If you’re a law firm owner, your focus is on providing great legal services to your clients. 

After years of working with folks just like you, I have seen how much stress not understanding your finances can cause you. 

Some of you tell me when you try to understand your numbers, you get lost and end up making decisions based on incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated data. In this blog post, I’m going to offer some tips on how to gain clarity about your law finances quickly, so you can make informed decisions and keep your firm on track.

 

Use cloud accounting software that integrates with your banking systems

While spreadsheets and manual bookkeeping can work, and they might be what you’re used to, cloud accounting solutions are much more efficient and accurate. They integrate with your banking systems, so you don’t have to worry about inputting data manually, which can help you avoid mistakes. Cloud accounting software is also scalable, meaning you can add users easily and control who sees which data.

 

Track your expenses accurately

It’s easy to forget about small expenses like parking tickets and coffee runs. But if you’re not accounting for these expenses, you’re underestimating the true cost of doing business. One way to avoid this is to make sure you’re capturing every expense, no matter how small. You can use a mobile app to track expenses on-the-go or have a centralized system where your team inputs all expenses. Not only will this help you get a more accurate picture of your business’s finances, but it will also help you be more organized.

 

Use data visualization tools

Data visualization tools can help you understand complex financial data quickly. For example, a pie chart can show you what percentage of your business expenses come from marketing, rent, salaries, and other categories. A line graph can show you how your revenue has changed over time. When you have visuals that can help you interpret financial data, you can make better decisions more quickly.

 

Keep an eye on key performance indicators (KPIs)

Financial KPIs are metrics that help you track the health of your business. Examples include revenue per client, profit margin, and accounts receivable balances. By keeping an eye on these KPIs, you can identify areas where you’re doing well and areas where you need to improve. Keeping your eyes on your KPIs will help you make proactive decisions to improve your bottom line.

 

Work with a financial professional

If you’re not confident in your understanding of your business’s finances, consider working with a financial professional. You may already have a CPA handling your taxes, but you might also want to consider working with a bookkeeper or a financial advisor. These professionals can help you gain clarity about your finances quickly, and they can help you create a plan for the future.

Running a law firm is complex! But by following these tips and keeping a close eye on your finances, you can make informed decisions that help you grow your business. Using cloud accounting software, tracking your expenses accurately, using data visualization tools, keeping an eye on KPIs, and working with a financial professional are all things you can do to quickly gain clarity about your business finances. So don’t get lost in the numbers – start taking control of your empire today!