SERVICES

All financial surprises are bad. A well-prepared budget, supported by timely reporting, analysis, and re-forecasting, is an essential tool for minimizing those surprises. I can help devise a budget which flags key variances and provides insight into what’s going well, what isn’t, and can help suggest possible courses of corrective action.

A complete package includes:

• Monthly reporting package with key performance indicators (“KPIs”) showing variance to budget with appropriate explanation and analysis.
• Regularly updated forecast tracking all three financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow. If appropriate, this can extend up to five years into the future, which is especially important if a business contemplates large/expensive projects.

Having adequate capital, properly structured, is a key prerequisite for success.

I can help:

• Knowing what type of capital (debt, equity, royalty, or more exotic types) to raise and when to raise it.
• Prepare the supporting and presentation documents that potential investors (banks, investment banks, institutions, individuals) need to see to make their decisions.
• Assist with negotiating terms and conditions; work with legal counsel to help achieve a satisfactory result.
  

Proper cost management poses a dilemma for company executives – it must be done, but if it takes too much time, value creating activities – sales, marketing, strategic partnerships – invariably suffer. 



Here is where experience counts: I’ve seen a lot of different cost structures and cost management styles. If reporting is good, I can help isolate problems quickly and help. And if an issue requires thorough digging, I’ll persevere until there’s a solid understanding of the issue, its causes, and its potential resolution.

Financial operations is like the quartermaster department of the Army – it doesn’t do the fighting, but it provides critical support to the frontline soldiers who do. A key part of that support is a strong system of internal controls – so that there’s assurance that resources are going where they’re needed, in the proper amounts and with the proper timing.

I can help develop internal controls and tackle financial operations problems,

especially those that directly affect cash flow:

• Receivables and payables management
• Purchasing processes
• Vendor selection and management
• Financial closing procedures
• Preparation of support documents for outside financial requirements – assistance to tax professionals, auditors, payroll/benefit providers, and insurance professionals.
  

The forks in the road are exciting but unnerving – the decisions faced are big and are generally irrevocable. Should I make this acquisition? Does this joint venture make sense? Can I profitably expand into overseas markets? Should I go public? Is it time to sell?



I can help frame the questions that major strategic initiatives inevitably pose, work with the team needed (both inside and out – other senior managers, legal counsel, investment bankers, etc.) and help provide the information and analysis to make a rational decision.