The success of a business is often determined not just by what you sell, but by the terms of the agreements that govern your operations and partnerships. For mid-sized, privately held, and family-owned businesses, a single contract or partnership can have a disproportionate impact on profitability and future growth.
As a strategic and operational CFO, my experience has taught me that meticulous attention to contracts and negotiations is a non-negotiable part of driving enterprise value. During my career, I’ve done a bunch of contract negotiations, including reviewing and negotiating them as both a CFO and a CEO. I’ve found that this is a critical skill that differentiates a standard accountant from a strategic financial leader.
The Value of a Skilled Negotiator
Bringing a fractional CFO into your business provides immediate expertise in high-stakes negotiations, from major vendor agreements to complex M&A transactions. Here is how that expertise can directly benefit your business:
- Financial and Legal Alignment: I will work with your legal team to review contracts and ensure that the financial terms align with your business goals. I will look for opportunities to reduce costs, optimize payment terms, and mitigate financial risk.
- M&A Leadership: A fractional CFO who is experienced in M&A can lead the complex financial negotiations that are part of a transaction. Having been the only one on a management team with M&A experience in one of my past roles, I led that entire team through the sale of a company. This expertise ensures that you are prepared for every aspect of the deal, from due diligence to final negotiation, and that you are positioned to maximize the value of your business.
- Strategic Partnerships: A successful business is built on strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. I will work with your team to negotiate contracts that not only protect your interests but also create a clear path for future collaboration and growth. This includes renegotiating existing shipping contracts or other vendor agreements that could be draining your profitability.
In many cases, the value a fractional CFO can provide in a single negotiation can far outweigh the cost of their engagement. It’s an investment in a skillset that is essential for a business looking to scale, grow, and secure its long-term viability. My background as an “operational CFO” allows me to connect the terms of a contract directly to your day-to-day operations and your bottom line, ensuring that every agreement is a source of strength.
Don’t let a lack of negotiation expertise be a financial blind spot in your business. By partnering with a seasoned leader, you can turn every negotiation into a strategic opportunity. Your financial house, in order. Your success, realized.
Let’s talk about how to strengthen your contracts and partnerships.
