LauberCFOs
The Resource for Financial Leadership
Posted on 3/16/07
Many small to mid-sized businesses cannot afford to hire
an experienced full-time financial person. This created the
opportunity on which John Lauber founded his business 20 years
ago. “We filled a void in the market by providing experienced
financial professionals on a flexible, cost effective basis”,
Lauber said.
An experienced financial person adds real value for a business
by providing meaningful information on which decisions are
based. The real contribution comes from identifying what is
behind the numbers. Why did the company make or lose money
and proactively looking for solutions.
Prior to 1986 Lauber, a CPA had spent 5 years with Arthur
Andersen followed by 9 years as CFO for four different companies.
Initially Lauber focused on providing CFOs on a day-a-week
basis to smaller firms with revenues in the $1 to $20 million
range.
In 1988 Lauber brought in his first associate. In 1989 a
second associate joined the firm and the move was made to
the Marshall Building in the Third Ward. Today there are 12
professionals in the Part-time CFO group. One is located in
northern Illinois, one in Neenah, and the rest in the greater
Milwaukee area.
In 2000 Sandy Sannes joined Lauber. She is responsible for
recruiting a separate group of CFOs who are available to work
with clients on a Full-time, Interim, or Project basis. Sannes
also added Full-time CFO search and placement services to
LauberCFOs capabilities.
The Part-time CFO Concept
LauberCFOs provides an experienced financial person to roll
up the sleeves and participate as part of a company’s
management team, on site, a day or so per week on an ongoing
basis.
In addition to the entrepreneurial owner, the typical day-a-week
client will have a bookkeeper but not a degreed accountant.
The role of the Part-time CFO is both hands on and advisory.
The dual role is a differenti-ation of LauberCFOs
A Part-time CFO is a relationship driven service. A major
value comes from the interaction between the owner and the
CFO. This value is enhanced by the CFO’s involvement
in, and understanding of, the day to day workings of the business.
The Part-time CFO will normally be responsible for financial
statements, preparing meaningful budgets and projections,
cost analysis, banking, risk management, and supervision of
the bookkeeper. In some cases human resources and information
systems are included in the CFO’s responsibility. Additionally
a Chief Financial Officer serves as an informed sounding board
for the owner.
Interim / Project
Interim opportunities arise when a CFO leaves a company or
will be off for an extended period and the company needs a
seasoned pro-fessional to step in full-time or near full-time
to bridge the gap.
Project opportunities result when a business needs an individual
with CFO experience to step in and complete a higher level
project like analyzing an acquisition or evaluating the financial
feasibility of a new product or venture.
CFO Search
LauberCFOs process starts by meeting with the decision makers
to gain an understanding of the key responsibilities of the
position and developing a profile of the ideal candidate.
Special attention is paid to find ways to leverage the position
within the organization to provide additional value. That
is, if the profile is properly designed, what additional respon-sibilities
can the CFO assume in addition to what would be considered
normal.
A search is then completed to identify candidates that match
the profile. Qualifying, interviewing and referencing is completed
before presentation to the client. LauberCFOs has been successful
in this area largely due to its research capabilities and
good reputation with local CFOs.
For additional information view our web site at www.laubercfos.com
or contact john.lauber@laubercfos.com.
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