Vital business cashflow management with Matt Malouf
Virtual Success Show
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Episode breakdown
In this episode, Barbara Turley is joined by her co-host Matt Malouf to talk about how to manage cash flow in a crisis and lead your business to survival and come out strong.
- What is cash flow analysis and how it is done
- How to survive in this crisis
- The difference between a Bookkeeper, an Accountant, and a CFO
- The importance of numbers/data in your business
You've gotta work really hard during this period of deferral and discount, so that when the tap turns off, your taps are on
In this episode
00:00 Intro
The Virtual Success Show, hosted by Barbara Turley and Matt Malouf, focuses on outsourcing and virtual team strategies for entrepreneurs. In this episode, they reconnect to discuss cash flow management — a crucial topic during the COVID-19 crisis — covering cash flow analysis, forecasting, and staying lean while positioning your business to emerge strong.
05:48 How to help business owners with their cash flow statements
Matt Malouf advises businesses to first clean and reconcile financial data, then review three months of expenses line by line to cut unnecessary costs — trimming “fat” without harming essential operations. He warns against over-cutting, which leaves entrepreneurs overwhelmed and stalls growth. Barbara Turley adds that some clients prematurely cut virtual teams, only to realize they needed them to stay productive.
08:48 Reacting vs Responding
Matt Malouf stresses the difference between reacting emotionally and responding strategically in crises. Quick reactions often hurt businesses, while thoughtful responses ensure long-term survival. Barbara Turley agrees, sharing how she avoided impulsive decisions with her team during COVID-19, emphasizing leadership composure and data-driven, measured actions to safeguard both staff and business stability.
10:57 Importance of cashflow analysis during this crisis
Matt Malouf emphasizes the need for daily, granular cash flow tracking during crises to enable fast, informed decisions. He likens this to upgrading from an airliner dashboard to a fighter jet’s. Barbara Turley agrees, urging business owners to treat this period as “boot camp,” not “summer camp,” preparing now while temporary supports last. Their free tool, 90daycashflow\.com, helps businesses plan ahead.
18:39 90daycashflow.com
Matt Malouf created a free, interactive cash flow forecasting tool using Excel, helping businesses track daily and weekly cash flow, predict revenue, and run scenarios. Once set up, it simplifies cash management and improves clarity. Barbara Turley notes it removes the overwhelm of starting financial processes and highlights how virtual CFO support can effectively fill this critical role without full-time staff.
22:03 Accountant vs CFO
Most businesses don’t need a full-time CFO until \$10–15M turnover but do need financial foresight. A CFO looks ahead, stress-tests plans, and translates numbers into decisions, unlike an accountant focused on compliance. Many assume their accountant handles this, but it’s a distinct role. A part-time or virtual CFO can offer crucial, proactive financial guidance without full-time overhead.
26:56 Importance of numbers in the business
To succeed in business, you must understand your numbers — but you don’t need to be a numbers expert. A CFO acts like a translator, turning financial data into clear insights for decision-making. This way, you stay focused on running your business while still making informed, financially sound choices.
28:06 Wrapping things up
Matt urges business owners not to ignore cash flow — it’s like monitoring vital signs in your business. Know your cash burn rate, forecast daily, and get help if needed. His team offers tools and free sessions to support this. Staying proactive with financial clarity is essential for surviving and thriving through crisis.
