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The following story is true. Names have been changed to protect the innocent. If you think this story is you ... You're probably right.

The martyr and the Intimidator

Leslie is the owner of a roofing company, a company she inherited from her father. Back in the day, his father ran a small team and operated with hands-contracts and piles of cash. Now that his father retired, ambitious Leslie sees a different future. It wants to grow his business so that she can make a fortune ... and provide career opportunities for his beloved team. And it intends to rely on it (and father) reputation for taking care of its customers.

Leslie called me one day, after reading one of my articles. She described her vision for his company and his intention to build an empire. In response to my questions, she shared that ...

• She knew how she had debtors, but only saw financial statements once a year ... at tax time.
• She did not understand how the financial statements relating to what it has done every day ... Sales, payroll, materials ... then she almost ignored the reports anyway.
• She knew she was in debt ... but was not sure how much. She just get another credit line to keep the money flowing.

Sigh. Leslie I confronted about his lack of financial literacy. "It's your business and your property line. You need to know. Tell me who is in charge of accounting for your business. "

For the last fifteen years, his mother was a bookkeeper. Mom does the books as "a favor" for Leslie. She works 40 hours plus a week, but nothing is ever really finished or ready for Leslie to look, then left the requesting financial information on a daily basis. Everyone in the office avoids mother, who seems to have a set of rules different from the rest of the team. While mom is responsible for paying the bills, who pays and when is a mystery. Once, when man Stan warehouse had a question about his paycheck, Mom flew out of the office, sobbing, "and this is the thanks I get? It took three phone Leslie apologetic calls to woo his back.

At the end of the year, hands mom anything she gathers financial information to a guy named Art. Art is an accountant who files the tax return. Leslie asked the arts to help in understanding the balance sheet and income statement, he prepares for the return. She called and set up an appointment with him. His secretary set a date to meet ... in six weeks. At this meeting, art leaned on his desk in solid mahogany and hand stroked Leslie. "You worry about business management. I am a professional. I'll take care of accounting, "he said with disdain ... then escorted to the door. For the money it pays to treat him like that? It is tearing her!

Martyr Mom Leslie is back. Art of the Intimidator is his hostage. I recommend Leslie to fire both.

"But so what?" Leslie failures in response to my suggestion. "Where can I find another accountant? Who else would I trust with my money? Where do I start? And by the way, my mother would disown."

Leslie asked me to help get a handle on its financial position.

"I can do. I can help you achieve a financial position known. I can create a clean, clear set of finance for you. However, to build an empire, you must learn to do yourself. You must Building a team of financial benefits to help you get timely, accurate data in a format you understand ... ... so you can make good business decisions.

And, Leslie, your mother will recover. "

Here's what I shared with Leslie on the development of its finance team ... Start by defining who is responsible for what. Creating financial position descriptions. Here is a list of basic responsiblity.