Financial management is the planning, direction, and control of an organization’s financial resources. Regardless of whether you are a multinational corporation, a small business, a philanthropic foundation, or a non-profit advocacy group, finances are the lifeblood of any organization, and the careful use of these resources is critically important to ensuring ongoing operations. Conversely, financial mismanagement can result in the collapse of any organization, even if they are creating valuable products or providing necessary services.
Successful financial management starts with financial accounting. Financial statements like balance sheets and cash flow statements provide fundamental information about the overall financial health of an organization’s operations, and help managers ensure that funds are being utilized efficiently. However, financial management of large organizations may also require asset management skills and an understanding of financial markets in order to make wise investments. If an organization needs to raise capital itself, a financial manager must also provide guidance on the pros and cons of various public and private fundraising strategies.‎