Blog

Catch the latest financial news, industry insights, company announcements, and more from AdaptCFO.

Aperiam harum

Why Most Startups Fail at Capital Raising

Turn audit season from a scramble into an advantage. This guide explains what auditors actually test — statement accuracy, internal controls, and GAAP or IFRS compliance — and gives eight proven moves to breeze through fieldwork: start months early, name a coordinator, reconcile everything, close prior findings, assemble rock-solid PBCs, manage system access, run internal walkthroughs, and hold a pre-audit planning meeting. You will also learn how to avoid costly pitfalls like missed deadlines, weak controls, and slow responses.

How to Prepare for a Financial Audit: Expert Tips That Actually Work

Stop Losing Money: Master Your AR Aging Report Today

Unpaid invoices older than 90 days get paid only 18% of the time, and US small businesses are sitting on $825B in AR. This post shows how to turn your AR aging report into a cash-flow control system: build it in six steps, segment high-risk customers, match collection tactics to each aging bucket, and fix common pitfalls like timing gaps, disputes, and concentration risk. Make it a weekly ritual to cut write-offs, speed collections, and stabilize cash.

Why Smart Capital Allocation Makes or Breaks Your Business Success

Your capital allocation choices decide if you compound value or quietly destroy it. This post breaks down what capital allocation really is, the five proven ways to deploy cash (organic growth, M&A, debt management, dividends, buybacks), how to measure value creation with ROIC vs WACC, and the traps that sink even seasoned execs. Get a simple, repeatable framework that links strategy to budget, balances risk and return, and keeps every dollar working harder.

EP 005 | Growth Under Pressure: From Rio’s favelas to world-class BJJ mentor: resilience, faith, and leadership — with Roan “Jucão” Carneiro

From Rio’s favelas to the UFC and back to the kids’ mat, a veteran coach shares how jiu-jitsu and faith turned loss, bullying, and failure into grit, confidence, and leadership. The episode dives into resilience, showing up when it hurts, raising strong kids, building a community-first gym, and applying “pressure makes diamonds” to business and life. Raw stories, practical mindset shifts, and why consistency beats talent, on and off the mat.

Capital Allocation Mastery: Essential Strategies for Business Growth in 2025

Where you put capital decides your future. This guide gives leaders a rigorous allocation system—five winning plays (reinvest core, smart M&A/partnerships, kill high-interest debt, dividends, buybacks), a step-by-step framework, the pitfalls to avoid (funding laggards, politics, ignoring opportunity cost), and the metrics that matter (ROIC > WACC, ROIIC)—so every dollar compounds.

Why the Fintech Industry Is Not What You Think It Is

Fintech isn’t just payment apps—it’s the software and APIs powering banking, lending, fraud prevention, and embedded finance across every industry. This guide resets your mental model: what fintech really is in 2025 (AI, open banking, partnerships—not “bank killers”), where it’s unlocking access and profit, and how to evaluate vendors, compliance-by-design, and opportunities like embedded finance and stablecoins to strengthen your operations and customer experience.

Capital Planning Secrets from Successful CFOs

Turn CapEx into advantage: why capital planning (vs. budgeting) matters now, plus a CFO-ready system—4 stages (intake, scoring, allocation, tracking), the right tools (NPV/IRR, scenarios, KRIs, portfolio dashboards), and 8 field-tested practices to prioritize, de-risk, and deliver ROI.

No More Blind Spots: Designing a Risk Matrix That Maps Interdependencies

Most risk matrices create blind spots. This guide exposes the hidden flaws (oversimplified scoring, ignored interdependencies, fuzzy likelihood/impact) and gives a step-by-step rebuild—clear criteria, a 4x4/5x5 grid, risk-control mapping, cross-functional validation, documentation, and quarterly updates with real-time tools—so your “heat map” finally drives decisions that reduce risk.

Your Valuation Runs on NRR: The Metric That Predicts SaaS Growth

NRR is the truth serum for subscriptions: when it’s >100%, you’re growing without new logos. This guide explains what NRR is, how to calculate it, realistic benchmarks, and the five levers to lift it—segmentation, health-score-timed upsells, CS incentives, better onboarding, and churn-feedback loops—so your existing customers become your growth engine.

How to Track KPIs Without Getting Lost in Data

Drowning in charts? This guide shows how to turn your dashboard into a control system: pick 5–7 KPIs tied to real goals, balance leading/lagging indicators, assign owners and cadences, and automate data + alerts. Cut vanity metrics, keep one clean screen, spot trends early, and make faster, better calls.

Confused About Accounts Payable vs Receivable? Here's What You Need to Know

AP = what you owe; AR = what you’re owed. See how they drive cash flow and working capital, the key metrics (DPO, DSO, AR turnover), and practical systems to speed collections, time payables, forecast cash, and reduce fraud.

Why Closing The Books Wrong Could Cost Your Business Thousands

Closing the books is not routine paperwork. It is how you lock clean, audit-ready numbers and spot issues before they get expensive. This post shows why closing within 10–15 days saves thousands, the common mistakes to avoid, and the simple systems and automation that make your close faster and more reliable.

Why You're Probably Getting Depreciation Wrong (+ How to Fix It)

Depreciation isn’t just an accounting formality—it’s a strategic tool that impacts cash flow, taxes, and financial accuracy. Most businesses get it wrong by misclassifying assets or using outdated schedules, costing themselves money. This guide breaks down how depreciation really works, common mistakes, and the simple fixes that save you time, taxes, and compliance headaches.

Revenue Bridge Analysis: A Simple Guide for Business Growth

Ever wonder why your revenue went up (or down)? A revenue bridge breaks it down—showing whether growth came from pricing, volume, product mix, or external factors. This simple, visual tool helps you explain performance to investors, plan smarter, and make decisions based on real data instead of guesswork.

EP 004 | Growth Under Pressure: From NFL linebacker to leadership coach: why natural leaders don't exist — with Rennie Curran

On episode 004 of Growth Under Pressure, Former NFL linebacker Rennie Curran breaks down leadership as a journey of service, faith, and daily reps. We talk influence through action, building real buy-in, and “operating at the level of your vision” so you’re ready when opportunity shows up.

Business Growth Strategy Basics: From Zero to Market Leader

Sustainable growth, simplified: what a growth strategy is, when to build it, and the four plays—market penetration, market development, product development, diversification—plus practical levers (pricing, visibility, segmentation, feedback-driven R&D). Focus on your core (≈80% of growth), combine plays, and plan through cycles to go from zero to market leader.

The Truth About Cash Runway: A Founder's Guide to Staying Alive

Cash runway, demystified: what it is and how to calculate (net burn), why investors now expect 24–36 months, and the levers to extend it—cut spend, speed collections, add recurring revenue, renegotiate terms, plan scenarios, and time your raise.

The Complete Financial Reconciliation Process: From Start to Finish

Your first line of defense against errors and fraud: what reconciliation is, the key types (bank, AP/AR, intercompany, inventory), a proven 6-step workflow, and automation practices to speed close and boost accuracy.

Financial Modeling Mastery: A Guide to Build Powerful Business Forecasts

Turn uncertainty into a plan: what financial modeling is, the essential model types (3-statement, DCF, M&A/LBO, scenarios), a step-by-step build, and Excel best practices—so you forecast confidently and make smarter, faster decisions.

EP 003 | Growth Under Pressure: From executive assistant to multimillion-dollar CEO in 18 months — with Brett Gelfand

On Episode 003 of Growth Under Pressure, Brett shares how he became CEO of a multimillion-dollar cannabis company at just 24. He reflects on the challenges and lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, from navigating pressure moments to building companies with purpose, resilience, and long-term vision.

Accrual Accounting Made Easy: From Basics to Better Business Decisions

Accrual accounting records revenue when earned and expenses when incurred—giving a truer picture than cash basis. Learn the basics (accruals vs. deferrals), core journal entries, GAAP/IRS requirements, and how this method improves forecasting, cash planning, and decisions.

How to Calculate Your Loan to Value Ratio: Expert Tips for Better Rates

Understand Loan-to-Value (LTV), why the 80% threshold matters, and how to calculate and reduce it. Get practical moves—bigger down payments, smart property choices, timing, and refinancing—to secure lower rates and avoid PMI.

Why Most People Get Journal Entries Wrong (And How to Fix It)

Journal entries are the backbone of your financials. This post covers double-entry basics (what to include), the six common traps—misclassification, omissions, imbalanced entries, vague descriptions, missed adjustments, weak reconciliations—and the fixes: templates, automation, approvals, solid documentation, and regular reconciliations, with quick examples to apply now.

COGS Formula Explained: A Simple Guide to Calculate Costs

Most owners know their revenue, but not their cost of goods sold—the number that truly drives profitability. Miscalculating COGS means blind pricing, missed margins, and higher taxes. Learn what to include, how to calculate it, and how better COGS tracking turns into smarter decisions and stronger profits.

Why Your Chart of Accounts Might Be Costing You Money (+ Quick Fixes)

Your chart of accounts could be quietly draining money through misclassifications, messy reporting, and tax headaches. Most businesses set it up once and forget it—creating costly blind spots. The good news? With a few quick fixes, you can turn it into a powerful tool that drives clarity, accuracy, and better decisions.

Why Gross Retention Might Be the Most Important Metric You’re Ignoring

Many leaders obsess over growth metrics, but overlook gross revenue retention—the number that reveals if your business can truly survive. Unlike net retention, GRR strips away upsells and shows the unfiltered truth about customer stickiness, stability, and risk.

EP 002 | Growth Under Pressure: How I scaled from $0 to $500M in 6 years (and almost lost everything) — with Maney Mazloom

Maney Mazloom scaled EncompassRx from $0 to nearly $500M ARR in six years—then a Hep C drug surge almost broke the business. In this episode he unpacks how they survived a brutal cash-flow gap (yes, daily mail runs for checks), why a co-CEO model worked, shifting KPIs from revenue to profit, building a pharmacist-centric service, and the costly mistake of delaying real finance systems—plus what he’s building next.

How Fixed Assets Quietly Make—or Break—Your Business

Your buildings, machines, vehicles, and equipment do more than fill a warehouse—they drive capacity and valuation. This guide explains what qualifies as fixed assets (PP&E), how to capitalize and depreciate them, their impact on all three financial statements, and practical ways to audit, maintain, finance, and dispose of them to maximize ROI.

Cohort Analysis for SaaS: Cut Churn, Boost LTV

Stop guessing from averages—use cohort analysis to see who sticks, when, and why. Learn the four cohort types, a simple 5-step workflow, and how to turn retention patterns into smarter product, marketing, and revenue decisions.

The Ultimate Guide to Finance: Understanding Money Management in the Modern World

Finance, made practical for business owners: what it is (vs. accounting), the three core types, how money moves through the system, and the must-know tools—cash flow, funding, and risk—to make smarter decisions today.

EP 001 | Growth Under Pressure: Why rushing to market almost killed my 4th startup — with Tanner Haas, founder of Freedom Chat

A product rushed to market. A hack that compromised 30,000 users. And a founder forced to hit pause before it was too late. In our debut episode, four-time founder Tanner Haas reveals how a string of challenges — from losing money on protein powder sales at 18, to driving Uber to stay afloat, to recovering from a near-fatal beta launch — shaped the disciplined approach that saved his fourth startup, Freedom Chat. He shares the lessons every founder needs to hear about building a real foundation and making smarter bets with scarce resources.

Why Your Burn Rate Matters More Than Revenue (Startup Truth)

Burn rate—the speed at which you burn cash—matters more than revenue for early‑stage survival. This post defines gross vs. net burn, shows how to turn them into runway (cash ÷ monthly net burn), and explains why investors track burn multiples and panic when runway drops below 12 months. You’ll see cost‑cutting tactics (audit expenses, swap fixed for variable, growth‑hack instead of paid ads, hire only when unit economics prove out) plus when it’s smart to boost spend to seize growth. Mastering burn rate lets you control fundraising timelines and avoid becoming another “out‑of‑cash” statistic.

What is EBITDA? A Simple Explanation That Finally Makes Sense

EBITDA shows how much your core operations earn before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. This post explains what it is, how to calculate it (two simple formulas), where it’s most useful (valuation, lending, benchmarking), and why it’s not the whole story—because it ignores capex and debt. Use EBITDA as one tool alongside cash flow and leverage metrics.

Why Most People Get Journal Entries Wrong (And How to Fix It)

Journal entry errors—wrong debits/credits, misclassified accounts, vague descriptions, imbalance, and wrong periods—quietly distort your financials. This post breaks down how double-entry really works, shows the five most common mistakes, and gives step‑by‑step fixes and examples so you can clean up entries, trust your statements, and make better decisions.

Why Your Business Profits Don't Equal Real Profitability

Profit looks good—but are you profitable? Learn the ratios (margin, ROA, ROE, EBITDA) that expose thin margins, hidden costs, debt drag & cash gaps—and the moves to turn paper gains into durable returns.

Why Your Growing Business Needs a Fractional Controller

Growing fast but not ready for a six-figure controller hire? A fractional controller gives you audit-ready books, cash-flow control, compliance protection, and strategic insight for a fraction of the cost—often saving 50–70% vs full-time. Learn when to bring one in and what to expect.

GAAP Accounting Principles Made Simple: What Every CFO Needs to Know

Master GAAP without the jargon. This guide unpacks the ten core principles—regularity to utmost good faith—showing CFOs how to turn compliance into a strategic edge, secure investor confidence, and set the stage for smarter growth.

The Ultimate Guide to Fundraising in 2025: Everything You Need to Know to Raise Money Successfully

Fundraising in 2025 is more competitive than ever. This guide gives nonprofits the edge—covering smart strategies, mobile-first giving, donor retention, and underused tools like matching gifts. With $4–7B in corporate matches left on the table annually and mobile donations up 50%, the winners are those who build real relationships, personalize outreach, and act fast.

Business Cash Flow Management: From Basics to Advanced Strategies

Cash flow—not profit—keeps a business alive. This guide shows why weekly cash-flow tracking, realistic forecasts, and smart tactics like automated invoicing, lean inventory, and flexible financing protect you from late-payment crunches and growth-phase cash gaps. Master these basics now to survive downturns and scale with confidence.

Financial Statements: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Company Performance (2025)

Go beyond the spreadsheets. This quick guide demystifies the income statement, balance sheet, cash-flow, and equity reports, shows how they fit together, and spotlights the key profitability and liquidity ratios investors watch—so you can read financials like a pro and steer growth with confidence.

The Truth About Financial Forecasting: Why Most Businesses Get It Wrong

Traditional, one-and-done forecasts fail because they ignore volatility; this post busts the biggest myths and champions rolling, scenario-based planning that updates with real data. It maps a four-step framework, illustrates wins in seasonal retail, startup cash-flow planning, and downturn drills, and shows how adaptable forecasting converts uncertainty into a strategic edge.

What is a Fractional CFO? A Simple Guide for Growing Businesses

A fractional CFO lets companies tap senior-level financial strategy without hiring a full-time executive. The article breaks down core duties, contrasts hands-on executors with strategic advisors, and highlights how flexible scope, diverse experience, and lower overhead make the model ideal when growth accelerates, cash gets tight, or investors start asking tough questions.

The Hidden Costs of DIY Bookkeeping: When to Get Professional Services

Many owners assume doing the books themselves saves money, yet the post shows the true price hides in lost hours, compliance penalties, and blind spots in cash flow. It flags four clear signals that it’s time to outsource and explains how professional bookkeeping delivers the real-time accuracy and bandwidth a growing business needs.

The REAL Cost of Growth: Why Most Companies Lose Money While Scaling

Rapid growth can lead to hidden financial pitfalls like premature hiring and inefficient operations. This post explores these risks and offers five frameworks for scaling profitably: focusing on high-margin products, automation, revenue-based hiring, outsourcing, and value-based pricing. Successful growth requires balancing ambition with smart financial strategies.

5 Critical Signs Your Growing Business Needs Strategic Finance (Beyond Bookkeeping)

As your business scales, basic bookkeeping falls short. Learn the five signs it’s time to upgrade to strategic finance—and how better financial leadership can help you plan ahead, improve profitability, and drive smarter growth.

2025 Small Business Tax Deadlines You Can’t Afford to Miss

Tax filing deadlines can seem daunting to business owners of all sizes. Here are some key points to consider.

When Are Business Taxes Due?

Staying ahead of business tax deadlines is crucial for avoiding penalties and maintaining financial stability. This guide breaks down key 2025 tax deadlines for LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps, including filing dates, extensions, and quarterly estimated payments. Understanding these timelines will keep your business organized, compliant, and stress-free.

The Importance of Financial Forecasting for Business Growth

Financial forecasting isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s your business’s GPS. It helps align your financial plans with your mission, prepares you for market changes, and transforms uncertainty into actionable clarity. From better decision-making and risk mitigation to stakeholder trust and sustainable growth, forecasting is a game-changer for any business. At AdaptCFO, we craft tailored forecasts that are both strategic and operational, guiding businesses toward success with actionable insights. Whether you’re a startup securing funding or an established business scaling operations, financial forecasting ensures your growth is purposeful and sustainable.

The 3 Hidden Risks of In-House Finance Teams That Are Killing Your Growth (And How to Fix Them)

Discover the three hidden risks lurking in your in-house finance team that could be stunting your growth. From overloaded bookkeepers to process bottlenecks and dependency on a single key person, these common pitfalls might be holding your business back. Learn practical strategies to fix them and unlock your finance team’s true potential as a driver for growth.

Understanding Business Valuation: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Business valuation is key to understanding your company's worth, especially for sales, investments, or leadership changes. Methods like market comparison, income-based, and asset-based approaches offer different insights. A lower-than-expected valuation can be a chance to improve by boosting profitability, cash flow, and brand value. Whether you're planning an exit or just curious, business valuation provides a roadmap for growth. Let AdaptCFO help you assess and enhance your business’s value!

How to Prepare for a Business Financial Audit: A Simple Guide

Preparing for a business financial audit involves gathering key documentation like financial statements, tax returns, and payroll records. It's essential to establish and review internal controls to prevent errors and fraud. Selecting the right auditor with relevant industry experience is also crucial for a smooth process. Avoid common issues like missing documentation or weak internal controls by staying organized and addressing any prior audit findings. Audit readiness is an ongoing process that not only ensures compliance but can also improve your financial practices. AdaptCFO offers expert help to make audit preparation stress-free.

Navigating Financial Challenges During Economic Downturns

In economic downturns, businesses can stay resilient by cutting costs strategically, managing cash flow through faster payment cycles and forecasting, and exploring alternative financing like government relief or asset-based lending. Diversifying revenue streams and building financial cushions are key risk mitigation strategies, helping companies maintain stability and emerge stronger during tough times.

Cash Flow Management Strategies from a CFO

Discover essential cash flow management strategies from a CFO’s perspective. Learn what cash flow management is, why it's vital for business success, and practical tips to improve your cash flow, including forecasting, managing receivables, and optimizing expenses.

7 Reasons to Hire a Virtual CFO for Your Business

A Virtual CFO offers significant benefits, including cost savings, industry expertise, scalability, access to advanced financial tools, an unbiased perspective, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making. These advantages make hiring a Virtual CFO a strategic choice that enhances financial management and supports business growth.

How to Develop an Exit Strategy for Your Business

An exit strategy is essential for business owners to maximize value, ensure a smooth transition, and align with personal goals. Key steps include defining objectives, understanding exit options, and planning for a seamless transition. By executing a well-crafted exit plan, owners can confidently achieve their financial and legacy goals while protecting stakeholders.

Raising Capital: Do's and Don'ts

Raising capital is essential but challenging. Success requires a solid framework, effective networking, thorough preparation, and clear communication of your vision. Build a strong advisory board and conduct market research. These steps will improve your chances of securing funding.

How to Leverage Financial Data for Strategic Business Decisions

Learn how to leverage financial data for strategic decision-making in your business. This article covers data collection methods, key metrics identification, trend analysis, and applying insights to drive growth and profitability. Explore best practices for using financial data to enhance your business strategies.

Accrual vs. Cash Basis Accounting: Pros, Cons, and Distinctions

Explore the critical differences between Accrual vs. Cash Basis Accounting in our concise guide. Understand the pros, cons, and key insights to make informed decisions for your business's financial strategy. Perfect for entrepreneurs seeking clarity on accounting methods.

How to Pay Yourself From Your LLC in 2024

Discover essential strategies for compensating yourself from your LLC with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a single-member LLC or part of a multi-member team, learn the best practices for balancing personal income and business growth effectively. From owner's draws to equity distributions, find out how to navigate compensation complexities with confidence.

4 Real Financial Business Mistakes Witnessed by AdaptCFO: Lessons from the Trenches

Discover how to avoid critical financial pitfalls with AdaptCFO's expert insights. Dive into our latest blog, '4 Real Financial Business Mistakes Witnessed by AdaptCFO: Lessons from the Trenches,' and learn from real-world examples of common financial management errors that could jeopardize your company's integrity. From ensuring stringent internal controls to maintaining transparent shareholder agreements, we highlight essential strategies to safeguard your financial well-being. Equip your business with the knowledge to sidestep these blunders and secure sustainable growth. Join AdaptCFO in mastering financial excellence today.

8 Crucial Financial Metrics and KPIs for CEOs

Discover the 8 essential financial metrics and KPIs every CEO needs to master for sustainable growth and informed decision-making. From EBITDA to Current Ratio, our guide provides the insights to steer your company toward success. Unlock your business's full potential with tailored financial strategies today.

10 Vital Small Business Tax Deductions To Use In 2024

Unlock tax savings for your small business with our guide on essential deductions for 2024. From home office expenses to retirement contributions, learn how AdaptCFO can help streamline your finances and reduce CPA fees year-round. Discover tax strategies that work for you.

The CFO's Guide for CEOs: How to Calculate and Control Burn Rate

In this guide, we explore the critical concept of burn rate, essential for CEOs and CFOs. Understanding both gross and net burn rates is key to financial assessment, with CFOs playing a pivotal role. By managing expenses and optimizing cash flow, CFOs extend the company's financial runway, ensuring stability and supporting long-term growth."

What are Financial Statements?

What are Financial Statements? They are indispensable tools for assessing a company's finances, aiding decision-making, managing risks, ensuring transparency, and complying with regulations. Understanding and interpreting them offers valuable insights for better-informed choices in business and investing. Whether you're a business professional, investor, or just a curious observer, mastering the art of financial statement analysis is a skill that can benefit you in countless ways.

Eric on The Vet Worthwhile Podcast

Listen to Eric Josovitz, our CEO on The Vet Worthwhile Podcast, who talks about the complexity of small business accounting & finance. From Financial Statements to AI to Optimizing Accounting.

2021 Accounting & Finance Trends to Look Out For

It’s no secret that 2020 was a whirlwind year that left many business owners wondering “What’s next?”

Meet Our Founder

AdaptCFO founder and CEO Eric Josovitz always had an affinity for numbers, but like most children, he didn’t dream of becoming an accountant when he grew up.