Knowledge and Insights

Do you think it’s time to find an outsourced CFO for your business? Perhaps you have no idea where to start or what to expect from an outsourced CFO. Maybe you aren’t sure what they can exactly do or what the working relationship will look like.

Working with an outsourced CFO is a comprehensive solution that can help businesses develop their financial strategy. If you’re experiencing complex financial issues as your business grows or if you need help with strategic planning, financial forecasting, or cash flow problems, outsourced CFO services could be beneficial.

Let’s walk through the process of finding an outsourced CFO partner and what to expect when starting the relationship.

Mercadien, a CPA firm with vast accounting experience across many industries, has led our client relationships with passion and commitment since 1963. Our mission is to help our clients achieve their goals and set them up for long-term success.

THE GROWING POPULARITY OF OUTSOURCED CFO SERVICES

Outsourced CFO services are perfect for a company that doesn’t require a full-time CFO. They provide your company with specialized financial expertise at a far more affordable cost than hiring a full-time, in-house CFO. They provide an outside perspective into the financial health of your organization, offering feedback and strategic insights that help propel you to growth. 

Outsourcing CFO services have become increasingly popular in recent years. Today’s business and talent landscapes are competitive, and outsourcing accounting and finance functions allows leadership to focus on growing the business.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH AN OUTSOURCED CFO

An experienced, established accounting firm that provides outsourced CFO services can provide strategic financial leadership and guidance without the need for an in-house CFO. By outsourcing some or all of the tasks that an in-house CFO typically handles, businesses can access top-tier financial expertise, streamline their financial operations, and ultimately drive growth and success.

Let’s look deeper into a few benefits of outsourcing your CFO role:

• Cost Savings: CFO salaries start well into the six-figure range, making a full-time CFO an expensive hire that’s out of reach for many organizations. Outsourced CFO services offer a much more affordable alternative.
• Expertise: A reputable accounting firm with outsourced CFO services will have experience across various industries, allowing you to leverage their knowledge that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
• Flexibility: Outsourced CFOs can work as much or as little as needed to complement your existing team, and often have the resources to scale up their services as your business grows. At Mercadien, we offer outsourced CFO services on a monthly subscription basis, at a level that is appropriate for your business, depending on your specific needs.

STARTING TO WORK WITH AN OUTSOURCED CFO: WHAT TO EXPECT

Once you’ve conducted a thorough search and found the best outsourced CFO partner, setting expectations for the working relationship is essential. Here are a few considerations to make:

• Clarify Responsibilities: Identify and put into writing which party will be responsible for which tasks. 

• Set Up Access: Ensure your new partner has access to all the systems they need: accounting systems, bank accounts, spreadsheets, data rooms, and so on.

• Identify Priorities: Establish clear goals to work toward with your outsourced CFO, for example, becoming GAAP-compliant or putting together a long-term financial forecast. Prioritize these goals in order of importance and formulate an action plan.

• Regular Check-Ins: Especially during the initial onboarding phase, it’s vital for business leaders and outsourced CFO firms to meet regularly and communicate often. After the initial onboarding phase, these meetings can be less frequent but should still be regularly scheduled.

MERCADIEN: A TRUSTED CFO OUTSOURCING SOLUTION FOR NEW JERSEY & NEW YORK BUSINESSES

Partnering with an outsourced CFO can provide strategic and financial benefits for growing companies–cost savings, specialized expertise, and flexibility. It is, however, crucial to invest time in finding the right partner that suits your needs and integrates well with your existing team.

When searching for an outsourced CFO, clearly define your criteria and conduct thorough research to find the right partner. Companies that leverage outsourced CFO services position themselves for greater success through optimized finances and strategic planning.

Mercadien’s outsourced CFO services provide all the benefits you’re looking for. We serve as outsourced CFOs and trusted advisors to organizations across the nation, providing strategic insights to promote growth.

Ready to explore the possibilities of CFO outsourcing? Contact Mercadien to get started today.

DISCLAIMER: This advisory resource is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute business or tax advice and may not be used and relied upon as a substitute for business or tax advice regarding a specific issue or problem. Advice should be obtained from a qualified accountant, tax practitioner or attorney licensed to practice in the jurisdiction where that advice is sought.