Case Summaries

We build a more profitable future for banks. For a mid-sized bank, we started with a costing analysis — a detailed timing analysis of every operational process. We used this to analyze product and client profitability and then to identify inefficient processes — opportunities to reduce operating costs. At the department level, we worked with the bank operations and improved processes. We developed KPI's for each team to identify improvement opportunities and monitor progress on the effectiveness of the improvements. Over time, we reduced annual operating expenses by more than 13%. Applying a similar data-driven and client-centered analysis, we examined fee and interest income to identify revenue leakages. We developed a project to re-implement our treasury services billing system and addressed process breaks, increasing fee income by over 12%. With better data to profile the details of client profitability and to understand client activity, our team proposed strategies for managing and monitoring profitability, attrition, and attraction to increase profits.

We find innovative opportunities to increase profits. For a publicly traded company, we were providing standard FP&A services— Financial Reporting, General Accounting, Merger Transaction, Tax Reporting, and Technical Accounting. Through these, we identified and implemented two opportunities to increase net profits. Working on a reserve for impaired inventory, we analyzed the data and identified a methodology to calculate the reserve at a rate 35% below expected amount. We then designed and implemented a macro to calculate the reserve with minimal employee time. Working on compliance with Canadian national and provincial sales tax (GST), we not only successfully negotiated filing delayed returns without penalties and interest but we also identified instances of significantly underreporting GST paid and obtained permission to refile returns and retrieve those overpayments. With the view that Finance and Accounting should also contribute to building a more profitable future, we find and implement process improvements and hidden opportunities.

We help small businesses build a more profitable future. For a small business in the ag sector, we were engaged to update their business plan. During that process, we also identified and fulfilled a need to verify and update their financial records. We also performed economic research to understand benchmarks for their financial performance. Analyzing their trending performance, we identified some significant operational inefficiencies. We recommended a series of improvements. Some offering a tenfold gain in efficiency. We then provided financial presentations and schedules for investors and lenders. We placed this client on a path to build a more profitable future. This experience made us realize that, just like an accountant or a lawyer, small businesses need a management consultant.

We help startups build a profitable future. For a tech startup, we provided market research, developed their business plan, and prepared financial presentations for investors and lenders. We researched their global market opportunity and develop an exit strategy for investors. We identified global competitors and markets. We expanded the use cases for the product. We developed a strategic plan based on competitor and near-competitor results. We analyzed M&A activity in the industry and set scientific and marketing targets to maximize company value. Using this data, we developed a detailed business plan with 5-year budget. We identified key sensitivities and discussed with management changes in their supply chain and sales operations to increase profits and better achieve financial goals. Building on those, we prepared financial presentations with supporting schedules for investors and lenders. Our services were key to the commercialization of the product and finding the path to a profitable future. The company merged with one of a competitor and continues to expand internationally.