Cash Flow
Definition
The net movement of money into and out of a business over a period. Positive cash flow means more money is coming in than going out; negative cash flow signals the opposite. Distinct from profit — a profitable business can still run out of cash. HelloBooks tracks cash flow live and projects runway from your invoices, bills, and bank balances. See also the Cash Flow Statement.
Related Terms in Core Accounting
Accounts Payable (AP)
Money your business owes to suppliers and vendors for goods or services received but not yet paid for. Tracked as a current liability on the balance sheet. HelloBooks automates AP with purchase orders, GRN matching, and vendor bill management.
Accounts Receivable (AR)
Money owed to your business by customers who received goods or services on credit. Tracked as a current asset. HelloBooks manages AR through invoicing, payment tracking, aging reports, and automatic reminders.
Accrual Accounting
An accounting method that records revenue when earned and expenses when incurred, regardless of when cash changes hands. Required by GAAP for most businesses above a certain size. Contrasts with cash-basis accounting.
Balance Sheet
A financial statement showing what your business owns (assets), owes (liabilities), and the owner's stake (equity) at a specific point in time. Assets = Liabilities + Equity. HelloBooks generates balance sheets automatically from your transactions.
Stop memorising terms — let HelloBooks do the work
AI-assisted bookkeeping that handles invoicing, GST, reconciliations, and reports automatically. Free to start.