Experienced CFOs help entrepreneurs write business plans to start businesses, raise equity and secure bank financing. Since investors and bankers require well thought out financial projections, CFOs can model different financial options and forecast alternate growth plans.

A CFO’s job is to prevent financial surprises, such as running out of cash, outgrowing lines of credit, or failing to comply with regulatory requirements.

If the company has receivables, inventory and payables, cash planning is a must. It is far too dangerous to plunge ahead without careful consideration and find yourself with lots of sales and no cash.

I’m a huge advocate of strategic planning. That said you know the best way to make God laugh? Write a business plan!

OK, once the laughing had died down, knowing where your business is headed sure beats the alternative.