WHO WE ARE
Robert Low, CFO
In the early 1990s, Dan Perron and Bob Low realized that smaller companies needed the expertise of a Chief Financial Officer for things like forecasting, processes, financing, financial reporting, and analysis but not necessarily on a full-time basis. They strongly believed, and still do, that a part-time CFO is a cost-effective solution. In 1995 they joined forces to create Perron & Low and in the past 25 years have worked with over 100 companies in a wide variety of industries and situations ranging from start-ups to turnarounds, from companies rapidly growing sales to those looking to reduce costs. They have taken on projects from just a few days to clients lasting many years, from 1-2 days per month to a couple of days a week. In all cases, the focus is on providing the right level of service for each client, combining strategic vision with hands-on work, bringing “been there, done that” expertise, and, as entrepreneurs themselves, an appreciation of what is required to start, grow, and run a company.
Please check out the services we typically provide, our list of past and present clients including accomplishments we helped support, and our backgrounds. If you think your business might benefit from a part-time CFO, please contact us for a free initial consultation.
Daniel Perron, CFO
OUR SERVICES
A part-time CFO or Controller typically works anywhere from one day per month to 1-2 days per week as part of your management team. Technology keeps us accessible on days we are off-site so important issues can get addressed quickly. We can commit to long term involvement and have had numerous engagements lasting several years so continuity is ensured. We also work on a project basis for interim needs.
On a part-time basis we serve as part of the management team of organizations at a stage where a full-time CFO cannot be justified but operational needs exceed the abilities of existing staff. We can also work on a more intensive but interim basis for companies with project or temporary needs.
- Oversee financial reporting, analysis, processes, controls and systems.
- Manage, train and evaluate personnel in the accounting / finance department strategic planning and forecasting.
- Liaison between clients and CPA's, bankers, investors, etc.
- Acquisition and due diligence.
We develop and maintain both short-term and long-term budgets, business plans. and projections. We project profitability, cash needs, and help obtain needed funding.
- Growth strategies
- Market analysis
- Budget and forecast preparation
- Venture capital and private equity financing
- Debt financing
We can also help with general accounting, transaction processing, and systems. Our team includes Certified QuickBooks Professionals who can help with controller-level tasks including:
- QuickBooks configuration
- Implementation and integration of third party systems such as Expensify, payroll services, and banking systems.
- Controller services such as reconciliations, month end reporting, ad hoc analysis
- Set up internal controls and work flows
Turnarounds and crisis management can be stressful to navigate. We have been there on many occasions to rapidly assess the existing situation, identify critical issues, and help implement solutions such as:
- Cost reduction
- Vendor negotiations
- Credit expansion or restructuring
- Cash flow management
WORKING WITH US
Why a Part-time CFO?
A part-time CFO provides the experience of an experienced CFO at a fraction of the cost of a full-time person. You pay only for the time you need which can vary as your needs change and without a long-term commitment. No payroll taxes, benefits, or holiday and vacation pay. Though we’re part-time, thanks to technology we’re almost always accessible. We have clients outside of New England and Florida that we work with entirely remotely. And because we have experience working with many different companies plus a network of other service providers we have access to best practices a full-time CFO might not.
Our Approach
We have worked almost exclusively with smaller, entrepreneurial companies and understand their dynamics are different than large companies. We’re hands-on, action oriented, and cost sensitive. We’ve worked with companies at all stages of growth, success, and adversity and appreciate the challenges of being an entrepreneur. Please consider us part of your management team, just on a part-time basis.
Value Add
We believe the finance function should add value and not just be an overhead expense. Ways a CFO can add value include:
- Identify potential cost savings and margin improvements
- Monitor and manage cash flow
- Identify financing needs and advise on appropriate capital sources
- Interface with lenders, advisors, and investors
- Provide meaningful financial analysis
- Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting
- Maintain tight internal controls that reduce waste and errors
- Attention to collections, purchasing, disbursements
- Ensure compliance with things like sales tax, annual reports, etc.
- Communications with company stakeholders
- Design and administer compensation and incentive plans
- Provide guidance and training to accounting staff
How we work
No two clients are the same so we tailor what we do to each client’s requests and needs. Our involvement typically ranges from 1-2 days per month to 1-2 days per week with the flexibility to increase or decrease our workload to match what’s required. In addition, thanks to technology, we are available most days even if not on-site. We are also flexible in how we bill which can be hourly or on a monthly fixed fee depending on which best fits a client’s needs.
Though we do not require clients to make a long-term commitment, we have worked with numerous clients for 5 or more years. We have helped many clients grow to the point where they need a full-time CFO and, if that happens, we will help make a smooth transition.
CHECK OUT OUR BOOKS
 |
 |
WHY US?
Hands-on, proven, value add
We work as part-time CFOs because we enjoy working with entrepreneurial companies and strongly believe our model provides great value to smaller companies that can benefit from the expertise of an experienced CFO at a fraction of the cost of a full-time person. We have a proven track record, a hands-on “get it done” style, flexible arrangements that can match your needs, and an appreciation for the challenges of an entrepreneur. An initial consultation is always free so please contact us today!