Sometimes a company needs a full-time controller or CFO, but there is not enough internal responsibility to justify the cost of the position. In those instances, CD Anderson steps in as financial consultant, providing financial reporting and assessments necessary to meet the company's strategic objectives. Often we function as advisor to the board of directors as well.
We take the proactive side of accounting and teach our clients to monitor business finances and understand taxes. Many business owners fail to know where they stand financially and do not understand their balance statements. They cannot forecast expenses and revenue into the next fiscal year. They fail to review budget-to-actuals regularly and do not know how much it costs them to produce their products and provide their services. The financial data may all be available in one form or another, but until the business owner knows how to make use of that data, he or she cannot control the business or make meaningful, informed decisions.
Beyond explaining how to use financials, we teach business leaders how to build wealth in their companies. By focusing on the reduction of operating costs and spending time on business development and strategic management, a business leader can make crucial decisions with confidence. Some of the decisions we have helped business leaders make include the following:
- Set up a new business
- Venture into a new market
- Create a new division driving a new revenue stream
- Increase profit margins
- Create efficient billing and collections systems
- Negotiate banking agreements
- Use a business plan to set concrete goals, responsibilities, and deadlines
- Consider the tax implications before implementing any new business strategy
In my early career at a seven-company, $20 million employment recruiting firm as assistant controller, I helped the company realize significant cost savings, reduce its overhead, and expand reporting capabilities. I went on to serve as senior accountant for a software development company, where I designed and executed a cost-effective project scheduling system and managed a production management team. Following that position, I joined an architectural firm as CFO and helped coordinate a complete overhaul of its financial and human resource management systems and processes.
In 2003, building on 15 years of solid experience, I founded CD Anderson, P.A. Although the firm has only been established for four years, it has grown more than 300%, so our foray into consulting has proven successful. When you are ready to expand your horizons as an accountant, build on your strengths. Mine are teaching and inspiring others, helping business owners realize their full potential.
About the Author:
Cynthia Anderson is managing partner of CD Anderson, P.A., a full-service CPA firm. For more information, contact 919-785-2949 or visit www.cd-anderson.com.
