This research paper investigates the interrelation between management practices, top-level management perceptions, and financial performance in the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the Pune region. The study aims to examine whether the alignment of management practices with strategic goals influences financial performance and to explore the extent to which top-level management opinions align with actual financial outcomes. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from 200 top-level managers across various industry sectors. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and correlation analysis.