I prepare unaudited financial statements for by management of private companies.

Starting a new business or business unit can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming.

Many factors need your attention, from financial and feasibility analyses to setting up the company and creating policies and procedures. Getting these elements right can be the key to success.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve launched my own businesses, and as an employee, I’ve supported the establishment of new ventures across Canada, the U.S., and even in China.

If you’re looking to start a new business, I can guide you in creating a comprehensive plan to help you:

• Identify the resources and support you’ll need,
• Recognize key details to keep in mind, and
• Outline the steps necessary to launch smoothly.

Acquiring an existing business also requires thorough planning.

How you structure the deal can have significant benefits or costs for both the seller and buyer. Effective change management post-acquisition is essential for the business’s
future success under new ownership.

With extensive experience in building and leading successful teams, I’ve helped businesses and owners navigate change during acquisitions and team integrations.

If you’re planning to acquire a new business, I can assist with:

• developing a purchase offer and optimal deal structure,
• identifying steps to complete the transaction, and
• managing change after the deal closes.

The first step in starting any new business should be a well-researched and thoughtful business plan. Preparing a business plan is not a discrete exercise, it is the roadmap for your business. There is no one-size-fits all solution. Your business plan should be tailored to the nature and objectives of your specific business. A good business plan can set you on course for success, whereas an inadequate business plan can put you in a reactionary position.

I have prepared many business plans through my education and practical experience,
If you’re planning to start a new business, I can help you:

• Research and develop content for your business plan
• Write a comprehensive and effective business plan
• Evaluate an existing business plan
• Implement and evaluate execution of your business plan

Running a business shouldn’t feel like something that just happens to you, the owner; it should involve a continuous cycle of creating, executing, and assessing a strategic plan that aligns with the goals you have for your business.

Whether or not you created a business plan when you first started out, once your business is established, a strategic plan becomes essential. This plan isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing, iterative process.

I can assist you in:

• Defining and expanding your business’s vision, mission, and objectives,
• Crafting a detailed strategic plan,
• Assessing an existing strategic plan, and
• Implementing and reviewing your strategic plan.

At times, your business may need to look to external funding to achieve its goals. Lenders want confidence that a borrower can meet their future financial commitments—and a well-prepared financing proposal can provide that assurance. A strong proposal could be the deciding factor in securing the funding you need.

If you’re considering external financing, I can assist you in:

• Reviewing an existing financing proposal,
• Quantifying and evaluating your need for external funds,
• Identifying and assessing alternative financing options, and
• Creating a comprehensive and persuasive financing proposal.

Your business’s financial performance should never come as a surprise to you. Creating a thorough budget and cash flow forecast is essential—not only for profitability, but also for your business’s long-term survival. Well-designed budgets and forecasts allow you to spot potential financial issues early and be ready for unexpected situations.

With extensive experience in creating detailed budget and forecast models, I can help you:

• Review an existing budget or forecast,
• Develop a detailed budget, and
• Create a comprehensive cash flow forecast.

Businesses face various risks from both internal and external factors, including competition, supply chain disruptions, government regulations, and workforce issues.

Identifying these risks can be challenging. A experienced advisor can assist in recognizing these threats and developing strategies to reduce their impact.

I can help you:

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment,
• Evaluate and analyze risks, and
• Create effective risk mitigation strategies.

During my career, I have been involved in countless audits, including:

• Year-end financial statements
• GST compliance
• PST compliance
• WCB compliance
• CEWS/CERS compliance

I have developed a proven strategy for working with auditors in all areas to facilitate efficient completion.

If you’re being audited, I can help you:

• Negotiate a strategy with the auditor for efficiently completing the engagement;
• Prepare working papers to satisfy the auditor’s objectives; and
• Negotiate adjustments and/or settlement.

All businesses and economies are cyclical. When times are tough, businesses need to tighten their belts and identify ways to cut costs. When time are good, it’s common for businesses to take on new expenditures. Whether your business or the economy are in an upturn or a downturn, it is always prudent to look for opportunities to get lean and stay lean. During my career, I have helped successful businesses increase  profitability, and struggling business to get back on track.

If you would like to improve your business’s profitability, I can help you identify opportunities to cut cost and to improve efficiency in your operations.

Accounting software comes in many shapes and sizes. What works for one business may not work for another. Selecting the right software for your unique business can be a tool to support
your success. A poor selection can at best be a frustration—or worse, it can put your business on a path to failure.

Implementation is critical. A well-prepared implementation plan will save time and money. A poorly executed implementation can be devastating for your business.

System implementations can be overwhelming, and if you have not experienced it before, it is difficult to know what questions to ask.

If you’re considering a system implementation, I can help you:

• Identify and evaluate alternatives;
• Identify risks and potential impediments to successful implementation;
• Develop an implementation plan; and
• Manage implementation and post-implementation.