Why Alden Ash
Value
In an era of increasing fiscal scrutiny, strategic funding imperatives and overall operational complexity, the roles of the CFO and Controller have never been more critical to a company’s success. Companies not ready to hire a full-time financial executive can still invest in the financial health of their business by hiring Alden Ash Consulting, LLC., an outsourced CFO solution providing customized services to fit your needs.
Flexibility
Kristen West, Principal of Alden Ash, brings decades of finance and accounting experience, and can be deployed on a retainer, interim, transitional, or project basis. Kristen can provide counsel or "roll up her sleeves" and get hands-on with your company's finances.
Communication
The key to the success of any consulting relationship is communication, and Kristen has excellent communication capabilities from years of experience reporting directly to the CEO, COO, and Board of Directors of a rapidly growing Silicon Valley-based financial services firm.
Outsourced CFO Services
General Ledger Creation or Improvement
- Creating books out of excel spreadsheets and bank statements or creating them from scratch
- Fixing existing books that may have been neglected for a period of time
A general ledger is the foundation of the financial infrastructure of the company. An updated and accurate general ledger drives the financial reporting of the company and is the basis for forecasting and budgeting. Kristen has a proven track record of setting up, cleaning up and maintaining her clients’ general ledgers, using technology to streamline processes.
Complete Accounting Services
Kristen is able to roll up her sleeves and do everything from running payroll, invoicing, and communicating with clients and vendors to monthly accounting and close functions, cash flow projections, forecasting and multi-year budgeting. She will tailor her services to your specific needs to add the most value to your business.
Kristen works with companies at each of these stages:
- New and rapidly growing companies needing accounting and financial assistance for the first time
- Established companies needing a permanent, part-time Controller/CFO or special project assistance
- Forensic Accounting – a historical review of all cash transactions and asset purchases/dispositions to ensure proper accounting and classification
Process Optimization Using Technology
Often companies continue using processes that have been in place for months or years without looking for ways to streamline those processes. Kristen can assess old, manual processes and look for ways to utilize technology to save time and ultimately money by creating more efficient technology-based processes.
Managing Audits
Companies need to be audited for various reason: to secure bank loans, to stay in compliance with existing bank loans, to satisfy client requests or vendor relationship requirements, to name a few reasons. After many years of managing audits and having been an auditor herself, Kristen can manage the audit process and work directly with your auditors to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
A Few Words from Kristen's Clients
"After years of using another accounting service, I was in need of someone to come in and do a deep dive of the books. Kristen rolled up her sleeves and dug into many years of detail to verify that the accounting was accurate and appropriate for my company.
Kristen manages the accounting functions, allowing me to focus on growing my business."
"When I launched the agency, Kristen was instrumental in not only providing financial oversight but in helping me as a new business owner become more fiscally informed. I knew my trade, but not how to measure its profitability. Whether you’re starting out, or a seasoned entrepreneur, you need her on your team!"
"Kristen has been a critical financial partner to Sentenai over the past few years. In addition to keeping the financials in order, she has worked closely with me on forecasting and cash flow management. Kristen has been a resource on various HR matters and availed herself promptly whenever I had a request or question. I highly recommend her for your small business or startup."
Experience
Over 25 years of corporate finance and auditing background.
Kristen is a CPA with extensive experience in finance and accounting roles at SaaS, financial technology and services companies of varying sizes. She is a data-driven executive that is adept at drilling down to the details on finance and business issues. Other skills include:
- Financial lead on multiple due diligence projects and financial integration of acquisition targets
- Adept at budgeting, forecasting, planning and modeling
- Skilled at reporting and dashboard development for leadership teams and owners/directors
- Skilled at managing financial audits and 409a valuations
Nominated - Boston's Most Recommended Part-Time CFOs 2019-2020 - Companyon Ventures