The Startup Lingo Guide
Our glossary explains crucial Startup terms in a clear, concise, and practical manner.
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Accounting
Accounting is the systematic process of recording, classifying, summarizing, and interpreting financial transactions to provide stakeholders with accurate and timely information for decision-making.
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Accounting (Balance Sheet)
A balance sheet is a financial statement that reports a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time, providing a snapshot of its financial health.
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Accounting System
An accounting system is a structured framework for recording, processing, and reporting financial transactions to support business decision-making, compliance, and strategic growth.
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Accounts Payable Accounting
Accounts Payable Accounting is the systematic process of managing, recording, and paying a company's short-term debts to suppliers and creditors for goods and services received on credit.
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Accounts Receivable Accounting
Accounts receivable accounting is the systematic process of recording, tracking, and managing the money owed to a company by its customers for goods or services sold on credit.
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Amortisation
Amortisation is the systematic allocation of the cost of a loan or intangible asset over its useful life through periodic payments or write-offs.
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Amortization
Amortization is the process of spreading out a loan or intangible asset cost into fixed, periodic payments over its useful life or term.
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Annual Financial Statement according to HGB
A legally mandated financial report under the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch or HGB), providing a comprehensive overview of a company's financial position, performance, and cash flows for a fiscal year.
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Assets
Assets are resources with economic value owned or controlled by an individual, business, or organization, expected to provide future benefits.
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Auditing
Auditing is the systematic and independent examination of financial records, operations, or compliance practices to verify accuracy, ensure adherence to standards, and provide assurance to stakeholders.
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Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is the systematic process of recording, organizing, and maintaining all financial transactions of a business to ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting.
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Budgeting
Budgeting is the process of planning and managing income and expenses to achieve financial stability and goals.
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Business Management Evaluation
Business management evaluation is the systematic process of analyzing an organization's leadership, strategies, and operations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, ensuring alignment with overall goals.
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CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing all financial activities, strategies, and risks within an organization to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
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CTO
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing an organization's technological innovation, strategy, and implementation to drive business growth and competitive advantage.
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Career Planning
Career planning is the strategic process of setting professional goals and developing actionable steps to achieve long-term career success and fulfillment.
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Cash Flow
Cash flow is the net amount of cash and cash equivalents moving into and out of a business during a specific period.
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Center of Excellence
A Center of Excellence (CoE) is a dedicated organizational unit that promotes best practices, expertise, and innovation in a specific domain to drive efficiency and competitive advantage.
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Controlling
Controlling is the management process of monitoring, comparing, and adjusting business activities to ensure alignment with strategic goals and optimize performance.
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Current Assets
Current assets are liquid resources that a company expects to convert into cash, sell, or consume within one year or its operating cycle, essential for funding daily operations and meeting short-term obligations.
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Due Diligence
Due diligence is a comprehensive investigation and evaluation process conducted before business transactions, such as investments or mergers, to assess risks, verify information, and ensure informed decision-making.
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Employer Branding
Employer branding is the strategic process of shaping and promoting a company's reputation as an exceptional workplace to attract, engage, and retain top talent.
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Finance as a Service
Finance as a Service (FaaS) is an outsourced model where businesses subscribe to cloud-based financial solutions for managing accounting, analytics, and compliance, enabling cost-effective and scalable financial operations.
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Financial Management
Financial management is the strategic process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling financial resources to achieve personal, organizational, or business financial goals efficiently and effectively.
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Financial Planning
Financial planning is the strategic process of managing finances to achieve personal or business goals, ensuring long-term security and growth.
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Financial Storytelling
Financial storytelling is the art of transforming complex financial data into a compelling narrative to engage stakeholders, clarify business strategy, and drive informed decision-making.
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HR Analytics
HR Analytics is the process of applying data analysis techniques to human resources data to improve decision-making and optimize workforce outcomes.
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HR Business Partner
An HR Business Partner is a strategic human resources professional who collaborates with business leaders to align HR initiatives with organizational goals, driving performance and fostering a positive workplace culture.
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HR Software
HR software is a digital platform that automates and manages human resources tasks such as recruitment, payroll, employee data, and performance tracking to enhance organizational efficiency.
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Human Resources (HR)
Human Resources (HR) is the strategic organizational function focused on managing people to optimize employee performance, ensure legal compliance, and achieve business objectives.
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Income Tax
A tax levied by governments on the financial income generated by individuals and entities within their jurisdiction.
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Interim CFO
An interim CFO is a temporary financial executive hired to provide strategic financial leadership and management during periods of transition, crisis, or specific projects within a company.
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Interim HR Manager
An Interim HR Manager is a temporary human resources professional who provides expert leadership and management during organizational transitions, vacancies, or specific projects to ensure HR functions operate smoothly.
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Interim Management
Interim management is the temporary assignment of experienced executives to fill leadership roles during organizational transitions, crises, or projects, ensuring business continuity and strategic direction.
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Investment Controlling
Investment controlling is the systematic process of planning, monitoring, and managing investments to ensure they align with strategic objectives, optimize returns, and mitigate risks within an organization.
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Liabilities
Liabilities are financial obligations or debts that a business owes to creditors, which must be repaid or settled in the future.
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Liquidity Planning
Liquidity planning is the strategic process of managing a company's cash flow to ensure it can meet short-term financial obligations and maintain operational stability.
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Monthly Closing
Monthly closing is the accounting process where a company finalizes its financial records at the end of each month to produce accurate financial statements and reports.
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Organizational Development
Organizational Development is a systematic, planned approach to enhancing an organization's effectiveness, adaptability, and overall health through strategic interventions in processes, culture, and structures.
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Payment Delay
Payment delay refers to the failure of a payer to remit funds by the agreed-upon due date, disrupting cash flow and creating financial strain for businesses.
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Payroll Accounting
Payroll accounting is the systematic process of calculating, managing, and reporting employee compensation, taxes, and deductions to ensure legal compliance and financial accuracy in a business.
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Personal Income Tax
Personal income tax is a direct tax levied by federal, state, and local governments on the earnings of individuals and entities, based on their income levels and filing status.
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Personnel Development
Personnel development is the strategic process of enhancing employees' skills, knowledge, and abilities to improve organizational performance and prepare them for future roles.
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Scalability
Scalability refers to the ability of a system, business, or process to handle increased demand, growth, or workload efficiently without compromising performance or requiring disproportionate resources.
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Subordinated Liabilities
Subordinated liabilities are debts or obligations that rank below other debts in priority for repayment during bankruptcy or liquidation, often offering higher returns to compensate for increased risk.
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Talent Assessment
Talent assessment is the systematic process of evaluating individuals' skills, competencies, and potential to ensure alignment with organizational roles and goals.
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Withholding Tax
Withholding tax is a system where taxes are deducted at the source from payments like wages, dividends, or interest and remitted directly to the government to ensure timely tax collection.