INSIGHTS & ARTICLES
Explore some of the most recent articles by our CFOs.
FEATURED ARTICLE
10 Steps to Prepare for Raising Capital
Finding funding for your business is a process that takes a lot of time and effort, especially during the startup phase. Many entrepreneurs fail in their first attempts at fundraising because they are poorly prepared. Others get themselves into trouble by choosing the...
RECENT INSIGHTS & ARTICLES
How Does a CFO Add Value?
CFOs are high-level, strategic experts who optimize financial resources in a company while using those resources to achieve company goals more efficiently and effectively. Unlike bookkeepers, controllers, and accountants whose primary functions are rear-facing,...
5 Financial Strategy Tips for your Organization in 2021
2020 was This year, resolve to take control of your business finances and use them to help you get what you want out of the new year. Below are five financial strategy tips to help your organization prepare for the new year. Take a Look at Your Financial Forecast If...
5 Hiring Tips from a CFO That Will Save You Time & Money
When is the best time to make a new hire? Hiring too late can mean work (and clients) falling through the cracks; hiring too early can mean unnecessarily increasing your expenses. Payroll is one of the largest expenses a company will face, which makes the decision to...
10 Benefits of Hiring a Virtual CFO vs. an In-House CFO
When your organization decides it’s time to bring in a new chief financial officer, is it better to hire a virtual CFO or an in-house CFO? When many companies think of CFOs, they default to the expectation of a long-term hire requiring an office, six-figure salary,...
How to Determine How Much Your Business Is Worth
Business Valuation Methods & Determining What Your Business is Worth Whether you're preparing for a sale or acquisition, seeking debt or equity financing, or evaluating other strategic business decisions, it's helpful to have a good pulse on the value of your...
11 Things to Know About the 2020 Payroll Tax Deferral
On August 8, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum to defer the payment of the employee share of social security tax from September 1 through December 31, 2021. But what, exactly, does this Payroll Tax Deferral mean, and should employers take advantage of...
9 Traits of a Great CFO: Evaluating Your Financial Team
As Preferred CFO performs speaking engagements and advisory with CEOs around the country, one of the topics we’re continually asked to address is how to evaluate the quality of a financial team. Among these is answering the question, “What makes a great CFO?” We’ve...
1 Big Budgeting Mistake You’re Probably Making
One Big Budgeting Mistake You’re Probably Making A budget-first mindset not only wastes time and resources but also often results in an unrealistic and/or inaccurate budget. It’s a time-old Q4 tradition—lengthy planning cycles consisting of sitting down to tap out a...
What Is the Difference Between a CPA and CFO? 4 Key Differences
We're often surprised by how many businesses hire a CPA, believing they're receiving not only tax services but CFO strategies as well. The reality is that there are many differences between a CPA and CFO. However, it's no wonder the two are confused, as CPAs will...
12 Things Venture Capitalists Look For in an Investment Opportunity
12 Things Investors Look for in an Investment Opportunity Being funded by a VC fund has been glamorized in the past 10 years—and it’s no wonder why. Venture capitalists not only provide funding for young and innovative businesses, but also bring a partnership with...
Signs Your Company is Ready for a Part-Time CFO
A CFO brings high-level expertise and strategy to an organization. A CFO’s primary role is to elevate financial strategy, streamline operations, trim fat, and maximize sustainable growth. But how do you know if your company is ready for a CFO? How do you know if your...
7 Essential Financial Tools Every CEO Needs
Turn on the Headlights: 7 Essential Financial Tools Every CEO Needs to Confidently Accelerate Success & Growth Many businesses make the mistake of believing that financials are all about historical numbers and budgets. However, if these are the financial tools you...
What is a 13-Week Cash Flow, and Why Isn’t It Enough for Most Businesses?
We've recently seen more and more CPA firms, fractional CFOs, and financial experts advertising 13-week cash flow plans. The messaging behind these offers insinuates that this simple 13-week financial reporting document can help businesses ease the burden of financial...
Cash Flow: The Reason 82% of Small Businesses Fail
Poor cash flow – How to recognize it and how you can make sure it won’t be a problem We know that the majority of small businesses fail within the first five years, but a recent study by U.S. Bank drilled down into the reasons why this occurs. In their study, they...
Payroll Protection Program Flexibility Act Passes in Senate
On May 28, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan bill, the Payroll Protection Flexibility Act 417 to 1. On the evening of Wednesday, June 3, this bill passed in the Senate and is now on its way to the President's desk where he is expected to...
What to Do if Your Business Didn’t Receive Stimulus Funding
The COVID-19 situation has caused financial stress for many businesses, causing uncertainty and leaving many companies with decreased financial security and revenue. What makes this time especially difficult is that not only are many businesses suffering a cash...
Handling Business Cash Flow During a Crisis
Managing Business Cash Flow During a Crisis Early in 2020, we were hit with an international crisis that most businesses were not prepared for. As COVID-19 swept through countries, quarantines and stay-at-home orders created economic stress that caused many business...
Organic vs Inorganic Growth – And Becoming the Acquisition Target
Organic vs. Inorganic Growth – Pros, Cons, and an Investor’s Perspective Every company loves to see growth – it’s a signifier of potential success and that things are “working” within the organization. However, not all growth is created equally. In general, growth is...
What is a 5 Year Forecast, and Who Needs One?
If your company is preparing to raise capital or if you are currently writing a business plan, you may be getting ready to build your 5-year financial forecast. It can be intimidating to plan this far into the future—as well as knowing what kind of projections to...
18 Essentials for Preparing to Raise Capital
Preparing to raise capital can be an exciting and stressful time. It means your company is experiencing growth and that you’re ready to take things to the next level. The best way to prepare to raise capital is to ensure you have the documents and information...
7 Common Cash Flow Issues and How to Solve Them
7 Common Cash Flow Issues & How to Fix Them Cash flow-related issues are one of the most problematic for organizations. A study by Jessica Hagen of U.S. Bank showed that 82% of businesses that failed had some sort of cash flow issue. However, many cash flow issues...
