Written by Mark Kearney of Ascent CFO

Running a small to medium-sized business comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to managing finances, payroll, and overall operations. Luckily, there are some great tools and strategies we have found at Ascent CFO Solutions available to help streamline these processes, making management of your business a whole lot easier. Whether you’re looking to enhance your accounting practices, improve payroll efficiency, or adopt effective management frameworks, we’ve found these tools to be very beneficial.

Software Tools

QuickBooks Online: QuickBooks Online is the go-to bookkeeping and accounting solution for small to medium-sized businesses. With a vast array of integrations, it goes beyond basic functionality, offering a comprehensive suite of financial management tools. These tools help streamline accounting processes, enhance financial visibility, and boost business efficiency. Features include invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, payroll management, and detailed financial reporting. We highly recommend the online version over the desktop version, as it’s accessible from any internet-connected device and easily shareable with financial service providers like Ascent CFO, accounting, and tax partners.

Gusto: Gusto is your one-stop platform for payroll, benefits, and people management solutions tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It covers everything from payroll processing and benefits administration to employee onboarding, time tracking, and compliance management. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with various accounting and productivity software, including QuickBooks Online. This makes Gusto a versatile and efficient tool for managing HR and payroll functions.

Insights from Ascent CFO Solutions: Ascent CFO Solutions brings together data from various accounting, payroll, and other business systems, creating impressive visuals and reports without the need for exporting and charting in Excel. It automates monthly reporting, providing management with better visibility into operational and financial trends, which leads to more informed decision-making.

Bill.com: bill.com is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline and automate the accounts payable (AP) process. It offers features like electronic invoicing, approval workflows, payment processing, and integration with various accounting software. Accessible via web and mobile applications, it allows you to manage your AP processes from anywhere.

Books to Check Out

Measure What Matters by John Doerr: This book is a practical guide on using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to set goals and drive performance. It showcases how companies like Google leverage OKRs to achieve remarkable results, emphasizing focus, alignment, and accountability in business.

Management Processes to Implement

EOS (Enterprise Operating System): The “Enterprise Operating System” by EOS Worldwide offers a solid framework for businesses aiming for growth and efficiency. It emphasizes clear vision, disciplined execution, and a healthy team culture. The book provides practical tools and methodologies to strengthen six key business components, ensuring sustainable success and operational excellence.

Embrace these tools, insights, and strategies to streamline your operations and drive your business toward success!