Strategic Financial Controls & Compliance

This capstone unit integrates budgeting, internal controls, tax and regulatory compliance, capital management, and exit/acquisition planning for small businesses. Students synthesize prior learning to audit controls, stabilize financing, apply ethical reporting practices, and use budgets as active management tools in real-world scenarios.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze internal control systems and perform audits to identify risks, recommend improvements, and strengthen safeguards for small business assets and financial reporting
• Apply budgeting techniques (living budgets, cash forecasting, and budgeted profit analyses) to manage liquidity, control costs, and support operational decision-making
• Evaluate financing options, capital structure choices, and acquisition/exit strategies to stabilize sources of capital, manage leverage, and align funding with business goals
• Demonstrate compliance and ethical financial management by selecting appropriate legal entities, applying tax and payroll rules, managing insurance and employee obligations, and preparing accurate, transparent financial disclosures