Written by Matthew Ryan, Director at McEwan Wallace
Most business owners I meet are brilliant at keeping things moving — dealing with customers, staff, suppliers, and the constant stream of decisions that land on their desks. But when it comes to the numbers, the focus is usually on the here and now: bookkeeping, VAT, payroll.
All essential, yes — but they only tell you what's already happened.
The real difference comes when you start looking ahead, like a Finance Director would.
Are You Running the Numbers or Running the Business?
In my experience, virtually all business owners I speak to have the same challenge — there's never enough time. You're so busy keeping the wheels turning that it's hard to step back and ask, “Where are we actually heading?”
That's the shift that separates a good business from a great one. When you start using your numbers to plan and make decisions, rather than just record the past, that's when things really start to change.
Stop Looking Backwards — Start Steering Forwards
A good bookkeeper makes sure everything adds up. But a Finance Director takes it further and asks the questions that really matter:
- Which customers or services actually make us money?
- How much cash will we need in the next six months?
- Where should we invest for the best return?
Once you start asking these questions, and others like them, the business takes on a new level of direction. You stop reacting to problems and start steering towards goals.
Turning Numbers Into Know-How
I don't expect business owners to spend hours staring at spreadsheets — that's my job. What matters is understanding what the figures actually mean for your business - Turning your numbers into something useful — a story that helps you make better decisions.
That might mean:
- Making sense of your P&L, balance sheet and cash flow in plain English
- Helping you forecast, budget and plan for what's ahead
- Spotting risks and opportunities before they catch you out
- Planning for bumps in the road — tax changes, surprise bills, cashflow squeezes
Once you understand the “why” behind the numbers, the decisions become much easier — and a lot less stressful!
Matthew Ryan is a Director at McEwan Wallace, helping business owners across the North West turn financial data into practical insightful information. His focus is on giving clients the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions and drive sustainable growth.