:: Case | Sabatini :: Temporary Controllers and CFOs

Companies need temporary or interim assistance in the accounting area quite often. In some cases, companies have recently grown into this need. In others, the CFO or controller has either left, has taken an extended leave of absence, or needs to focus on other areas critical to the company at the moment. Or, it may simply be that an experienced person is required to spearhead an important project. Whatever the reason, Case | Sabatini has professionals on staff who can help. Many have prior CFO or controller experience. All have a successful track record of assisting companies. Our employees are real "roll up your sleeves" types -- deeply knowledgeable, broadly experienced CPAs and financial advisors. They bring experience with numerous businesses, a background in cash management, and an understand internal controls from a public accounting perspective. Of course, there are many other benefits, which we'll enumerate below. However, take a look at the type of work our employees can assist your company with:

TYPICAL WORK A TEMPORARY
CONTROLLERS AND/OR CFO DOES

Assure that accounting reports are timely and accurate
Supervise finance and accounting functions
Assist in preparing budgets and forecasts
Cash management and cash flow planning
Prepare analyses (e.g. profitability, overhead, etc.)
Set up internal controls
Document / implement financial policies and procedures
Prepare financial statements (generally monthly)
Bookkeeping
Look after tax matters and deadlines
Financial due diligence for projects
Provide general fiscal advice and oversight
Assist with financial projections (e.g., for restructuring)
Help prep a company for financing – whip a company into shape
Provide a financial review of key managerial decisions
Meet with management to review key information
Forensic accounting and internal audit
Select and/or implement new accounting software / systems
Train and/or mentor accounting staff
Participate in business plan development
Participate in pricing strategy development

SIGNS THAT YOUR COMPANY MAY
BENEFIT FROM SUCH A PERSON

An executive has left your company permanently or temporarily (generally due to family leave, illness, extended travel, or similar leaves of absence).
The company needs assistance with a finance related project over several months.
The company needs help restructuring.
The company needs to get moving on a high-level project quickly.
The company needs interim help from an experienced controller or CFO while a permanent employee is being recruited.
The company needs extra help until a new accounting software package is running.
The company needs extra help until the company is sold.
The company needs only interim high-level assistance, and wants to avoid the costs associated with traditional executive searches (search fees, signing bonuses, compensation packages, benefits, etc.).
The company has an uncertain future and is finding it difficult to attract the right talent, given the circumstances.
The company needs a person to come in and run things and/or make decisions as opposed to a CPA-type relationship where the CPA guides management in the decision making process.
The company may have just grown into the size where they need a controller or CFO. By utilizing an interim person, they’re able to work with that person to more easily define the scope of the permanent position.
The nature of the company’s controller or CFO position is changing, and the company requires assistance during this time (e.g., during a merger, acquisition, relocation, or a high-growth period).
The company is a venture-stage company, just starting out.