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Evaluate Your Bookkeeping Skills with This 5-Point Assessment

Here’s a quick reality check for your business’s financial health.

Grab a pen and a deep breath as we unfold these five essential questions to gauge your bookkeeping accuracy.

Even well-organized businesses are often surprised by the insights gained from this evaluation, revealing potential cash flow issues, pricing discrepancies, missed tax advantages, and growth obstacles.

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Ready? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Your Score

Score each question from 0–5 points.

  • 0 = Not at all

  • 5 = Absolutely, every month without fail

Total: 0–25 points. Just clarity, no judgment.

Question 1: Are your financials consistently closed each month?

Think of your monthly close like the hygiene of your business’s finances.

Regular month-end closing provides:

  • Accurate financial records

  • Dependable reports

  • Clear foresight

  • Alertness to potential issues before they escalate

If your bookkeeping feels more mysterious than transparent, score yourself on the lower end.

Score: 0–5.

Question 2: Do you know your gross profit margin?

Your revenue keeps the business running, but your gross margin reflects what’s left for profit and reinvestment. Not knowing your margin is akin to operating in the dark.

Successful businesses not only monitor but also optimize their margins.

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Score: 0–5.

Question 3: Are you aware of your breakeven point and cash reserves?

This knowledge is crucial for financial predictability and stress reduction.

  • Identify the sales needed to break even

  • Understand how long your business can sustain itself with current cash reserves

  • Plan for slower months or unexpected expenditures

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If these metrics are unclear, consider scoring on the lower side.

Score: 0–5.

Question 4: Does your financial reporting highlight trends and KPIs?

Reports that only list expenses are helpful, but those visualizing trends and insights drive strategic business decisions.

Trend lines and KPIs equip you with the insight to steer your business confidently.

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Score: 0–5.

Question 5: Do you maintain a budget or cash flow forecast?

Financial forecasting converts your data from hindsight to foresight.

Budgets guide spending patterns; cash forecasts ensure sustained operations without financial surprises.

Without these, business management becomes reactive instead of strategic.

Score: 0–5.

What Your Total Score Means0–10 points: Financial Firefighting

Your operations are functioning, but financial management requires refinement to avoid unexpected hardships.

11–17 points: Stable Yet Reactive

Your business isn’t at risk but misses potential efficiency gains.

18–22 points: Healthy with Potential for Improvement

Your fundamentals are strong, and minor enhancements could yield significant benefits.

23–25 points: Financially Disciplined

Your business operates like clockwork, laying the foundation for scalable growth.

Want to Enhance Your Score? Let Us Assist.

Most businesses lack clarity rather than data.

If you seek to refine your bookkeeping, improve reporting, or enhance cash flow forecasting, ChesebroCPA is here to guide you with expertise and clear purpose. Let’s turn your books into a growth engine.

Schedule a Complimentary Meeting
Learn how we can help serve your business needs.
Schedule Here
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