Accounting and Controlling for Startups and SMEs: Your Path to Transparency and Growth
Blog | 29. July 2025
In the dynamic world of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), financial transparency is the key to success. Sound accounting and effective controlling are not only legal obligations, but strategic tools that help you make informed decisions, avoid liquidity bottlenecks, and ensure sustainable growth. However, especially for young companies and growing SMEs, the complexity of financial management can be a major challenge.
This blog post highlights why professional financial administration is essential and how specialised financial services for startups and financial services for SMEs can help you focus on your core business while your finances are in the best hands.
Why Professional Accounting Is Essential for Startups and SMEs
Many startups initially try to handle accounting in-house to save costs. However, it quickly becomes clear that this is time-consuming and can often lead to errors that become expensive later on. Accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping is the foundation for every business decision. It not only provides the necessary data for tax returns, but also important insights into your company’s financial health.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Accounting
Outsourcing accounting to an experienced partner such as Hey Unkelbach Financial Services offers numerous advantages:
•Time savings: You can focus fully on developing your product or service and building your customer base.
•Cost savings: Hiring a full-time accountant is often more expensive than outsourcing to an external provider. In addition, costs for software, training, and office supplies are eliminated.
•Expertise: Specialised providers have up-to-date expertise in all relevant areas, from correctly recording business transactions to complying with tax regulations.
•Error reduction: Professional accountants minimise the risk of errors that could lead to additional payments or legal issues.
•Scalability: Services can be flexibly adapted to your company’s growth without you having to worry about hiring or letting staff go.
Controlling for SMEs: More Than Just Managing Numbers
While accounting reflects the past, controlling looks to the future. It is the management tool that helps you achieve your business goals. Effective controlling includes planning, steering, and monitoring all financially relevant processes. It is about identifying KPIs, analysing variances, and initiating countermeasures early on.
Core Areas of Controlling:
•Budgeting and financial planning: Preparing realistic budgets and financial plans that serve as guardrails for your business activities.
•Reporting and analysis: Regular reports on financial performance, including detailed analyses of revenue, expenses, profitability, and liquidity.
•Cost management: Identifying and optimising cost structures to increase efficiency and improve profit margins.
•Liquidity management for SMEs: Ensuring that your company has sufficient liquid funds at all times to meet its obligations and make investments. This is particularly critical for startups and growing companies.
The External CFO: Strategic Financial Advisory for Startups and SMEs
An external CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is more than just an accountant or controller. They are your strategic partner for all financial matters. Especially for startups, which often do not have their own finance department, an external CFO can play a decisive role. They bring not only extensive expertise, but also an external perspective that is essential for developing a solid financial strategy for SMEs.
Responsibilities of an External CFO:
•Strategic financial planning: Developing long-term financial strategies aligned with your business objectives.
•Capital raising: Support in identifying financing options, whether through venture capital, bank loans, or grant programmes.
•Risk management: Identifying and assessing financial risks and developing strategies to minimise them.
•Performance optimisation: Analysing business processes and identifying opportunities to increase profitability and efficiency.
•Point of contact for investors and banks: Professional communication and presentation of your financial data to external stakeholders.
Other Important Financial Services
In addition to accounting, controlling, and an external CFO, there are other specialised financial services that are of great importance for startups and SMEs:
•Tax advisory for startups: Sound tax advice is crucial to leverage tax benefits and ensure compliance. This includes preparing tax returns, advising on tax matters, and representing you before tax authorities.
•Payroll for SMEs: Accurate and timely payroll is complex and prone to errors. Outsourcing this area relieves you of administrative tasks and ensures that all legal requirements are met.
•Financial management for startups: Comprehensive support in managing your finances, from invoicing to accounts receivable management.
•Business advisory services: Tailored advice on all business-related topics affecting your company, to optimise your processes and strengthen your competitiveness.
Conclusion: Financial Clarity for Your Growth
The financial world for startups and SMEs is complex, but with the right partner by your side, you can master these challenges. Hey Unkelbach Financial Services offers tailored financial solutions for startups and financial solutions for SMEs that not only take the burden of administrative tasks off your shoulders, but also provide strategic insights and support for your growth. Invest in professional financial management to secure your company’s future and unlock its full potential.
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Marco Unkelbach
Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter
Jetzt Erstgespräch vereinbaren
Marco Unkelbach
Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter
