Managing Cash Flow (Course Id 2046)

• Who is this course for?
  This 3‑credit NASBA QAS self‑study course is intended for CPAs, accountants, financial analysts, and IRS Enrolled Agents seeking CPE credit while mastering cash‑flow management techniques.

• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  It addresses the critical challenge of managing cash flow by teaching practical tools to assess current and projected cash flows, manage funding, and reduce painful cash crunches that disrupt business operations.

• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  Learners will be able to build cash flow forecasts, optimize inflows and outflows, leverage debt and equity funding appropriately, and advise clients on maintaining liquidity for growth and stability.

• Why is this course important to a CPA, Accountant, or IRS Enrolled Agent?
  Cash flow is often more critical than profit: insufficient liquidity can sink otherwise profitable businesses. Understanding cash‑flow mechanics strengthens advisory capability and helps clients avoid missed opportunities or insolvency.

• When is this course relevant or timely?
  Released in 2023 with a September 28, 2023 revision, the course addresses ongoing cash‑flow challenges small businesses face, especially in volatile economic conditions where proper planning is crucial.

• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  Delivered as NASBA QAS-approved self‑study text, it includes 12 review questions and a final exam with 15 questions. Participants must score at least 70% within one year of purchase to earn the 3.0 CPE credits.

One of the greatest sources of stress for small business owners is managing cash flow. 69% of business owners who have been kept up at night by concerns about cash flow.  More than half of U.S. businesses have lost $10,000 or more by foregoing a project or sales specifically due to issues created by insufficient cash flow

This course shows you how to help clients assess current and future cash flows. You learn techniques to increase cash flow and reduce dips in cash flow. I list critical sources of cash for businesses, along with the pros and cons of major sources.

I explain how to prepare a cash flow projection. You discover a company’s sustainable growth rate and how to increase it. I show you how leverage can increase growth, profit, and cash. Leverage also comes with risks and I explain how to manage those risks.

NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 2046

Course Learning Objectives

• Explore ways to assess current and projected cash flows
• Discover methods to increase cash flow and reduce dips in cash flow
• Identify sources of cash for businesses

Chapter 1 - Managing Cash Flow

Section 1: Overview and Cash Flow Basics

1.1 Introduction to the Course

1.2 Some Cash Flow Basics

Section 2. Where Businesses Get Cash

2.1 Where Businesses Get Cash

2.2 The Cash Conversion Cycle

2.3 The Three Tanks of Cash

Review Questions #1

Section 3. Analyzing Past Cash Flow

3.1 Historical Cash Flow Statements

3.2 Metrics: Working Capital and the Cash Conversion Cycle

3.3 EBITDA and Free Cash Flow

3.4 Tips on Monitoring Cash

Review Questions #2

Section 4. Debt and Equity Funding

4.1 Loans

4.2 Other Types of Debt

4.3 Equity

4.4 And Everything in Between

Review Questions #3:

Section 5. The Art of Managing Cash

5.1 Benefits of Cash Flow Forecasts and Projections

5.2 Creating a Cash Flow Projection

5.3 Speed Up Cash Inflows

5.4 Slow Down Cash Outflows

5.5 Managing Debt and Equity

5.6 Managing Excess Cash

5.7 Cash and Growth

5.8 Conclusion

Review Questions #4

Glossary