This is the time of year when taxes take center stage in our personal financial affairs. As we organize financial information in preparation for completing our returns, tax-related political activities - the expiration of the Bush tax cuts and a potential new tax on the middle class - are giving us a lot to think about.

Similar to the way tax preparation can provide us with a personal financial performance measurement update, formal performance measurement in our businesses delivers an array of benefits: 

- Align strategic objectives with day-to-day operations

- Identify high priority, actionable initiatives

- Increase accountability and responsibility

- Improve operational performance, revenue and profits

To add clarity and focus to the performance measurement discussion, we have just completed a series of four articles that look at critical success factors, KPIs, dashboards and balanced scorecards. Each article reviews the what, why and how of that element, and each is illustrated with examples that sequentially build on each other. The first article on critical success factors is here, and summaries below provide links to the final three articles in the series.

At CFO Edge, we can help you develop the best practices needed to improve your business performance - call us for a complimentary consultation.

Sincerely,

Arthur F. Rothberg

Mangaging Director