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Assess Your Bookkeeping Strength: A 5-Question Financial Audit (0–25 Points)

Let's engage in a quick self-assessment to gauge the robustness of your bookkeeping.
Find a quiet moment.
Grab a note or open your financial software,
and think critically about five pivotal questions concerning your financial practices.

Just five.
This simple exercise might unearth underlying financial challenges like cash flow variances, inaccurate pricing, overlooked deductions, and growth hindrances, all of which often evade detection until they escalate into costly issues.

Shall we begin? Let’s dive in.

Scoring Your Assessment

Rate your performance on each question from 0 to 5 points.

  • 0 means you don’t engage in this practice at all.

  • 5 indicates that you adhere to this practice consistently, every single month, without exception.

Combined score: 0–25 points.

No biases, just a transparent evaluation.

Question 1: Is Your Monthly Closing Process Consistent?

Think of closing your books each month as essential business hygiene.
Occasionally skipping is akin to flying blind — unwise and potentially risky.
Performing a diligent monthly close ensures:

  • Accurate financial statements

  • Trustworthy reports

  • Decisive operational insights

  • Early detection of potential issues

If catching up feels like a mystery novel or seems overdue, assign a lower score here.

Your score: 0–5.

Question 2: Can You Identify Your Gross Profit Margin?

Your revenue may cover expenses, but your gross profit margin is what strengthens your business.
Lacking clarity here equates to navigating business decisions blindfolded. You can't optimally address pricing, staffing, or workflow without understanding whether your revenue is truly beneficial.
Successful entities innately understand and work towards enhancing their margin.

Your score: 0–5.

Question 3: Are Your Breakeven Point and Cash Days Known?

This question acts as a stress barometer, a critical checkpoint for peace of mind.
If you're uncertain about:

  • The exact sales needed to break even

  • The number of cash days available

  • The resilience against unexpected downturns or costs

…then a lower score could be necessary.

Your score: 0–5.

Question 4: Does Your Financial Report Illuminate Trends and KPIs?

Reports providing mere expenditure listings offer marginal benefits.
Conversely, reports that illuminate patterns and divulge current insights transform operations.
Trend analysis interprets patterns; KPI reviews measure health.
Together, they empower strategic foresight.

If your reporting offers only historical data without actionable insights, consider this in your scoring.

Your score: 0–5.

Question 5: Do You Maintain a Budget or Cash Flow Forecast?

Forecasting transforms past financial data into a strategic tool, akin to transitioning from a rearview mirror to a navigational GPS.
Budgets direct the flow of funds; cash flow forecasts determine your sustainability.
Without these, management becomes reflexive — leading to unpredictability.

Your score: 0–5.

Understanding Your Total Score

0–10 points: Emergent Handling

You are maintaining operations but with vulnerabilities. Predominantly reactionary strategies indicate potential stress at the advent of difficulties.

11–17 points: Stable, Yet Reactive

While not at risk, advancement opportunities exist. Enhancing margins, cash flow, and reporting can shift your stance from adequate to optimal.

18–22 points: Solid Foundations with Scope

Your fundamentals are strong. With minor improvements, your system can achieve amplified profitability and efficiency.

23–25 points: Tactical Business Acumen

Operations are smooth and indicative of scalable growth. Continue refining for sustained scalability.

Interested in Boosting Your Score? We're Here.

Most entrepreneurs don't need more data — they need clearer interpretations.
Structured systems.
Refined methodologies.
A financial consultant who elucidates these variables.

If you seek enhanced bookkeeping, elevated reporting, or strategic forecasting, our Cincinnati-based firm is ready to assist.
Your records should propel growth — not induce guesswork. Unlock their potential with expert guidance.

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