In this article, we’ve created a starter Freelance Financial Controller Workflow Map that you can use to start planning out your product/service delivery and we’ve outlined a few examples of experiments that you can run in your Freelance Financial Controller role.
Ready to get started? Download the Workflow Map template or get in touch to discuss how a workflow coach could help you fast-track your business improvement.
Contents
The path towards better systems and processes in your Freelance Financial Controller role starts with mapping out your most important business processes. Being able to see your business processes laid out visually helps you to collaborate with your team on how to improve and grow. By repeating this collaboration process, you’ll develop a culture of continuous improvement that leads to a growing business and streamlined systems and processes that increase customer & staff experience.
To help you start mapping out your processes, we’ve developed a sample flow for a Freelance Financial Controller Workflow Map that you can use with your team to start clarifying your processes and then run Business Experiments so you can build a better business.
1. Initial consultation: Meet with the client to understand their financial needs and goals.
2. Data collection: Gather all relevant financial information from the client, such as bank statements, invoices, and receipts.
3. Financial analysis: Analyze the collected data to assess the client’s financial health and identify areas for improvement.
4. Budgeting and forecasting: Develop a comprehensive budget and financial forecast for the client based on their goals and financial analysis.
5. Financial reporting: Prepare regular financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to keep the client informed about their financial performance.
6. Tax planning and compliance: Assist the client in developing tax strategies and ensuring compliance with relevant tax laws and regulations.
7. Financial management: Provide ongoing financial advice and guidance to help the client make informed business decisions and optimize their financial resources.
8. Risk management: Identify potential financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, such as implementing internal controls and insurance coverage.
9. Performance monitoring: Continuously monitor the client’s financial performance and provide regular updates and recommendations for improvement.
10. Continuous improvement: Collaborate with the client to identify areas for process optimization and implement changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in financial operations
Experiment 1: Implement cloud-based accounting software
Description: Transition from traditional accounting software to a cloud-based accounting system to streamline financial processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance collaboration with clients. This experiment involves selecting a suitable cloud-based accounting software, migrating existing data, and training team members on its usage.
Expected Outcome: Increased efficiency in financial operations, reduced manual errors, improved accessibility to financial data, and enhanced client collaboration.
Experiment 2: Offer additional financial consulting services
Description: Expand the range of services offered by the freelance financial controller to include financial consulting. This experiment involves conducting market research to identify potential consulting opportunities, developing a consulting framework, and marketing these services to existing and potential clients.
Expected Outcome: Diversification of revenue streams, increased client engagement, and the ability to provide comprehensive financial solutions to clients.
Experiment 3: Develop a referral program
Description: Create a referral program to incentivize existing clients and professional networks to refer new clients to the freelance financial controller. This experiment involves designing a referral program structure, creating marketing materials, and communicating the program to existing clients and professional contacts.
Expected Outcome: Increased client acquisition, expansion of the client base through word-of-mouth referrals, and improved brand recognition within the industry.
Experiment 4: Automate financial reporting processes
Description: Identify repetitive financial reporting tasks and explore automation tools or software to streamline these processes. This experiment involves analyzing current reporting procedures, researching automation options, implementing the chosen solution, and training team members on its usage.
Expected Outcome: Time savings, reduced errors in financial reporting, improved data accuracy, and increased capacity to handle larger volumes of financial reporting.
Experiment 5: Enhance client communication through technology
Description: Utilize technology tools such as video conferencing, project management software, and communication platforms to improve client communication and collaboration. This experiment involves researching and implementing suitable technology solutions, training team members and clients on their usage, and integrating these tools into daily operations.
Expected Outcome: Improved client satisfaction, enhanced communication efficiency, increased transparency in project progress, and strengthened client relationships.
Experiment 6: Establish strategic partnerships with complementary professionals
Description: Identify professionals in related fields, such as tax consultants or financial advisors, and explore opportunities for collaboration and referral partnerships. This experiment involves networking, building relationships with potential partners, and establishing mutually beneficial agreements.
Expected Outcome: Access to a wider range of expertise, increased client referrals from partners, expanded service offerings through collaboration, and potential revenue growth.
Experiment 7: Develop a client feedback system
Description: Implement a structured feedback system to gather insights from clients regarding their experience with the freelance financial controller’s services. This experiment involves designing feedback surveys, collecting and analyzing responses, and using the feedback to improve service quality and address any areas of improvement.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced client satisfaction, improved service quality based on client feedback, increased client retention, and a positive reputation within the industry
The above map and experiments are just a basic outline that you can use to get started on your path towards business improvement. If you’d like custom experiments with the highest ROI, would like to work on multiple workflows in your business (for clients/customers, HR/staff and others) or need someone to help you implement business improvement strategies & software, get in touch to find out whether working with a workflow coach could help fast-track your progress.
