How Zephyr Built an M&A Engine for Hypergrowth

Noho Zephyr (“Zephyr”), a rapidly growing, PE-backed home services platform, partnered with Consero to build a scalable finance function that could keep pace with its aggressive roll-up strategy while freeing the CFO to stay focused on M&A and growth.

Scaling Finance for a High-Velocity Acquisition Strategy

Zephyr’s roll-up growth model needed a financial operation that could support the rapid, repeated integration of new entities without constantly expanding internal headcount.

Zephyr worked with Consero to address the following key requirements:

1. Ensure scalable execution and avoid the disruption of hiring new AP clerks or staff accountants for each deal.
2. Establish documented, enforceable processes that could withstand the company’s growth velocity.
3. Gain immediate P&L visibility for newly acquired assets to manage performance from day one.
4. Meet investor expectations for month-end predictability and speed across multiple entities.

A Client-Designed, Consero-Executed Partnership Model

Zephyr and Consero developed a unique model where Zephyr designed the strategic M&A integration playbook, and Consero provided the execution horsepower.

This flexibility allowed Zephyr to maintain control over strategy while benefiting from Consero’s deep bench of accounting talent and operational expertise:

• Zephyr designed the overarching framework: processes, workflows, data structures, subsystem requirements, and reporting standards.
• The team established a clear M&A integration playbook that defined how acquisitions would be brought into the platform.
• Consero executed the defined processes with precision, supplying scalable accounting and AP teams.
• Daily accounting operations, including AP through GAAP accounting, were handled by Consero’s dedicated team.
• A close calendar with daily reporting and insights ensured a structured, transparent rhythm to financial operations.

“The biggest benefit has been the model… We built the framework and Consero executes it.” – Michele DiPasquale, CFO, Zephyr

Creating a Repeatable M&A Integration Playbook

The Consero partnership became central to Zephyr’s ability to integrate multiple acquisitions each year without disrupting operations.

• P&L reporting from day one of ownership became the standard, giving immediate financial visibility into new assets.
• Revenue and expenses—including accruals when needed—were captured in the month of close.
• Predetermined workflows supported opening balance sheet development while seller data was still being finalized.
• Clear definitions of asset purchase agreement requirements and advance communication protocols streamlined upcoming deals.

Delivering Clockwork Closes and Operational Excellence

Zephyr and Consero achieved a highly predictable close process and operational stability that supports aggressive growth.

• Consistent Business Day 8 first-draft financials with audit-ready Business Day 10 presentations for the CEO are the norm.
• Transparent and predictable close process enables leadership to understand immediately if and why timelines deviate.
• AP excellence strengthened with W9 vendor setup requirements, enforced capitalization thresholds, and proper expense coding.
• Accounting rigor and GAAP compliance maintained across all entities, with documentation standards that exceed typical high-growth practices.

“We have been able to close repeatedly with first draft financials by BD8, or know why we’re not there, and then a hard close by BD10, or why we’re not there. That’s been lovely. It’s been so predictable. It’s been so transparent, and it’s been like clockwork.”

Scaling Finance Capacity Without Scaling Headcount

Consero gave Zephyr elastic finance capacity and controller-level coverage while keeping the CFO out of day-to-day staffing and turnover management.

• The model allows Zephyr to scale up Consero resources during busy periods automatically, without adding permanent internal roles.
• CFO freed from hiring decisions for accounting staff, nor in managing AP or staff accountant turnover to prioritize M&A strategy and execution, while the controller-level function is fully covered by Consero’s team.
• PE sponsors have taken notice, with interest in replicating the model as financial operations consistently keep pace with deal flow.

Ready to Transform Your Financial Operations?

Consero’s model is built to provide the scalable capacity and repeatable, rigorous processes needed to unlock month-end close predictability, free leadership for strategic growth, and achieve operational excellence at scale.

In working with Consero, Zephyr successfully aligned the finance function to support its PE-backed growth thesis and deliver the transparency investors demand:

• Multiple acquisitions per year supported with no delays in financial reporting for new entities.
• Same-month integration and day-one P&L reporting enable rapid performance tracking of acquired businesses.
• Reliable close timelines provide reliable visibility for management and investors.
• Strong operational foundation and documentation standards offer strategic validation for sponsors looking to scale similar platforms.

If you’d like to achieve similar results, get in touch to discuss how working with Consero can fuel your organization’s financial greatness.