In this episode of "Ask a CFO," we talk about the crucial question of how to strategize to get all your company's debt paid. It might not sound like the wildest ride in the financial theme park, but managing debt is crucial for success, and our host has some insights to share.  Here are three key takeaways from this episode: Key takeaways: Debt Management is Critical for Fundraising: excessive debt can hinder a company's ability to raise funds and grow. While debt itself is not inherently bad, it's essential to be cautious about the types of debt you take on.  Prioritize Debt wit ..read more

Welcome back to another episode of "Ask a CFO," the discussion centers around the concept of continuous accounting close. The primary focus is on how companies can expedite the monthly, quarterly, or yearly financial close process, aiming to avoid waiting until the end of the month to reconcile and finalize their financial records.  The episode emphasizes that continuous accounting involves consistently updating and reconciling financial data throughout the month, ensuring that the books are not outdated at any point during the accounting period. This proactive approach is particularly va ..read more

In this episode of "Ask a CFO," the host addresses the question of how to manage finances when expenses remain constant but sales are inconsistent. The focus is on understanding different scenarios, including the base case, best case, and worst case.  The base case involves analyzing the progression of the sales pipeline, considering stages of probability. The best case is often discarded when sales are unpredictable, as it doesn't provide a significant cash cushion. The worst case is the starting point, looking at contracted business with signed deals to determine the year-end cash balan ..read more

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Ask a CFO!  In this episode, James tackles a question that is often questioned by many founders and CEO: When should I bring in a CFO? We'll explore that as the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. In the early stages, especially for smaller businesses, outsourcing financial functions is often a smart move, which may involve having a controller, FP&A expert, or a fractional CFO to navigate complex financial issues. However, a full-time CFO may become more essential as the company grows and evolves. These strategic financial leaders are key pl ..read more

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Ask a CFO! I'm James Vanreusel, Founder and CEO at Vanreusel Ventures, and I'm thrilled to have you join us today.  In this episode, we tackle a question that often plagues startups and companies alike when they're raising funds or engaging with investors: Should they prioritize growth, profitability, or long-term sustainability? We'll explore each term individually, dissecting the implications and considerations associated with them.  Whether you're a VC-backed startup seeking rapid growth, a mature company aiming for profitability, or a ..read more

Welcome to another episode of Ask a CFO. I'm your host, James Vanreusel, Founder and CEO at Vanreusel Ventures.  In today's episode, we delve into the venture capital world and explore the question, "How do I make my VC's life easier?" Whether you're a company seeking to build a strong relationship with venture capitalists or a portfolio company aiming to meet their needs, this episode has got you covered.  We'll discuss key factors that VCs value, including assistance with hiring, valuable content creation, and bringing them exceptional deals. Additionally, we'll uncover what VCs re ..read more

Welcome to another episode of the Ask a CFO podcast. I'm James Vanreusel, founder and CEO of Vanreusel Ventures. In this episode, we will address a common question that arises for startups and nonprofits: How can I extend my runway without dilution or raising another round of funding? Key takeaways: Extending the runway requires a strategic approach tailored to each organization's unique situation. Increasing sales, optimizing expenses, and exploring debt options are key considerations. Listen to Scale By Numbers' episodes featuring experts in funding and debt services for more detailed insi ..read more

..read more

In this episode of Ask A CFO, host Steve Matthews asks James Vanreusel the difficult questions surrounding raising prices without risking your customers.  Are you experiencing expenses tied to inflation, increasing overheads, and narrowing profit margins?  You might be thinking you need to increase your prices. But does the fear of losing new customers, or even worse, your long-term customers, keep you awake at night? Well, this episode might help you out.  Learn how to communicate price increases with your customers and realize the fear vs. rewards when raising your prices. Ne ..read more

In this episode of Ask A CFO  the topic is the advantages and disadvantages of hiring after disruptive Covid-19-related constraints. Along with the benefits of flexible work and remote job applications, new employment issues have emerged, and many countries are seeing some of their lowest employment rates.  We take a deep dive into the benefits of recruiting internationally as well as challenges that might interrupt work, such as time zones and flexibility in certain professions. Hiring is hard, but Hiring with Near makes it easier. If you are interested in learning the many benefit ..read more