How current and reliable are your bookkeeping records? *

Fully current and reconciled every month

Usually current, with occasional delays or unresolved items

Often behind or not consistently reconciled

Significantly behind, incomplete, or I’m not sure

How confident are you that your business transactions are categorized correctly? *

Very confident. Transactions are reviewed and categorized consistently.

Mostly confident, but occasional corrections are needed.

Not very confident. Misclassifications happen regularly.

I have little confidence, or I do not review the categorization.

Are all bank, credit card, and loan accounts reconciled every month? *

Yes, every account is reconciled monthly.

Most accounts are reconciled, with occasional delays.

Reconciliations are inconsistent or several months behind.

Accounts are rarely reconciled, or I’m not sure.

How clearly can you see where your business’s cash is coming from and where it is going? *

I have clear, current visibility into cash inflows and outflows.

I generally understand cash flow, but some details are unclear.

I often struggle to understand where the money is going.

I have little visibility into cash flow or rely mainly on my bank balance.

How often do you review cash flow beyond simply checking your bank balance? *

I review current and projected cash flow regularly.

I review cash flow occasionally, usually when making a decision.

I only look more closely when cash feels tight.

I rarely review cash flow beyond checking the bank balance.

How well can you anticipate upcoming cash needs and shortfalls? *

I regularly forecast cash needs and can see potential shortfalls in advance.

I have a general sense of upcoming cash needs, but forecasting is informal.

Cash shortages often catch me by surprise.

I do not forecast cash flow or plan for upcoming shortfalls.

How consistently do you use documented financial processes and controls? *

We follow clear, documented processes consistently.

We have basic processes, but they are not always followed.

Financial tasks are handled informally and depend on one person.

We have few or no documented financial processes.

How well are financial responsibilities separated and reviewed in your business? *

Responsibilities are clearly assigned, and financial activity is reviewed regularly.

Responsibilities are generally clear, but review is inconsistent.

One person handles most financial tasks with limited oversight.

There is little separation of duties or review.

How quickly would you detect a financial error, duplicate payment, or unauthorized transaction? *

Quickly, because accounts and transactions are reviewed regularly.

Usually within the month, but not always right away.

It could take several months to discover a problem.

I may not discover it unless someone else points it out.

How regularly do you review your financial reports? *

I review accurate financial reports every month.

I review reports periodically, but not on a consistent schedule.

I usually review reports only at tax time or when there is a problem.

I rarely review financial reports or do not receive them.

How confident are you that your financial reports accurately reflect the performance of your business? *

Very confident. The reports are accurate, current, and reliable.

Mostly confident, but some numbers require clarification.

Not very confident. The reports often contain gaps or inconsistencies.

I do not trust the reports or rarely receive them.

How often do you use financial information to make business decisions? *

I regularly use current financial data to guide pricing, spending, hiring, and growth decisions.

I use financial information for some decisions, but not consistently.

I rely mostly on instinct, bank balances, or incomplete information.

I rarely use financial reports when making business decisions.