What is the difference between looking through the rearview mirror of your business and looking out the front windshield? For many growing companies, the gap between historical bookkeeping and strategic forecasting is where growth plateaus. In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Kelli Snider, Partner at Thinc Strategy, sits down with Josh Rubin, Managed Services Director, to explore how fractional CFO leadership provides the scalability and foresight necessary to navigate complex financial landscapes.

Josh and Kelli break down the common misconceptions about executive financial roles and explain why even small to mid-sized firms can benefit from high-level expertise without the cost of a full-time hire.

Tune in to discover:

• The "Windshield vs. Rearview" Perspective: Understand the distinct roles of a Controller versus a CFO, and why moving from historical reporting to forward-facing strategy is vital for growth. (00:01:45)
• The First 90 Days: What to expect when integrating a fractional CFO, from the initial assessment of your financial health to the heavy lifting of information gathering and goal alignment. (00:03:00)
• Navigating Growth and Complexity: How an outside expert identifies process inefficiencies, manages cash flow forecasting, and streamlines financial reporting to prepare for audits or capital raises. (00:04:30)
• Technical Compliance and Standards: Learn how fractional leaders help internal teams stay current with evolving accounting standards, such as new lease standards, that can impact your balance sheet. (00:06:00)
• The M&A and Fundraising Edge: Discover how a CFO crafts a compelling financial narrative for investors, manages due diligence, and ensures seamless integration during acquisitions. (00:08:00)
• Debunking the "Bandaid" Myth: Why a fractional CFO isn't just a temporary fix for a crisis, but a long-term strategic partner that adds a layer of professionalism and scalability to your leadership team. (00:10:30)

Whether you are facing rapid expansion, seeking outside capital, or simply need more predictability in your cash flow, this conversation offers a roadmap for elevating your organization’s financial maturity.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson, Josh Rubin, & Karen Albritton and produced by Walk West.

What does it take to truly prepare your business for its next chapter, whether it's strategic growth, a leadership shift, or an M&A transition? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Karen Albritton welcomes Kelli Snider, Partner at Thinc Strategy, to unpack the critical financial and strategic insights businesses need to thrive. Kelli, who oversees Thinc Strategy's technical and managed services, and M&A activities, shares her journey and expertise in guiding companies through complex financial landscapes and pivotal transitions.

Tune in to discover:

• From Banking to Business Strategy: Kelli's unique career path, starting in banking during the 2008 crisis, then transitioning to public accounting at KPMG, and ultimately finding her calling at Thinc Strategy with co-founder Cindy Anderson. (00:01:25)
• The Power of Managed Services: Understand why an external managed services team, offering both controller-level "rearview mirror" insights and CFO-level "windshield" foresight, is crucial for continuous financial health and risk mitigation. (00:04:00)
• Forecasting for Predictability: Learn Kelli's golden rule for effective forecasting – consistently measuring actual results against your projections to build more accurate financial models, especially for people-centric professional services firms. (00:07:00)
• M&A Readiness: Beyond the Books: Kelli emphasizes that preparing for an external transition goes deeper than clean financials. It requires owners to consider their post-sale role, desired timeline, and how to best position their team and culture for a successful new home. (00:14:00)
• Feasibility Studies: Your Starting Point for Transition: Discover how Thinc Strategy's clear, impactful feasibility models provide businesses with a roadmap of their viable options for ownership transition, simplifying a seemingly overwhelming decision. (00:10:00)
• The Due Diligence Advantage: How an experienced third-party team can manage the intensive due diligence process, providing crucial industry perspective and taking the load off internal teams during a sale or acquisition. (00:11:00)

Kelli's insights offer practical takeaways for any business leader looking to build a resilient, forward-thinking organization.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Walk W.

Thinking about selling your business or making an acquisition? It's more than just numbers; it's a deeply strategic and often emotional journey. In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Cindy Anderson sits down with Greg Clucas, Consultant at Thinc Strategy. With extensive experience from both the buyer and seller perspectives, Greg illuminates the multifaceted process of mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing preparation, cultural alignment, and the human element.

Tune in to discover:

• Maximizing Value: Beyond the Balance Sheet: Greg explains how firms can enhance their value for a potential sale by optimizing operating procedures, technology, financial cleanliness, and leadership structures. (00:02:25)
• The M&A Timeline: A Multi-Year Journey: Understand why preparing for an exit is a significant undertaking, often requiring 2-3 years of preparation and potentially a 5-year outlook including integration. (00:04:15)
• The Critical Role of Leadership Continuity: Learn why buyers prioritize strong, independent leadership teams that can run the business without the founder, ensuring seamless continuity post-acquisition. (00:06:00)
• Finding the "1+1=3" Opportunity: Greg shares how a successful M&A transaction isn't just about the sale itself, but often about identifying opportunities for enhanced growth and even a second, more significant financial event for the seller in the future. (00:08:00)
• Navigating the Emotional Landscape of a Sale: Cindy and Greg discuss the inherent emotional challenges for business owners during due diligence and how Thinc Strategy acts as a thoughtful, objective partner to guide clients through difficult conversations. (00:11:00)
• When to Walk Away: Building Credibility: Greg explains why having the courage to advise a client to walk away from a deal, even a seemingly good one, is essential for building long-term trust and ensuring the best outcome. (00:14:00)
• Thinking Ahead in M&A: Greg outlines his approach to anticipating challenges and opportunities from all sides of a transaction, ensuring thorough preparation for every stage, from LOI to integration. (00:18:00)

Greg's expertise provides invaluable guidance for any business leader considering their M&A options in today's dynamic market.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Walk West.