The Value Added by an Experienced LauberCFO

Prepare monthly financial statements.

Enhance the value of information through ability to understand the meaning and communicate this to management in a manner that allows direct action.

Develop daily or weekly tools to ensure the company does not encounter month end surprises.

Prepare additional information; graphs, ratios, etc. to highlight key indicators in the monthly financial package.

Prepare projections.

Create an interactive financial forecast tool that allows for evaluation of various scenarios. Changes in future events can be factored in enabling if / then analysis. Working with management, use this information to chart the most profitable course of action.

Document and communicate plans throughout the organization.

Encourage long-term strategic thinking.

Identify projects that lost money.

Identify the reasons that projects lost money. Develop and communicate plans to eliminate future occurrences.

Point out problems to owner.

Proactively identify potential problems to owner and propose solutions. Work within the organization to implement the designated solutions.

Prepare objective, fact-based information to clarify the situation. Tell it like it is, no matter what the root of the problem.

Be a sounding board for owner in all areas of business.

Make honest attempt to supply information requested.

Interpret what is requested and provide the information that is needed to address the current circumstances.

Prepare list of bills to be paid.

Project cash requirements. Use to determine priorities and identify action to improve cash-flow and provide for temporary shortages.

Evaluate appropriateness of expenditures. Seek alternatives that would lower cost or increase value added.

Perform or supervise day to day accounting duties.

Coach lower compensated staff to perform the day to day accounting duties with an eye toward eliminating unnecessary work and improving timeliness.

Use experience to suggest new ways to address changing business challenges and conditions.

Encourage open communication throughout the organization to ensure that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Keep eyes open and make suggestions to improve efficiency in all areas of the business.

Identify staffing needs and recruit as appropriate.

Prepare payroll and related reports.

Oversee payroll process; consider outside service if cost effective.

Determine if performance based compensation plans would encourage better results. Design and implement if appropriate.

Collect proposals for outside services.

Solicit proposals from a network of proven resources, question assumptions, suggest alternatives, analyze options, recommend suitable action.

Send financials to bank.

Communicate company's vision to lenders and other outsiders. Evaluate proposals, negotiate key elements of relationship. In difficult times use personal credibility to maintain external confidence.

Develop and negotiate a long range financing strategy which can include traditional bank loans, venture capital, industrial revenue bonds, government grants, SBA guaranteed loans, etc.

Send information to tax return preparer.

Work with outside accounting firm or tax professional to maximize the value of this relationship. Be alert for tax planning ideas.