margin and markupCalculator

  6. Bring the analysis back to the decision

    Use reporting to explain what management can change, and involve finance before commitments are made.

    1. Management reporting packDefinition
    2. Key performance indicatorDefinition
    3. Financial modelDefinition
    4. When Finance Enters Too LateArticle

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