When a long-tenured Controller announced a career change, Ed Taylor, CEO of Collective Group (an IT services and solutions provider), suddenly faced a stack of critical finance tasks—and the broader risk of relying on a single person for core accounting work. Turning to an outsourced finance partner provided immediate stabilization, long-term structure, and real-time visibility into the business.
The Risk of Single-Point Dependence
Relying on one person for a range of finance tasks creates key-person risk: departures, absence, or simple human error can disrupt month-end close, cash flow management, and reporting. The controller’s exit made that risk tangible and urgent.
Long-Term Partner vs. Interim Help
Initial outreach to local consulting firms surfaced a distinction: many offer temporary “gap fill,” while an outsourced accounting model is built for continuity. The CEO chose a partner designed to own and improve the finance function over time—not just patch it.
Fast Cleanup and Standardized Processes
The transition began with rapid cleanup, process changes, and implementation of consistent workflows. Standardization replaced ad-hoc methods, reducing errors and making recurring activities (close, AP/AR, reconciliations) predictable and auditable.
An Integrated Finance Stack and Portal
The outsourced team deployed an integrated toolkit:
- Core accounting system
- Time and reporting
- Bill pay
All tied together through a secure portal. The CEO gained instant access to critical financial data—anytime—without chasing spreadsheets or emails.
From Burden to Insight
With the engine stabilized, the CEO shifted from doing finance tasks to understanding the financial inner workings: AR’s impact on cash flow, revenue projections with greater certainty, and how operational drivers flow through to results without owning every step.
Partnering with Consero transformed a turnover crisis into a stronger finance function: reduced key-person risk, standardized processes, integrated systems, and real-time visibility. The payoff was practical and immediate: clarity, control, and time back – along with better forecasting and decision-making.
