Cash Flow Management Remains a Hurdle
According to PwC’s 2023 report, 60% of SMEs in Southeast Asia are unable to accurately forecast cash flow beyond three months. This shortfall often results in unexpected liquidity gaps, making it difficult to cover essential operations like payroll, inventory restocking, or marketing.
The Disconnect Between Finance and Operations
Finance is often viewed as merely a bookkeeping function, while other departments lack financial thinking. As a result, operational decisions frequently overlook opportunity costs and cash flow risks – contradicting the principle of financial integration, where every business decision should align with a comprehensive financial picture.
Heavy Reliance on Manual Work, Minimal Tech Support
Many businesses still track budgets and cash flows using Excel. However, small data entry errors can lead to discrepancies worth hundreds of millions of VND each quarter. Gartner estimates that companies using automated financial systems can reduce processing costs by up to 30% and detect errors 50% faster than manual methods.
To overcome these challenges, businesses must shift from reactive financial management to strategic financial governance. Here are some actionable recommendations based on the 3T model – Tư duy, Tổ chức, và Tự động hóa (Thinking, Organization, and Automation):
Cultivate Financial Thinking Across the Organization
Ensure that all departments – from marketing and sales to operations – understand how their decisions impact cash flow. Regular internal training on financial fundamentals and budgeting methods should be implemented.
Restructure Financial Processes with Greater Transparency
Standardize processes for cost proposals, approvals, budget tracking, and financial reporting. Apply zero-based budgeting to avoid habitual spending and evaluate each expense based on its actual value.
Leverage Technology and Real-Time Data
Use digital tools to manage budgets, spending plans, and monitor cash flow in real time. Integrating accounting, CRM, and sales systems allows for immediate financial updates – reducing delays in analysis and decision-making.
More than just operational tools, InfoPlus aims to become a strategic financial assistant – empowering businesses to make faster, smarter decisions, especially during cash flow volatility or rapid growth.
“Finance isn’t just about numbers – it’s about strategy.”
Don’t wait until cash runs dry to start managing your finances. Act today – so every financial decision moves your business forward with confidence.