CPA Australia has released the results of its 11th Small business survey 2008, which focuses on the various aspects of financial management of small businesses.

The survey sample consisted of 500 small business owners throughout Australia and 200 CPA Australia members in public practice with small business clients.

The results identify some worrying trends that indicate small businesses may not be as rigorous in their financial management as they could be. In the current volatile broader economic climate, such considerations are critical. Global economic trends affect smaller enterprises as well.

The survey looks at, among other things, cash flow management, debtor and creditor analysis as well as small business owners' levels of optimism about future growth.