Financial information and the management of small private companies

This research is drawn from a survey of 385 private limited companies in the UK that fall within the 1999 EU size thresholds for a small company. Examines the use of financial information in small companies, as financial management is critical to their success and survival. The purpose of the research was to identify the sources and utility of financial information used and the results show that the majority of small companies adopt practices that include formal methods of planning and control. There is a strong emphasis on controlling cash and monitoring performance in the context of maintaining relationships with the bank. The most widely used and most useful sources of financial information are the monthly/quarterly management accounts and cash flow information in various forms. Multivariate analysis reveals that the utility of the periodic management accounts is contingent upon the size of the business and the receipt of management advice from the auditor/accountant. The findings of this research have important managerial implications for the directors and their advisers.