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Assess Your Bookkeeping: A Quick 5-Point Financial Health Check

Put your bookkeeping practices to the test with our streamlined assessment.

Take a moment, pick up a pen, and evaluate your financial management using these five expertly crafted questions.

It's not a deep dive, but a quick check-up that could unearth the hidden issues affecting your business finances. From cash flow inefficiencies to overlooked tax benefits, subtle troubles often lurk beneath the surface.

Ready to dig in? Let's begin.

Understanding the Scoring System

Rate yourself between 0–5 points per question:

  • 0 = Not at All

  • 5 = Perfect Practice, Every Month

The total potential score is 0–25 points.

No judgments here, only insights.

Question 1: Are Your Books Closed Accurately on a Monthly Basis?

Consider your monthly closing as essential maintenance for your business. Skip once? Manageable. But skip it frequently, and you'll rely on guesswork rather than hard facts.

An ideal monthly close provides:

  • Accurate financial statements

  • Dependable reports

  • Elimination of uncertainties

  • Detection of issues before they escalate

If your records lag months behind or feel more like a mystery than a narrative, score yourself low here.

Score yourself: 0–5.

Question 2: Do You Know Your Gross Profit Margin?

Your gross profit margin is crucial—it measures your success at a glance. Without this insight, you’re navigating your business without direction. You can’t optimize pricing or resources if you don't know your revenue's effectiveness.

Successful businesses are well-versed in their margins and are constantly seeking improvements.

Score yourself: 0–5.

Image 2

Question 3: Are You Aware of Your Breakeven Point and Cash Days on Hand?

Think of this as the ultimate stress test, marking your ability to handle financial challenges with ease.

Do you know:

  • The sales needed to break even?

  • Your cash cushion to withstand a downturn?

  • Your capability to endure unforeseen costs?

Your score may be lower than desired if these metrics are unfamiliar.

Score yourself: 0–5.

Question 4: Does Your Reporting Highlight Trends and KPIs?

Simple expense reports are helpful, but those illustrating trends and key performance indicators are transformative.Image 3

Trend analyses reveal patterns; KPIs reflect health. Both together give you full control over your business trajectory.

If your reports state "what's happened" but not "why it matters," consider an honest score.

Score yourself: 0–5.

Question 5: Have You Implemented a Budget or Cash Flow Forecast?

Effective forecasting shifts your finances from looking backward to plotting a course ahead.Image 1

A budget detours your dollars, while cash flow forecasts assess staying power.

Managing reactively is inefficient. This financial foresight enables peace of mind.

Score yourself: 0–5.

Interpreting Your Overall Score

0–10 points: Crisis Mode

You're currently in firefighting mode—reactive, not proactive. However, this stage offers potential for rapid improvement.

11–17 points: Coasting, Yet Reactive

While stable, you're missing avenues for growth. Enhancing margins, cash flow, and reports could boost performance.

18–22 points: Solid with Opportunities

Strong fundamentals with room for strategic refinement. Intentional growth can thrive here.

23–25 points: Pro Level Management

Your operations are structured for success. Keep expanding, as this forms the groundwork for scalability.

Seeking to Elevate Your Score?

Many business owners need clarity over quantity when it comes to data. We at Get Balanced CPA, led by Sam Faulkner, specialize in refining your bookkeeping, enhancing reports, and creating true transparency with your financials.

Your books should propel growth—not guesses. Contact us to get started, and let's transform your financial management into a strategic advantage.

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