Working capital management is a crucial component of running a successful business. It
involves strategically managing current assets and liabilities to ensure your company has
sufficient cash flow to cover day-to-day operating expenses.
Working capital refers to a company’s liquid assets available after short-term liabilities have
been paid off. It is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. Having
adequate working capital means your business has enough cash to pay employees,
suppliers, creditors, and finance operations without disrupting daily activities.
Importance of managing working capital
Proper working capital management improves a company’s liquidity, optimizes use of
short-term assets, and ensures its financial obligations are met. It also allows businesses to
fund growth opportunities and invest in new projects. Conversely, lacking sufficient working
capital can prevent expansion plans, lead to insolvency, and even force liquidation. That’s
why monitoring and managing working capital is a priority for every business.
Uses for working capital
● Finance day-to-day operations: Working capital provides liquidity to pay for regular
business expenditures like employee wages, raw materials, inventory, utilities, rent,
etc.
● Manage cash flow: Sufficient working capital helps manage cash inflows and
outflows to cover immediate obligations as they come due.
● Grab growth opportunities: When new expansion opportunities arise unexpectedly,
working capital gives businesses flexibility to take advantage of them quickly.
● Cover emergencies: Working capital acts as a buffer to handle any sudden,
unforeseen expenses without disrupting operations.
● Invest in equipment/ technology: With available working capital, companies can
invest in new equipment, hardware, software, etc. to improve productivity.
● Hire talent: Working capital facilitates hiring skilled employees by providing funds for
recruitment, training, and payroll costs.
● Develop new products: Product research, design, development, and testing require
considerable investment, which working capital can fund.
● Enter new markets: Companies can leverage working capital to cover the costs of
expanding into new domestic and international markets.
● Weather downturns: During low sales cycles, sufficient working capital sustains
daily functions until conditions improve.
● Gain leverage with suppliers/ creditors: Adequate working capital signals financial
health, improving negotiating power with vendors.
How to effectively manage working capital
Here are some practical tips and strategies for optimizing your working capital:
● Set targets: Establish ideal working capital ratios for your company based on
business goals, growth plans, industry benchmarks, and other financial
considerations. These targets guide decision-making.
● Prioritise cash flow: Cash is king. Continuously monitor cash flow schedules and
forecasts to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover short-term needs.
● Control inventory: Carrying excess inventory strains cash flow. Use inventory
management tools to optimise stock levels and turnover rates.
● Manage receivables: Accelerate invoice processing and collections. Offer discounts
for early payments.
● Extend payables: Pay suppliers and vendors at the end of credit terms to conserve
capital longer. Don’t delay too long and risk damaging relationships.
● Review working capital frequently: As conditions change, regularly reassess
policies and adjust targets accordingly.
● Consider financing options: Explore working capital loans, lines of credit, or other
short-term financing to bridge gaps if internal working capital is insufficient.
Measuring working capital
Working capital calculation is simple:
Current Assets – Current Liabilities = Working Capital
This calculation will guide businesses on their liquidity position and short-term solvency.
Working capital is a critical factor in the overall financial health and growth potential of a
business. By regularly monitoring cash flow, controlling inventory, accelerating receivables,
extending payables, setting working capital targets, and utilising key metrics, companies can strategically optimise their liquidity.
Seeking financing when necessary also allows businesses to bridge working capital gaps.
With proper planning and management, your company can ensure adequate working capital to operate smoothly and capitalize on opportunities.
Read More: How to Manage Working Capital: Practical Tips for Success
