Category Archives: Business Management

A disguised man committing fraud with a laptop, to illustrate for Occupational, Internal & Employee Fraud- What & Why, Pt. 1 of 2, by Rolf Neuweiler, a2zCFO.com

Occupational, Internal & Employee Fraud – What & Why (Part 1 of 2)

Accounting Asset misappropriation Business Management Corruption Ethics & Fraud Fraud prevention Incentive

By Rolf Neuweiler 05-01-2021

Internal fraud is a universal and an “evergreen” problem across all industries and cultures. Failure of ethics and the struggles therewith are just part of human nature. A typical organization loses about 5% of its annual revenue each year due to employee fraud (2014 Report to the Nation on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, by the […]

Get Ready for the Post-COVID-19 Business Reality

Accounting Brand Budgeting Business Management Cash flow Consulting Financial forecast Financing Leadership Legal Marketing Profit Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 03-28-2021

Digital Transformation Post COVID-19 in the business world will see continued changes in digital transformation, DTC, platform model, brand building and digital marketing. Get Ready for the Post-COVID-19 Business Reality As more and more people are getting vaccinated in the US, and offices are starting to reopen beginning of this summer in 2021, it is […]

PPP Loan Forgiveness, " Deductible Expenses with PPP Loans & the 2nd Round of PPP Loans", Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: "PPP Loan Forgiveness" spelled out)

Deductible Expenses with PPP Loans & the 2nd Round of PPP Loans

Business Management Debt & Loan Management Loans PPP loans and forgiveness Strategies Taxes

By Rolf Neuweiler 01-04-2021

The US Congress rules that expenses covered by PPP loans are tax-deductible; second round of PPP loans have simplified application for loans under $150k. Expenses With PPP Money Are Tax Deductible Out of the window now: all IRS rules about not allowing deducting expenses with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on tax returns. New rules […]

Revenue - profit = expense: Use “Profit First” Principles for Businesses during COVID19 and After. Rolf Neuweiler, consulting CFO, principal at www.a2zCFO.com

Revenue – Profit = Expense: Use “Profit First” Principles for Businesses During COVID19 and After

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Financial forecast Financial Statements Profit

By Rolf Neuweiler 10-01-2020

This article is based on the book “Profit First”, by Mike Michalowicz, and a presentation by Gabriel Dutari about applying the Profit First principles (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XzaaJBmRQ&feature=youtu.be) About 99% new businesses are started not by financial experts, but by specialists or technicians such as engineers, architects, lawyers, chefs, artists, who are very good at what they do, […]

An illustration of economic ups and down during COVID-19, used for "Budgeting and Financial Forecasting during COVID-19", written by Rolf Neuweiler, www.a2zCFO.com

Budgeting and Financial Forecasting During COVID-19

Budgeting Business Management Cash flow Financial forecast

By Rolf Neuweiler 08-30-2020

COVID-19 is changing the macroeconomic climates as well as impacting individual entities. Your annual, quarterly and monthly budgets and financial forecast during this uncertain time has become a moving target, as the economy shuts down, reopens, and recovers. Since April, 2020, we have experienced business shutdown, PPP and EIDL loans, and undoubtedly more uncertainties for […]

(hand and its index finger on keyboard) Article on cloud-based systems for business accounting, especially during COVID-19, Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO.

A Cloud-based system can improve accounting operation

Accounting Budgeting Business Management CFO Financial forecast Financial Statements

By Rolf Neuweiler 07-29-2020

Covid-19 has forced many businesses to conduct daily operations online, including accounting and finance. A cloud based system can improve collaboration and efficiencies in financial and accounting consolidation, reporting and teamwork. There are different types of subscription-based Software as a Service (SaaS) for accounting, such as QuickBooks Online, SlickPie, Sage 50, Zero and Kashoo. A […]

Covid-19 and re-assessing financial health of a business, used on a blog article by Rolf Neuweiler, consulting CFO of a2zCFO, LLC., about balance sheet and income statement, Please call me (925) 216-5058 or email: rolf@a2zCFO.com

Time to re-assess your company’s financial health

Accounting Business Management Cash flow CFO Debt & Loan Management Financial forecast Financial Statements Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 05-01-2020

As our economy is going through dramatic changes due to Covid-19, it is time to re-examine your company’s balance sheet and income statement to make adjustments or even changes in direction in order to survive and thrive. This article addresses what you need to do in this regard, following my last blog where I talked […]

(Benjamin-Franklin-on-a-dollar-bill-wearing-a-mask) Covid-19_business-owners-need-to-change-financial-budget-and-business-plan Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO.

A Crisis Calls for Changing Financial Budget and Business Plans

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow Debt & Loan Management Financial forecast Financing Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 04-28-2020

The world today is very different than it was 6 weeks ago. Before the Covid-19 lockdown, the U.S. economy was strong, the bull market was high, and unemployment was low. As our economy is slowly and gradually opening up, we are facing unprecedented unemployment, business closures, large numbers of people working from home, and many […]

CAC, LTV, & LTV ratios measure recurring revenue business models' scalability, consulting CFO for small businesses. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO. (image: signing)

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and CLV to CAC Ratio – Part 2 of 2

Accounting Business Management Consulting Financial forecast Marketing Startups Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 03-29-2020

In Part 1, we discussed CAC (customer acquisition cost), how to use it and its limitations. In Part 2 here, we will explain about CLV and CLV to CAC ratio. CLV – Customer Lifetime Value CLV (sometimes referred to as LTV) represents the total amount of revenue a business gets from a customer over the […]

CAC, LTV, & LTV ratios measure recurring revenue business models' scalability, consulting CFO for small businesses. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO. (image: signing)

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) – Part 1 of 2

Accounting Budgeting Business Management CFO Financial forecast Profit margin Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 02-28-2020

The CAC metric and other related metrics of CLV and CLV to CAC ratio are used to measure companies’ internal operation and investment in marketing and sales, as well as by investors to assess scalability of recurring revenue business models, especially fast growing internet companies such as subscription-based SaaS companies and e-commerce, web-driven businesses. The […]

Consulting CFO for small businesses Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO, discusses annual budgets, and how budgeting contributes to overall plan (image: reviewing documents)

Annual Budgets

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Financial forecast Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 01-30-2020

As 2020 is unfolding, businesses are budgeting for the entire year. The budget process is more than predicting costs and profits. It is about planning ahead for all scenarios in case sales goals go up, down or remain the same. The importance of having an annual budget Careful budgeting gives a realistic picture about how […]

Audit accounting books and employee transaction records by CFOs helps detect internal fraud and employee theft. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: audit accounting)

Fraud Detection and Prevention – Part 2 of 2

Accounting Business Management CFO Consulting Fraud prevention

By Rolf Neuweiler 12-01-2019

In July 2019, in Part 1, we discussed about detection of internal fraud and employee theft in a company. In Part 2 here we are discussing about ways for fraud prevention. Internal fraud and employee theft in a workplace can be catastrophic to any company, it can be life threatening to a small business with […]

The Seven Signs of Ethical Collapse: How To Spot Moral Meltdowns in Organizations

Accounting Brand Business Management Fraud prevention Legal Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 11-01-2019

In the book “The Seven Signs of Ethical Collapse” by Marianne Jennings, JD., these seven signs are listed for spotting an organization’s ethics crisis that can bring down corporations like Enron and other businesses and nonprofits: Pressure to maintain the business numbers Culture of fear and silence A “bigger than life” CEO and awe-struck direct […]

Blog about revenue, gross, operating and net profits and profit margins by Rolf Neuweiler, consulting CFO. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: reviewing profits)

Revenue and Profit Margins

Accounting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Financial forecast Financial Statements Profit margin

By Rolf Neuweiler 09-30-2019

In our last blog, we talked about EBITDA and EBITDA margin, and stated that it is better to use both GAAP metrics and EBITDA to determine an organization’s financial health. Under the guidelines of GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) requirements for corporate accounting, a profit margin is calculated using one of the three principles: gross […]

EBITDA & DEBITDA Margin measure profitability of a business & determine operating efficiency & direct cash flow. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: calculator)

EBITDA

Accounting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Financial forecast Financial Statements Profit margin Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 09-01-2019

What is EBITDA? EBITDA is the abbreviation for “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.” It is a measure of overall profitability of a business. How are EBITDA and EBITA margin calculated? EBITA = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA margin = EBITDA divided by total revenue. EBITDA and EBITDA margin help determine […]

Audit accounting books and employee transaction records by CFOs helps detect internal fraud and employee theft. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: audit accounting)

Fraud Detection and Prevention – Part 1 of 2

Accounting Business Management CFO Fraud prevention

By Rolf Neuweiler 07-28-2019

Internal fraud by employees in a workplace can be catastrophic to any company, it can be life-threatening to a small business with limited resources. In Part 1, we will discuss about employee theft and fraud audit detection. Next month in Part 2 we will address prevention issues. Who steals from employers? According to the shocking […]

Old and New Scams for Stealing Identity in Today’s Digital Age, by Rolf Neuweiler, a2cCFO, LLC, phone:(925) 216-5058 or email: rolf@a2zCFO.com

Old and New Scams for Stealing Identity in Today’s Digital Age

Business Management Financial Statements Fraud prevention Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 05-28-2019

Every day we get calls and receive emails from unknown sources and spammers. The following are not exhaustive lists of scams, as identity thieves are “evolving” with more sophisticated ways to breach cyber security. Here are the top 10 scams from Consumer Reports: Debt collection Fake government officials – IRS, Social Security, State Department, etc. […]

Spotting IRS impersonators can protect personal & employee information related to tax return filings., Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: impersonator stealing)

IRS Impersonators and Scams Related to Tax Returns

Accounting Business Management Consulting Fraud prevention Taxes

By Rolf Neuweiler 03-21-2019

Many people reported that they have received IRS impersonators’ calls, and sadly some fell victims of various scam schemes after being intimidated into paying a fabricated tax bill. Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to set up individuals, […]

Part 2 of 2: FINANCIAL & MANAGEMENT PITFALLS FOR A GROWING SMALL BUSINESS

Brand Budgeting Business Management CFO Consulting Financial forecast Insurance Legal Strategies Taxes

By Rolf Neuweiler 02-21-2019

In January 2019, I talked about financial and management pitfalls for growing small businesses at a professional networking group meeting. Last month in Part 1 of the two parts, we first focused on potential pitfalls related to lacking strategic goals and skills. Here in Part 2 I am listing some pitfalls related to leadership, internal […]

Good bookkeeping & accounting practices help avoid financial and management pitfalls for a growing small business, Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: money pitfall)

Financial and Management Pitfalls for a Growing Small Business – Part 1 of 2

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Debt & Loan Management Financial forecast Financial Statements Financing Line of credit Loans Profit margin Strategies Taxes

By Rolf Neuweiler 01-29-2019

Part 1 of 2: PITFALLS FOR A GROWING SMALL BUSINESS In January 2019, I talked about financial and management pitfalls for growing small businesses at a professional networking group meeting. Here in Part 1 of the two parts, we first focus on each potential pitfall related to lacking strategic goals and skills. In Part 2 […]

Cash flow can be mitigated with finance solutions, lines of credit, & non-financing improvement of management systems. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image:chalkboard)

Cash Flow Problems and Solutions for Startups and Small Businesses (3rd of 3 parts)

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Debt & Loan Management Financial forecast Financing Line of credit Loans Profit margin Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 10-27-2018

This is the last of three parts about cash flow problems and solutions for small businesses. In Parts 1 and Part 2, we discussed seven preventive strategies for all businesses: 1.) Get accounting books organized. 2.) Use a cash-flow budget. 3.) Get customers to pay quickly. 4.) Rein-in unnecessary spending and stay alert to potential […]

Cash flow can be mitigated with finance solutions, lines of credit, & non-financing improvement of management systems. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image:chalkboard)

Cash Flow Problems and Solutions for Startups and Small Businesses (2nd of 3 parts)

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Debt & Loan Management Financial forecast Profit margin Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 10-02-2018

This is the second of three blogs about cash flow problems and solutions, particularly relevant to startups, and also for small businesses. In Part 1, we discussed the first three of seven preventive strategies for all businesses: 1.) Get accounting books organized. 2.) Use a cash-flow budget. 3.) Get customers to pay quickly. Here in […]

Cash flow can be mitigated with finance solutions, lines of credit, & non-financing improvement of management systems. Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image:chalkboard)

Cash Flow Problems and Solutions for Startups and Small Businesses (1st of 3 parts)

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow CFO Consulting Financial forecast Profit margin Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 09-02-2018

This is the first of three blogs about cash flow problems and solutions for small businesses. Cash flow management is key for a small business to succeed About 82 percent of startups and small businesses fail due to poor cash flow management. Businesses experience cash flow problems when they cannot timely pay employee salaries and/or […]

Good bookkeeping & accounting practices help avoid financial and management pitfalls for a growing small business, Rolf Neuweiler, A2ZCFO (image: money pitfall)

Common Accounting Pitfalls for Small Businesses

Accounting Budgeting Business Management Cash flow CFO Debt & Loan Management Financial forecast Profit margin Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 07-24-2018

Common Accounting Pitfalls & Solutions for Small Businesses About 28 percent of companies go bankrupt due to problems with a company’s financial structure, according to a study undertaken by the Small Business Administration. Good bookkeeping and accounting practices not only can avoid many problems to make it easy for tax filings, new loans, and pitching […]

Budgeting for businesses & non profit organizations include capital, cash flow, & operating budgets. Rolf Neuweiler A2ZCFO (image: budgeting tools, calculator)

Three Types of Budgeting for Businesses

Accounting Budgeting Business Management CFO Consulting Financial Statements Strategies

By Rolf Neuweiler 04-26-2018

Failing to plan is planning to fail, that is why budgeting can help a business achieve financial success, predict profitability, provide a model for performance, formulate plans and strategies, and forecast income and expenditures. Planning and Forecasting A budget provides insight into a company’s financial position for the near future. A budget is a tool […]

In tax reform bill from Congress, what business meals are and are not deductible for a tax deduction? Rolf Neuweiler A2ZCFO (image: business lunch)

New Tax Law – Are “Meals” and “Entertainment” Still Deductible?

Accounting Business Management CFO Consulting Financial Statements Strategies Taxes Uncategorized

By Rolf Neuweiler 03-05-2018

In the tax reform bill Congress approved last December, entertainment, amusement, or recreation or any expenses with respect to such a facility do not qualify for a tax deduction. Where does this leave “meals”? I have received many questions asking if meals are still deductible. Companies’ Holiday Parties: 100% Deductible Employee Only / Holiday Parties […]

Rolf Neuweiler A2ZCFO offers financial projection, budgeting, cash flow, accounting, bookkeeping for CEOs, small businesses as an outsourced CFO (image: hands)

CFOs & CPAs Work in Synergy to Optimize Tax Strategies and Savings

Accounting Business Management CFO Consulting Strategies Taxes Uncategorized

By Rolf Neuweiler 10-27-2017

Maximizing tax savings for a company and its owner requires teamwork between both its CFO and CPA, each contributing different perspectives, skills, and functions. However, many business owners believe that they do not need a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) when they have a tax CPA. There is good reason for this confusion as some CFOs […]

There are preparation & precautions for accounting system conversions, but each is unique to your organization. Rolf Neuweiler A2ZCFO (image: accounting loop)

How to Convert Accounting Systems Successfully – Steps, Precautions, and Preparation

Accounting Business Management CFO Consulting Uncategorized

By Rolf Neuweiler 09-30-2017

As with all business systems, accounting software and systems become outdated and inappropriate for a company’s growing needs. There is always a great deal of excitement and anxiety when implementing a new accounting package. Throughout my career I have been involved with many system conversions. Time and time again these conversions often seem to be […]

Financial statements & balance sheets inform CEOs on cash flow, sales, profit margin, & financial health. Rolf Neuweiler A2ZCFO (image: financial statements)

Why do companies need timely and accurate financial statements

Business Management Consulting Financial Statements Taxes

By Rolf Neuweiler 08-30-2017

Why do companies need timely and accurate financial statements? CEOs and business owners need to be always in the know about cash flow, sales growth, profit margin changes, and administrative costs. Managing a business requires its leaders to be constantly monitoring its “vital signs”. Financial Statements consist of Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of […]