Introduction
The financial management system plays an important role in modern day society, experience, and economy. In today’s complex world, it is essential to manage finances accurately and efficiently to reach desired financial goals and objectives. Money is an important resource and its accurate management is what separates a successful firm or corporation from a failing one. Financial management can be defined as “the use of financial techniques to achieve organizational objectives and strategies”. This means that effective financial management not only involves increasing the firm’s efficiency but also its performance in the competitive marketplace.
Definition of Financial Management
Financial management is the process of planning, monitoring, and controlling the firm’s overall financial activities. It involves identifying, organizing, and managing financial resources in order to meet specific goals and objectives. It involves analyzing and mitigating risks associated with the use of financial resources, as well as monitoring performance against established goals. In a large firm, the financial management system may involve several departments and a number of people responsible for different financial activities.
Principles of Financial Management
Financial management involves identifying and understanding the goals of the organization, developing a sound financial strategy, and implementing effective financial decisions. Financial management is based on the following principles:
1. Financial planning: This requires the development of a comprehensive financial strategy that includes the identification and measurement of the financial objectives to be achieved. The planning should consider both short-term and long-term objectives and include the development of a budget.
2. Financial responsibility: This involves ensuring that all available resources are used in a responsible and efficient manner.
3. Risk management: Risk management involves the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with the use of financial resources.
4. Performance management: Financial management involves the monitoring of financial performance to ensure that objectives are being met.
5. Decision making: The financial management system must ensure that the right decisions are made at the right time in order to achieve financial objectives.
Benefits of Financial Management
The effective management of finances offers numerous benefits to organizations. Financial management can help to improve profitability, ensure the long-term success of the organization, and reduce the potential for financial losses. The following are some of the benefits of financial management:
1. Improved efficiency: Financial management involves the use of financial techniques and strategies to increase the efficiency of the organization. Efficiency is improved through the identification and implementation of cost-saving measures and the optimization of working capital.
2. Reduced risk: Financial management involves the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with the use of financial resources. This helps to reduce the potential for financial losses, as well as the organization’s exposure to fraud, bankruptcy, and other risks.
3. Increased profitability: Financial management helps to increase organizational profitability. It involves the development of strategies and plans to generate revenue and optimize expenditures.
4. Achieve financial goals: Financial management helps organizations to achieve their financial goals. It involves the development of budgets, policies, and procedures to ensure that financial objectives are met.
Conclusion
Financial management is an important part of modern day business. It involves the use of financial techniques and strategies to ensure the efficient use of financial resources and meet organizational objectives. Financial management makes use of the principles of financial planning, responsibility, risk management, performance management, and decision making to realize its goals. Financial management offers numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, reduced risk, increased profitability, and the ability to achieve organizational goals.