What Financial Consultants Can Help SMEs With (2024)

Joanne Dewberry

As a SME owner, you’re responsible for making a huge number of decisions every day while growing your business. And while there’s no doubt that you’re business-savvy, it’s also the case that some of those decisions are better placed in the hands of a qualified professional.

Money and budgeting play such crucial roles in a successful business – in fact, for most, it’s the reason to be in business in the first place. So, it makes sense to consult with someone who can help you make better choices. Financial consultants can help SMEs with a range of money-related decisions, ensuring your business stays in a positive place.

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Tax Preparation:

As a business owner, you need to keep track of every pound that comes in or goes out of your business accounts, so having a qualified accountant on your side can be helpful in establishing clear, accurate records. They will ensure your taxes are paid on time and correctly, which can be a stressful task for any business owner. Many small businesses don’t have the funds to keep an accountant on the payroll, particularly in the early stages. But an experienced financial consultant can step into this role and give you accurate information on tax laws and regulations, as well as any deadlines you need to be aware of.

Advice In Times Of Difficulty:

SMEs may find themselves in times of financial difficulty which can be a worrying time, especially when they’re just starting out as money can be a struggle during this period of initial growth. It’s important that during such changes or negative circ*mstances, business owners speak to professionals who understand the situation and can provide tailored advice. If you’re struggling with debt as a business, for example, talking to qualified insolvency practitioners can ease the stress and worry, as they’ll be able to help you find the right solution for your specific needs and circ*mstances to keep your business afloat while you ride out the difficult period.

Insurance Planning:

A business requires adequate insurance to protect it against any traumatic events that could leave it struggling, whether that’s the unexpected death of the owner or partner, damage to the business premises or something else equally catastrophic. With these types of events, SMEs could be left with no choice but to close temporarily which can significantly impact profits. A financial consultant will be able to advise on the best form of insurance for your business, to provide confidence that whatever occurs in the future, the business will be protected. This alleviates risks as much as possible and mitigates any financial shortfalls the business might suffer from.

Smart Investments:

You might be an experienced investor, or this might be your first foray into investing your money, but either way, you want to be sure you’re doing so wisely. This is an area of operating a business where having a financial consultant on call can benefit you financially, as they’ll be able to help you put your money in the right places for long-term success. Making smart investments is a challenge for anyone but having someone on your side providing advice as the market changes is incredibly valuable.

Creating Retirement Plans:

As your business grows and you hire more members to the team, you’ll need to consider the benefits you provide them with. Businesses are required to offer retirement plans for their staff and setting them up is something you can work with a financial consultant on, to make sure they’re done correctly and in keeping with the regulations for pension plans. They’ll advise you on which members of your team require a pension plan, as this can change depending on variable hours and contract types.

Final Thoughts:

It’s not always possible to hire someone full-time for every aspect of your business, but working with a financial consultant on a regular basis can really help move your business in the right direction and ensure you’re staying compliant with all the legal requirements your business needs to adhere to. From tax and retirement to payroll, insurance and debt management, there are so many financial decisions to make, but a financial consultant will have the necessary knowledge to help you make the right choices every time.


What Financial Consultants Can Help SMEs With (1)

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What Financial Consultants Can Help SMEs With (2024)

FAQs

Can a financial advisor help with a business plan? ›

Part of the difficulty in managing the earnings of a small business is determining the future cashflow needs of the business. A financial advisor should work with the client to understand their company, what future aspirations are being planned, and what resources will be needed for company growth.

How can a financial consultant help me? ›

A financial advisor not only understands the analytical side of pursuing financial goals but also considers how unplanned events like job loss, market uncertainty, disability or health issues can impact your financial goals and overall strategy.

Why do small business owners need a financial advisor? ›

A skilled small business financial advisor can create a personalized retirement strategy for you, considering factors such as business succession and tax implications. They'll help you strike a balance between reinvesting in your business and securing your future.

What is the most important financial resource for a small business? ›

Internal sources

Personal sources These are the most important sources of finance for a start-up, and we deal with them in more detail in a later section. Retained profits This is the cash that is generated by the business when it trades profitably – another important source of finance for any business, large or small.

Should a small business have a financial advisor? ›

A small business financial advisor can help manage both business and personal finances for small business owners. They can identify cost savings, improve cash flow and boost efficiency in your business, potentially offsetting their fee.

What is the difference between a business consultant and a financial advisor? ›

A business consultant is not the same as a financial consultant. A business consultant covers many specializations, including marketing, human resources, finance, and operations. On the other hand, a financial consultant is focused on the financial aspect of an organization or individual.

What are examples of financial consulting services? ›

Retirement planning, investment plans, provident funds, stock options, and portfolio management are all areas of finance for individuals depending on their personal financial goals.

How do I choose an independent financial advisor? ›

When choosing a financial adviser, there are several things you should consider:
  1. Qualifications. Look for an adviser who is qualified and experienced in the areas that are important to you. ...
  2. Fees. Financial advisers charge different fees for their services. ...
  3. Expertise. ...
  4. Approach.
Feb 19, 2024

Are financial consultants worth it? ›

A financial advisor is worth paying for if they provide help you need, whether because you don't have the time or financial acumen or you simply don't want to deal with your finances. An advisor may be especially valuable if you have complicated finances that would benefit from professional help.

Do you need an independent financial advisor? ›

If you have little experience of dealing with finances or you're confused about making a decision, it may be helpful to get professional financial advice. A financial adviser can help with things like: planning for your retirement. investing or saving money.

Do financial advisors need an MBA? ›

Even without an MBA degree, a career as a financial advisor can be highly rewarding in terms of overall cash compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2022, financial advisors make an average annual wage of $137,740.

What is the most important thing for a financial advisor? ›

  1. Passion for Financial Planning and Wealth Management. The successful financial advisors are the ones who have an absolute passion for the subject. ...
  2. Deep Analytical Ability. There are many areas involved in a complete and thorough financial plan. ...
  3. Professional Salesmanship. ...
  4. Putting a Client's Interests First. ...
  5. Curiosity.

What is basic financial management for small businesses? ›

Here, we dissect the essential components of financial management tailored for a small business owner:
  • Stay organized. ...
  • Plan a detailed budget. ...
  • Prioritize cash flow management. ...
  • Minimize costs. ...
  • Be diligent about receivables. ...
  • Stay educated on tax obligations. ...
  • Consider professional help. ...
  • Invest in growth.
Sep 18, 2023

What are the three 3 most important financial statements for a small business? ›

The income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows are required financial statements. These three statements are informative tools that traders can use to analyze a company's financial strength and provide a quick picture of a company's financial health and underlying value.

How can I make my small business successful? ›

20 Tips for Small Business Owners
  1. Stay organized. ...
  2. Learn to be flexible. ...
  3. Automate as many things as possible. ...
  4. Maintain a personal touch. ...
  5. Protect your intellectual property. ...
  6. Have a great website. ...
  7. Create unique content. ...
  8. Don't be afraid of data analytics.

Can a financial professional help you when starting a for your business? ›

In summary, a financial professional can provide valuable guidance and expertise when starting a budget for your business. They can help you create a realistic financial plan that sets you up for success and enables you to make informed decisions to achieve your business goals.

What to avoid in a financial advisor? ›

These 10 statements can help you identify an advisor who is better to walk away from:
  • "I offer a guaranteed rate of return."
  • "Performance is the only thing that matters."
  • "This investment product is risk-free. ...
  • "Don't worry about how you're invested. ...
  • "I know my pay structure is confusing; just trust me that it's fair."
Mar 1, 2024

Is there a difference between financial advisor and planner? ›

While the distinction between financial advisor and financial planner may be murky for consumers, many financial professionals have a clear idea of what it means to be an advisor versus a planner. Advisors are often focused on investment management, while planners take a more holistic approach to help clients.

What is the difference between financial planning and financial advisor? ›

A financial planner generally takes a more comprehensive, long-term approach to money management. While they often hold the same licenses and carry out the same functions as financial advisors, financial planners tend to focus on creating personalized and holistic plans for clients.

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