Consulting Portfolio
Improving productivity and quality control at a cash-management company
Business problem
The operational division of a major cash-management company was looking to improve productivity and assure quality control across its services provided around a large metropolitan region.
Solutions
We were hired to assist the operational director and a set of managers and supervisors with reviewing and optimizing procedures and processes, breaking down costs and identifying areas for improvements. We created a plan, redesigned work flows, and devised better ways of delivering quality services.
Length of assignment: 18 months
Results
We updated, standardized, and implemented new procedures and processes that addressed the issues the organization was facing at the outset of the project. Productivity improved, there was a marked decline in repetitive errors, and quality was assured for clients, leading to fewer complaints and greater customer satisfaction.View more details...Running a telecoms infrastructure project from start to finish
Business problem
An infrastructure contractor for one of the world’s largest telecommunications firms needed a financial/management professional to run operations as part of a multi-year contract it had won to build dozens of cell phone towers, from site acquisition to delivery of fully functional units.
Solutions
This assignment began by helping the owners set up a special purpose entity and finalize contract negotiations to set milestones, disbursements, and cash flow expectations. We oversaw staffing, which entailed hiring a rotating team of nearly 40 subcontractors from eight countries who worked on the numerous phases of this multiyear project. We managed back-office staff, bank and investment accounts, and worked with lawyers and accountants, signing off on payroll, taxes, and contracts. We set up and oversaw a financial control system, with continuous reporting to both the telecoms carrier and the contractor’s owners. At the end of the project, we wound down operations, terminated contracts, and wrapped up loose ends.
Length of assignment: 5 years
Results
We successfully completed the project, building and delivering all the cell phone towers on time and on budget.View more details...Evaluating startups and projects for investment
Business problem
A growing asset management firm needed on-demand assistance in evaluating startups and projects for investment.
Solutions
This project involved working directly with the firm's owner and principal investors on devising and implementing methods for investment decisions, looking at product/service viability, potential for innovation, market size, the competition, barriers to entry, among numerous other factors. We also assisted the firm when they received proposals by reviewing business plans, financial statements, funding needs and more, focusing on ROI, exit strategies, and risk management.
Length of assignment: 3 years
Results
We analyzed dozens of proposals using repeatable procedures, with a consistent strategy in mind. The firm was able to determine its acceptable level of risk, its expected return on investment, and feel confident about its decision-making within a given set of parameters.View more details...Improving cash management and financial control at a nonprofit organization
Business problem
A nonprofit organization needed help with treasury functions, including financial control, financial procedures, fundraising, and cash management
Solutions
This assignment began with a review of current processes and procedures to determine where improvements could be made to financial control and cash management. We developed a plan with the organization’s directors to upgrade software, standardize procedures, and improve reporting capabilities. We then worked together on strategies for fundraising and better cash flow.
Length of assignment: 14 months
Results
With better financial information at their disposal, the Board of Directors was able to plan and budget better, improving the organization’s overall health. The year after we implemented the new fundraising strategy, donations rose by nearly 15%.View more details...Helping a family-run building materials factory professionalize and grow
Business problem
A family-run building materials factory needed assistance with updating its financial control systems, improving profitability, expanding its export capacities, and marketing its products internationally.
Solutions
Working directly with the owners and key staff members, the first multi-year project with the factory involved reorganizing the company’s finances, implementing new financial software, improving cash flow, and analyzing product pricing and profitability. After the financial success of this first assignment, they asked for help developing and implementing a strategic plan to expand their exports to multiple countries.
Length of assignment: 7 years
Results
The company shifted its financial control from a paper-based system to hybrid digital procedures, increasing efficiency and enabling much better reporting, which led to better decision-making. Cash flow improved by optimizing invoicing/collections, including automated reminders. Better financial control allowed for more accurate costing on manufactured products, which helped refine pricing and boost profitability. The company also secured new business for exports to multiple countries.View more details...
