Cross + Co - Insights

Excel & Accounting

Excel is a powerhouse tool for accountants and finance professionals alike, offering unmatched flexibility and accessibility. For small businesses or self-employed individuals, it’s often an ideal solution because it’s already included with Microsoft 365 and can be customized to fit specific financial needs. However, Excel’s greatest strength—its flexibility—can also be a drawback. Without built-in accounting…

Navigating Campaign Funding: Key Insights on Compliance and Strategy

Campaign funding is a critical part of any political campaign, but it comes with a maze of regulatory requirements. At both the state and federal levels, campaign finance laws dictate how contributions are raised, reported, and spent. These laws ensure transparency, limit influence, and help maintain public trust in the process. Candidates rely on contributions…

SMB Financial Structure

As a CPA and CFO, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong financial structure can make or break an SMB. Here are five key steps to set up a solid foundation: A well-structured financial framework isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making informed decisions that drive growth. Let’s keep moving forward together! Let’s discuss!

Bookkeeping: The Foundation of Smart Money Management

Every business decision relies on one thing: accurate financial data. Bookkeeping isn’t just a task—it’s the cornerstone of healthy financial management. Without clean, up-to-date records, businesses risk making decisions in the dark. Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day financial details, such as recording transactions and categorizing expenses. Their work ensures that accountants and CFOs have reliable information…

10 Costs Classifications

Understanding the 10 Key Cost Classifications is essential for effective financial management. As a CPA and CFO, I’ve found that distinguishing between Fixed Costs, Variable Costs, and Operating Costs is crucial for budgeting and forecasting. Additionally, recognizing Direct and Indirect Costs helps in accurate cost allocation. Don’t overlook One-Time Costs versus Recurring Costs, which impact…

Critical Financial Tools

As a CFO, I can’t overstate the value of trailing twelve months (TTM) financial statements in providing a real-time view of your company’s financial health. Unlike traditional quarterly or annual reports, TTM data reflects the most current trends, smoothing out seasonal variations and offering a more accurate assessment of performance. This approach is particularly useful…

Navigating the Bank Balance Accounting Trap

It’s easy to feel secure when your bank account is flush with cash—but that feeling can quickly fade once bills come due. Many businesses fall into the trap of managing their finances based solely on their current bank balance, which can lead to a rollercoaster of high-stress decision-making. This ‘feast or famine’ cycle not only…

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Cash Flow Simplified

The cash flow statement often gets overlooked, It’s not just about tracking cash—it’s about understanding the lifeblood of your business. Breaking it down into operating, investing, and financing activities, you can gain a clearer picture of the past and presently where you are from a cash perspective.  That’s not enough! It is imperative project where…

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Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning

Continuous learning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset that drives growth and innovation. As leaders, we have the privilege of shaping an environment where curiosity thrives. Encourage your team to explore new skills, attend industry events, or pursue certifications that align with their goals. Not only does this keep your organization ahead of industry trends,…

Leveraging Data Analytics: A Game Changer for Financial Leaders

Data analytics is no longer a “nice-to-have” for CFOs and CPAs—it’s a necessity. By utilizing advanced tools, we can transform complex financial data into actionable insights, uncover hidden opportunities, and forecast with greater precision. This shift is reshaping how we approach decision-making, turning us into proactive strategists rather than reactive number-crunchers. To stay competitive, financial…