You can show a profit and still feel broke. Cash moves in and out at a different speed than sales. Accountants look beyond totals and watch early signs that cash may tighten. Here is how they catch problems while there is still time to act.
1. Aging That Tells a Story
Unpaid invoices that slide into 60 or 90 days are a warning sign. Your accountant tracks who is paying slower, sets up gentle reminders, and helps you offer smarter payment options to speed things up.
2. Inventory That Eats Cash
Too much stock ties up dollars; too little stock loses sales. Accountants watch how long items sit, which items turn fast, and which ones stall. They help you right‑size orders so cash is not stuck on a shelf.
3. Bills and Timing
Cash pain often comes from timing, not size. Rent, payroll, taxes, and loan payments may bunch up. Accountants map these dates against expected cash in, then suggest moves like shifting terms, planning prepayments, or timing buys to match your inflow.
4. A 13‑Week Cash Map
A rolling 13‑week forecast shows best, base, and worst cases. It turns “I hope it works out” into clear steps—speed up collections, pause non‑critical spend, or line up a short‑term credit option before you need it.
5. Margins That Drift
Small drops in gross margin—extra discounts, higher shipping, or rising supplier costs—can signal a cash squeeze ahead. Accountants flag these early so you can adjust price, mix, or costs before cash goes thin.
6. Growth That Drinks Cash
New hires, ads, and equipment often need cash before they pay back. Your accountant shows runway and break‑even, so growth feels planned, not risky.
Cash trouble rarely appears in one day; it builds in the background. With steady reports and a short weekly checking, we can bring you early signals and simple fixes, so you stay in control and keep growth smooth.