Whoever runs cash, a new finance lead, a fractional controller, or you, needs six things on day one. Without them, the first month goes on finding out what the business owes and when.

1. Access to every accountBank, card, processor and marketplace accounts, read-only at least, with balances, pending funds and any holds or reserves.
2. The purchase order bookEvery open order with its supplier, amount, deposit, balance, due dates and expected arrival.
3. Inventory by product, at costOn hand, in transit and on order, with the last four weeks of unit sales beside it.
4. Everything the business owes customersGift card, store credit, prepaid plan and unshipped preorder balances, and the breakage policy if there is one.
5. The fixed calendarPayroll dates, rent, software, tax deadlines and loan payments for the next quarter.
6. Every financing agreementLines, loans and advances, with limits, rates or fees, repayment terms and covenants.

Do this

• Ask for all six in one message today. Whatever takes longest to arrive is where the business is most exposed.