The Cash Flow Practices That Set High-Growth Companies Apart
Growth Requires More Than Sales Momentum
Many small businesses between $1M and $25M in revenue experience an inflection point where demand increases but
infrastructure lags. That often shows up in:
- Accounts receivable growing faster than cash collections
- Inventory commitments outpacing actual turnover
- Hiring decisions increasing payroll before revenue stabilizes
- New service lines requiring upfront investment without clear return timelines
These issues don’t reflect poor performance—they reflect the natural friction of growth. But without disciplined
cash flow oversight, they become barriers to momentum.
Through my work in audit, FP&A, acquisitions, and controller-level roles, I’ve seen companies delay strategic
moves simply because they didn’t have clear visibility into their true cash position or drivers. Conversely, those
that had strong cash flow intelligence were able to act quickly—acquiring competitors, investing in people, or
pursuing operational upgrades with confidence.
Cash Flow Discipline Is a Competitive Advantage
The most successful growth-minded small businesses share three habits:
-
Daily or weekly visibility into cash flow—not monthly.
Growth produces volatility. Leaders need timely, decision-ready data, not outdated summaries. -
Clear forecasting with actionable drivers.
When I build models for clients, the most valuable insights come from simple, consistent drivers tied to real operations. -
Aligned financial processes that support strategy—not just compliance.
Strong controls, structured close calendars, and consistent reporting give owners the clarity to execute.
These habits don’t just protect the business—they enable it to accelerate. They give owners the confidence to say
yes to the right opportunities and no to the distractions.
Brand Strength Matters. Cash Flow Strength Decides.
Small business owners excel at telling their story. My role is helping them ensure the financial foundation
supports that story for years to come.
In growth mode, your brand communicates your vision, but your cash flow determines your capacity. Managing both
with equal discipline is the key to building not just a recognizable company, but a resilient and valuable one.
Kacy L. Allen, CPA, MAcc
