Running a business means juggling a lot of moving parts—and financial warning signs don’t always come with flashing lights. At Stanaland Dodson & Associates LLP, we work with business owners who are focused on building sustainable, long-term success. And we know that often, the earlier you spot a problem, the easier it is to solve.
If you’ve noticed any of these five red flags, it may be time to schedule a conversation with us.
1. Your Cash Flow Isn’t Matching Your Profits
If your business looks profitable on paper but you’re constantly short on cash, it’s a clear sign that something deeper is off. Profit and cash flow aren’t the same, and it takes thoughtful accounting to understand where your money is actually going.
What we often find: cash is tied up in receivables, poor inventory management, or uneven project billing. A CPA can help you develop a cash flow strategy that supports daily operations and long-term goals.
2. You Haven’t Looked at Your Financial Statements in Months
Whether it’s because you’re too busy or unsure how to interpret the reports, not reviewing your monthly financials is a major risk. You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Your CPA should be more than a tax preparer. We help clients understand their financial reports, spot trends, and make confident decisions. If you don’t know what your current gross margin is, how much cash you burned last month, or whether your overhead is rising—let’s talk.
3. You’re Growing, But You Don’t Know If It’s Profitable
Growth is exciting—but not all growth is good growth. Rapid hiring, new locations, or expanding product lines without solid cost and margin analysis can quickly turn a success story into a cash crisis.
If you’ve taken on more business but haven’t seen a proportional increase in profit, it’s time for a deeper dive. We work with clients to analyze job-level profitability, assess break-even points, and plan for scalable, sustainable expansion.
4. You Had a Big Tax Surprise Last Year
No one likes surprises in April. If you owed far more than expected—or missed out on savings opportunities—you’re not alone. But tax planning should be proactive, not reactive.
A CPA can help you:
- Reassess your tax structure (LLC vs. S Corp vs. C Corp)
- Adjust estimated payments or withholdings
- Take advantage of deductions, credits, and timing strategies before year-end
We encourage clients to schedule a planning session in the fall so we can make smart moves before December 31.
5. You Feel Like You’re Making Decisions in the Dark
Trust your gut—but verify with data. If you’re making key business decisions based on instinct alone, without financial backup, you’re taking unnecessary risks.
We give our clients the tools to:
- Forecast future performance
- Test scenarios before making a move
- Align financial data with strategic priorities
If your financial systems aren’t giving you clear, timely insight, it may be time for a cleanup or upgrade—and we can help.
Don’t Wait Until There’s a Fire
Red flags don’t always mean something’s broken—but they do mean something needs your attention. As your trusted advisors, we help you move from uncertainty to clarity, from stress to strategy.
Let’s have a conversation. A 30-minute review now can prevent a lot of headaches later.
Stanaland Dodson & Associates LLP
Certified Public Accountants in Winston-Salem, NC
Serving clients “Beyond the Bottom Line” since 1984.
📞 (336) 765-2817
