A company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the most senior financial executive and is responsible for the overall finances of the entire business and its operations. This includes responsibility for budgets, treasury duties, cash flow, credit, and insurance. The CFO is also responsible for forecasts and developing economic strategies. Whereas the controller is head of accounting, the CFO must consider every financial and operating function of the company. Where the controller prepares clean financial statements, the CFO uses those statements for business decisions and planning.
Examples of Optimized CFO Engagements
- More in-depth analysis of financial statements
- Budget creation & monitoring
- Cash flow projections & monitoring
- Financing decision assistance
- Strategic planning (not just accounting)
- Loan packaging for term debt and lines of credit
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Helping business owners and managers understand what the financial statements are telling them and using the financials to make forward- looking decisions
- Access to key strategic financial assistance without hiring a full-time CFO
Business Scenario: Growing with an Outsourced CFO
Meet Sam. Sam owns a retail company that is deciding whether to expand to a second location. The first location has done very well, leasing a building downtown. The company’s internal accountant produces monthly financials. Sam is just starting the process of looking at different sites and build vs. lease options for the second location. Sam wants to grow the company as fast as possible.
But Sam hasn’t really stopped to consider the financial impact if he builds a new facility. Sam is a good candidate for an Outsourced CFO engagement. Sam will not only benefit from the creation of a budget, but also may need cash flow projections and monitoring as he grows his company. It is worthwhile to have a CFO on the team, along with Sam and the internal accountant, as many impactful decisions will be made during the expansion process.