Executive Insights
Strategic Financials helps companies get better business intelligence so they can make better business decisions. The following guiding principles are intended to offer insight into what you need to make your business operations run smoothly

Focus First on the Needs of the Business

Strategic financial solutions are designed from the top down to give CEOs the insight they need to run their businesses more intelligently. The first priority is to identify the critical information each business needs to most effectively manage growth and meet key performance objectives. The next step is to ensure that all key indicators-essential to meeting both current and future goals-are readily available to the CEO at all times.

Keep it Simple

Most IT projects get needlessly sidetracked on the "killer app", with every feature imaginable. The reality is that efforts should focus on the 20% of the tasks that generate 80% of the results. Generating more information than needed to make a good decision is a net negative. In addition to taking more time and resources, it creates distracting noise around key data points.

  • Collect Data at the Source
  • Data that is one step removed is data that is one step less useful.
  • Gather Data Electronically
  • Most errors in data systems are created by manual data entry.
  • Eliminate Redundant Operations

Data output and re-entry slows the cycle while increasing the potential for human error. When single data entry isn't possible, establish electronic import/export bridges to accelerate the task and eliminate errors.

Avoid Custom Software

This creates inevitable ties to the author for support and can create problems if the author leaves, moves or loses interest.

Use Best-of-Breed Software

Turn to the experts for the most configurable, reliable solutions available. When faced with a choice between features and reliability, choose reliability.

Leverage ASP Solutions

This eliminates the need for a host of network support surrounding a business' most valuable data, providing:

  • Freedom from daily backups of key data
  • Freedom from tape storage and retrieval
  • Freedom from being tied to the office

Since both installation and upgrades are automatic, downtime is virtually eliminated. In addition, ASP models ensure the CEO has real-time access to the critical data they need from anywhere in the world.

Kill Paper Processes

They are slower, more labor intensive and more error prone than electronic processes. This includes eliminating:

  • Paper time cards
  • Paychecks
  • Paper bills from vendors
  • Checks to vendors
  • Paper invoices to clients
  • Checks from clients
Streamline Data Management Protocols

Most documents and information can't be found because those that store or retrieve this material don't know where to look for it. Make your electronic financial filing system identical to your paper filing system. The goal is to create something that is intuitive to the CEO and others requiring access to the records.

Close Financials Weekly

Large work in progress piles can create a whole host of problems, including:

  • Delayed reporting
  • Missing or incomplete information
  • Wasted time

The solution is to have a clear operational calendar that is consistently followed on a weekly, and if needed, daily basis.

Document the Process

Never let yourself be held hostage to unknown methods. If only one person knows the process, they are held hostage-unable to take vacation or even get promoted. What's more, your company is being held hostage-unable to grow beyond the individual's bandwidth and/or expertise.