Objectives and Functions of Financial Management
Financial management encompasses the strategic planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of financial activities in an organization. Its primary objectives include ensuring efficient allocation of resources, maximizing shareholder wealth, ensuring a sufficient return on investment, and maintaining financial stability.
Role of Financial Management in an Organization
Financial management is crucial for the sustainability and growth of an organization. It involves planning for the future financial needs of the company, managing day-to-day financial operations, and analyzing financial performance. For instance, a company like Apple Inc. needs to carefully plan its investments in research and development to maintain its competitive edge while ensuring that it has enough cash flow to meet its operational needs.
Practical Real time example:
Role of Financial Management in an Organization:
Consider a small manufacturing company that produces custom furniture. Financial management plays a crucial role in this company’s operations:
- Planning for Future Needs: The company’s financial manager analyzes market trends and forecasts demand to plan for future expansions. For instance, they decide to invest in a new piece of machinery that can increase production capacity and meet anticipated higher demand.
- Managing Day-to-Day Operations: The financial manager ensures there is enough working capital to cover daily expenses, such as raw materials, salaries, and utilities. They monitor cash flow to avoid any shortfalls that could disrupt operations.
- Analyzing Financial Performance: At the end of each quarter, the financial manager reviews financial statements to assess the company’s profitability. They identify areas where costs can be reduced and suggest adjustments, such as negotiating better terms with suppliers or optimizing production processes.
Example: The company decides to launch a new product line of eco-friendly furniture. The financial manager prepares a budget that includes the cost of materials, marketing expenses, and projected revenues. They secure a short-term loan to cover initial costs and plan the repayment schedule based on projected cash flows from the new product sales. As the product gains popularity, the financial manager continuously monitors sales and adjusts financial plans to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.