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For companies going through an acquisition, adding a strategic CFO at any time can help both the process and the CEO, who is still actively running the business. In an earlier post, we discussed how a fractional CFO can help the company prepare ahead of time for the acquisition. Below, we will discuss how they…

In the bustling world of startups, where innovation and speed often take the spotlight, one critical aspect that should never be overlooked is the financial close process. Known commonly as “Closing the Books,” this process, whether conducted monthly, quarterly, or annually, plays a pivotal role in the financial integrity of any company. It’s not just…

In the dynamic landscape of early-stage business endeavors, meticulous documentation management is the key to unlocking a pathway to successful fundraising or acquisition. By refining their approach to record keeping, burgeoning companies can significantly enhance their prospects. The seemingly straightforward act of organizing and storing documents can, in fact, become a catalyst for expediting transactional…

Software as a Service (SAAS) is a unique business model that requires a particular set of metrics to understand better if the business is thriving. Many different places on the web can help a company calculate these metrics; what we plan to discuss is why those metrics matter and the key factors to consider when…

Most founders understand the Income Statement (Profit and Loss) and Balance Sheet, but the indirect Cash Flow statement, as taught in classes, can be a mystery. And in a SAAS business, another cash report, the direct cash flow statement, is the best indication of the health of your startup. Indirect Cash Flow Statement The indirect…

The budget versus actual statement is a crucial measuring device for the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team. The best-run teams create these reports monthly (and quarterly/annually), comparing actual vs. the budget and against any updated forecasts. The budget vs. actual report should also include the metric drivers of the business in addition to the…

Forecasting and budgeting are often used interchangeably, but the discussion below primarily applies to updating the budget with an improved forecast. I would consider the “Budget” a quarterly or annual plan approved by the board of directors or management team. The “Forecast” is an updated budget version that includes actual results and adjustments to future…

First time CEOs, or founders that haven’t been in an organization with a strong finance team, are often unsure of the benefits provided by a CFO or when they need that help. A strong fractional CFO helps the CEO well beyond the administrative side of the business.  Strategic Planning CFOs consistently look forward, searching for…

While there are no hard and fast rules, below is a guide on the recommended hiring plan for high-growth start-ups. The order is designed for a standard B2B tech company, but the order may changebased on your business. Companies with large invoice volumes or complex payrolls may need moreaccounting help early, or companies in the…