STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR AMBITIOUS LEADERS

Stop Guessing. Start Leading.

Honest answers to the questions ambitious business leaders ask when they’re ready to move beyond traditional accounting.

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Our Flagship Article

Accountant suffering from 'Santa Claus Syndrome' surrounded by old reports, delivering a surprise tax bill to a frustrated business owner

Is Your Accountant Suffering from ‘Santa Claus Syndrome’?

Alan Davidson
November 2025
Is your accountant a reactive historian? The 5 clear signs of ‘Santa Claus Syndrome’, from surprise tax bills to backward-looking reports.

PROBLEMS

Addressing the Direct Pains

These articles tackle the uncomfortable truths about traditional accounting, the issues ambitious leaders face, but rarely see addressed openly.

Implementing a Strategic Finance Function. A blueprint or roadmap illustrating a zero-disruption, seamless transition from a reactive accountant to a proactive strategic finance partner.

Implementing a Strategic Finance Function With Zero Disruption

Lewis Back
November 2025
Worried about implementing a strategic finance function with zero-disruption? Seamlessly switch accountants and move from reactive compliance to proactive strategic intelligence.
valuing a business with no profit. Visual representation of an unprofitable, high-growth business valuation, shifting focus from historical EBITDA to future-looking DCF and recurring revenue assets.

Valuing a Business with No Profit: The Problems to Avoid and Opportunities

Alan Davidson
November 2025
If your high-growth business is unprofitable, EBITDA fails. Learn that valuing a business with no profit rests on the 3 strategic assets (DCF, ARR, Growth) buyers focus on to define your true worth and maximise your exit value.
The Biggest Problem with EBITDA Multiples. Visual metaphor showing a large EBITDA valuation figure being eroded by financial deductions, resulting in a significantly lower final Equity Value.

The Biggest Problem with EBITDA Multiples (And Why You’re Being Undervalued)

Brent Morrison
November 2025
EBITDA valuation is often a trap. Learn the biggest problem with EBITDA multiples: Adjusted EBITDA, discounted multiples, and the Equity Trap, that lead to a 20-30% reduction in your final payout.
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COMPARISONS

Making the Right Choice

Honest, side-by-side comparisons to help you understand your options and make confident decisions.

Budget vs. Forecast. A visual comparison of a static, old-fashioned financial Budget (fixed target) versus a dynamic, real-time Rolling Forecast (navigational chart).

Budget vs. Forecast: Why You Need a Navigational Chart, Not Just a Target

Brent Morrison
November 2025
The essential comparison between a static Budget (the Target) and a dynamic Rolling Forecast (the Map). Budget vs. Forecast eliminates uncertainty in your decision-making
Diagram showing the calculation difference between Enterprise Value and final Equity Value for a business sale, with emphasis on cash, debt, and working capital.

Enterprise Value vs. Equity Value: Get the Price You Actually Deserve

Brent Morrison
November 2025
The crucial difference between Enterprise Value vs. Equity Value determines your cash payout. Learn the 3 strategic adjustments (Debt, Cash, Working Capital) needed for maximum Equity Value at exit.
Comparison between the limitations of accounting software and the strategic advantage of a human finance partner

Accounting Software vs. Strategic Partner: Which Will Give You Real Control?

Brent Morrison
November 2025
Accounting software gives you data. A strategic partner gives you answers. Learn the core differences in cash forecasting, decision support, and growth strategy.
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COST & VALUE

Understanding Investment & ROI

Transparent pricing information and value explanations you won’t find elsewhere.

What does a Part-Time CFO Actually Cost? Visual comparison of the high cost of a full-time CFO salary versus the net-neutral investment and strategic return of a Virtual CFO (vCFO).

What Does a Part-Time CFO Actually Cost? A Transparent vCFO Breakdown

Brent Morrison
November 2025
Stop fearing the six-figure salary. What Does a Part-Time CFO Actually Cost? See the transparent breakdown of the vCFO investment and the ROI that delivers a strategic, net-neutral cost to your growing business.
The Real Cost of a Business Valuation. Visual representation of the cost of using a free business valuation calculator versus the investment in a professional, strategic valuation.

The Real Cost of a Business Valuation: Are Free Calculators Costing You?

Alan Davidson
November 2025
The investment in a proper valuation is tiny compared to the value you lose by trusting free, backward-looking tools. The real cost of a business valuation: are free calculators.
How much is my business worth? Visual representation of three business valuation methods (EBITDA, DCF, Market Comps) converging to determine the final, high Enterprise Value of an SME.

How Much is My Business Worth? A No-Nonsense Guide to SME Valuation

Alan Davidson
November 2025
Stop guessing your value. There are 3 methodologies (EBITDA, DCF, Market Comps) used in SME valuation. How much is my business worth? This guide will show you the 2 critical levers to maximise your SME valuation.
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BEST-IN-CLASS

What Excellence Actually Looks Like

Understand the standards that separate truly strategic financial guidance from traditional accounting services.

Executive shaking hands with a new strategic partner, symbolizing the switch from a traditional to a forward-looking accountant firm.

A Leader’s Guide to Firing Your Accountant: When and How to Switch

Alan Davidson
November 2025
Identify the six clear signals you’ve outgrown your accountant. Learn the best-in-class criteria for upgrading to a strategic, forward-looking partner to accelerate your growth.
Monthly Clarity Report dashboard showing a 90-day cash flow forecast and 3 recommended strategic actions

The Monthly Clarity Report: Your Best-in-Class Financial Foresight

Brent Morrison
November 2025
Stop guessing with backward-looking reports. Discover why the OutRise Monthly Clarity Report is the best-in-class financial foresight tool, offering predictive control, decisive actions, and early cash flow warnings.
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