I recently wrapped up yet another significant fraud examination for a small business client who trusted her bookkeeper infinitely. Sadly, all too often, the thief in your company is just that – the person my clients keep closest. Someone in their inner circle. Someone they keep company with. All the red flags were there. The client could not get basic financial reports from her bookkeeper. The bookkeeper’s lifestyle did not match her income. Answers to basic financial questions were met with plausible explanations, but no documents or proof. Why would they be? After all, the bookkeeper was infinitely trusted.

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The majority of middle market companies started as small, conservative enterprises. Your employees may still wear several hats and perform multiple tasks within the organization. It may be just fine for a small business to have their receptionist double as their accounts payable clerk, but if you plan to grow your business, you will need an accounting and finance department that can keep up and protect your company.

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If you could increase your income, would it solve a lot of problems? Focusing solely on income is a trap and could put your business at risk. It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep. - Joe Connors, Vice President Relationship Banking Officer

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Good news, business owners: it’s turning into a sellers’ market. A confluence of factors— the post pandemic economic recovery has started, stock prices have been rising, interest rates remain low,, and the long-term investor portfolio shift to business acquisitions—has created a perfect storm, but instead of getting battered by the waves, as in years past, this front can steer owners towards a profitable exit strategy. How can you capitalize on this opportunity?

But First…There’s a Catch or Two

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The environment we find ourselves in today validates how important it is that we continue to accelerate the adoption of the trends noted in this article. Some of our businesses won’t survive unless we do. Learn where your CFO suite fits into these trends and what you can do to accelerate them.

Decision support is moving finance beyond the traditional governance model.

There are big changes afoot in finance. Accounting, Finance and Treasury departments are moving forward by creating value for the businesses they serve. Technology, better developed models, broader training and the eclectic nature of today’s finance professionals have put this movement into full gear.

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