A Year-Round Approach to Strategic Financial Planning With Laura Shiel

Financial Clarity

Laura Shiel is the Virtual CFO at Clara CFO Group, a firm that specializes in offering strategic financial guidance and support to small businesses. With a diverse background in accounting and finance, Laura's experience spans various sectors, including public accounting, financial services, and corporate finance in a Fortune 500 company. She holds two esteemed credentials in the finance world: she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). As a fractional CFO, Laura is dedicated to helping small business owners achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

In this episode…

Strategic financial planning isn't just an annual task—it's a year-round endeavor. For small business owners, navigating financial challenges and opportunities throughout the year can be daunting. How can they maintain consistent financial health and growth? What strategies can make this ongoing process both manageable and effective?

Laura Shiel, a seasoned accounting and finance expert, highlights the importance of continuous financial planning. She advises that regularly setting and revisiting financial goals is essential. This practice not only aligns with the company's evolving vision but also keeps pace with market changes. Laura emphasizes integrating financial planning with sales and marketing strategies, ensuring all business activities drive toward common objectives. Most importantly, she advocates for adaptability, highlighting that a flexible approach can significantly bolster a company's financial resilience and growth prospects.

In this episode of the Financial Clarity podcast, Hannah Smolinski and Laura Shiel, Virtual CFO at Clara CFO Group, dive into the nuances of year-round strategic financial planning. They discuss critical aspects like setting dynamic financial goals, aligning these with broader business strategies, and the importance of flexibility in financial planning. This episode is packed with valuable insights for small business owners aiming to steer their financial journey with clarity and foresight all year long.