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Unlocking Long-Term Growth: 3 Characteristics of an Effective Startup CFO

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Onboarding an effective CFO is critical for the success and longevity of any business. But while partnering with a future focused CFO is critical to long-term growth across the board, there is one type of company that simply cannot survive without a strategic CFO: the startup.

Startups are built to scale, and often at a rapid pace. For this reason, it’s essential for startups to think quickly and strategically when it comes to onboarding a rockstar profitability partner. 

Here are a few key insights about the unique role of the startup CFO. 

Securing Funding

In a startup, the CFO must be able to do much more than simply manage and oversee baseline financial operations. One of the most critical characteristics of a scalable startup is the ability to secure funding. A successful startup CFO accomplishes this through their sharp negotiation abilities, often paired with a business development skill set.

The startup CFO must be skilled at networking with, and later working with, investors and lenders, in order to get the best funding terms for the company. From there, the startup CFO must work with the executive team to strategize how this funding can be best allocated and utilized, so the business can successfully achieve its growth goals.

Analyzing the Market

In addition to securing capital, another necessary aspect to the startup CFO role is the ability to analyze the market and strategize accordingly, offering guidance and direction to the executive team on how to move in response to this information.

With a depth of understanding into both the overall startup landscape and the state of the company’s industry, the startup CFO must be able to serve as a strategic advisor in this regard. They must present potential opportunities and risks to the company in response to their market analysis, and develop an action plan to help the business continue to move towards growth and profitability goals. 

Establishing a Financial Infrastructure

A startup, by nature, is a young company. Unlike a large corporation – with its pre-established financial systems, processes, and standards – the startup CFO has an additional responsibility: constructing a financial infrastructure that doesn’t presently exist. 

This infrastructure must withstand the ups and downs that come with launching a startup,  and support both the company’s pace and volume of intended growth. The depth of this responsibility – and its impact on the long-term success of the company – should not be understated.

Of course, the startup CFO must accomplish everything stated above while also providing the top-notch financial strategy, oversight and guidance expected of any Chief Financial Officer – whether a full-time or fractional CFO.  

From providing timely data, to overseeing the entire finance and accounting team, and ultimately driving the company to new monetary heights, an effective CFO can be a gamechanger for any company looking to grow and scale. 

Looking for financial support for your startup? At Blueprint CFO, we are more than accounting and finance service providers – we are your profitability partners. Contact us today!

Valuation Planning

Blueprint CFO will work with executive leadership to determine shareholder value, and run various models to determine estimated company valuation. Together, we will determine milestone objectives to increase shareholder value and track company performance in relation to these targets. We will review your company’s organic and acquisition growth options to create shareholder value, and emphasize tax planning to optimize shareholder value upon a sale or purchase. We can also focus on Initial Public Offering (IPO) Planning and Readiness.

Analytics & Business Intelligence

We believe that being data-driven is key to profitability. As such, we can help you create meaningful dashboards and scorecards for your business, analyzing performance against key performance indicators and other factors. Our profitability reporting and analysis tools will help drive business decision-making and provide insights into trends, predictions, results, and potential strategic direction moving forward.

Goal Setting & Tracking

Our team can partner with company leadership to establish goals and objectives for the company, for both the short and long term. Additionally, we will help leaders develop meaningful Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and measure results.

Insurance & Tax Planning

Blueprint CFO can work with businesses to review insurance needs and requirements, as well as plan for taxes and R&D credits.

Human Resources

We can assist your HR department with employee benefits planning, and can also perform compensation studies to ensure best practices are implemented across the business.

Accounting & Finance Support

Whether you have an internal team in place or need more hands-on assistance, Blueprint CFO can oversee and advise your accounting and finance department. From preparing general ledger transaction entries to completing month-end closes, forecasting to crafting financial statements, developing customized reporting packages to implementing more effective software, Blueprint CFO can bring you everything from a supportive junior or senior accounting team, all the way to high-level strategic CFO consulting.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Blueprint CFO can partner with company leadership to improve strategic business plans and assist with the development of organizational growth strategy. We can also create financial reporting packages and proformas for capital raises, investments, acquisitions and/or banking requirements, and provide due diligence on company-focused deals.

Financial Planning

We can prepare, create and/or review financial statements. This includes providing trend analysis, developing cash flow projections, and tracking operational and financial performance, with insight into budget and forecast variances.

Banking Services

Our team can help your company to establish high-level banking relationships, and offer expert advice and support when it comes to sourcing bank loans, etc. Additionally, we can review and determine the optimal capital structure for refinancing or a liquidity event.

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