In this episode Alex Roman from Humans in Accounting talks with Chad Folse, owner of ABT Financial Consultants.

Chad shares his family’s legacy in accounting, his own path from physics to entrepreneurship, and how he grew ABT into a firm that supports virtual companies, SaaS businesses, and expats around the world. From moving between Arizona and Spain to launching his own podcast, Chad’s journey is a true mix of sprinting at the start and learning to run the marathon of business.

We cover:

The story of ABT Financial Consultants, founded by his grandfather and father.

Chad’s transition from physics and engineering to accounting.

Lessons learned running a remote firm between Spain and the U.S.

Why outsourced accounting services are critical for SaaS companies and expats.

Favorite food 🍅 (Caprese Salad) and the story behind it.

His podcast Burn Rate and Beyond and what inspired him to start it.

Best advice: If you think you need an accountant, you probably do.

If you’re an entrepreneur, accountant, or expat, this episode is full of insights on remote firms, cash management, and long-term growth.

In this episode, learn how to build an investor-ready business from a financial perspective.

We discuss presenting clear financial history, current metrics, and future projections, as well as the importance of starting early and having well-organized financials.

We also explore the trade-offs between equity and debt financing and the strategic reasons for seeking investment.

For more:

Visit https://abtaz.com

Book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery

Join our FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/burnrateandbeyond

Learn the essentials of scenario planning in this episode, where we discuss how creating "what-if" versions of the future helps businesses prepare for various outcomes.

Discover why collaboration between finance and operations teams is crucial, how to focus on key metrics and cash flow, and why regular review of scenarios is vital for proactive decision-making.

We'll also explore how scenario planning builds resilience and adaptability, preparing your business for both positive and negative uncertainties.

For more:

Visit https://abtaz.com

Book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery

Join our FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/burnrateandbeyond

In this episode we delve into the crucial distinctions between forecasting and budgeting, highlighting how dynamic forecasting leverages historical data and trends for future projections, unlike static annual budgets.

Discover what makes a forecasting model 'robust,' including the integration of multiple scenarios like base, best and worst-case projections to navigate volatility and unforeseen events.

Explore key forecasting types such as scenario planning and rolling forecasts as well as various software tools from traditional Excel to cloud-based accounting solutions and specialized platforms like Fathom and Data Rails.

Learn about the emerging role of AI in forecasting and, most importantly, the critical need for quality input data. We also cover common mistakes to avoid and best practices for building flexibility into your systems.

To evaluate your current forecasting practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop more resilient financial planning strategies visit https://abtaz.com/ or book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery

Unlock the secrets to a successful merger or acquisition!

In this episode, we dive deep into M&A readiness, focusing on crucial financial preparation and key considerations for founders.

Learn why clean, GAAP-compliant financial statements are non-negotiable, how operational efficiency impacts due diligence and the various deal structures founders should consider.

We also cover the importance of early preparation, from populating essential documents to engaging expert advisors. Whether you're eyeing an exit or simply aiming to boost your company's value, this episode provides actionable insights to navigate the complex world of M&A.

For more on flowcharts, visit Kristy Monahan @dynamicbk https://x.com/dynamicbk

Want to apply these strategies to your business?

Visit https://abtaz.com/ or book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery to get personalized support.

This episode discusses mergers and acquisitions (M&A) readiness, focusing on crucial financial preparation and key considerations for founders. Learn why clean, accurate financial statements are vital, how operational efficiency impacts due diligence, and the various deal structures founders should consider. We also cover the importance of early preparation to ensure a smooth M&A process.

Key Takeaways:

Clean, accurate financial statements (ideally GAAP-compliant) for 2-3 years are crucial for M&A success.

Operational efficiency and financial health go hand-in-hand; both are scrutinized during due diligence. Deal structures vary widely; founders should consider tax implications and personal goals when negotiating.

Early preparation (PREP: Populate, Review, Engage advisors, Plan integration) is key for smooth M&A processes.

Acronym for an internal M&A checklist:

P – Populate the Virtual Data Room (VDR) with documents requested by the investors.

R – Review all key contracts & financials.

E – Engage your advisors (legal, tax, finance, IT, HR…).

P – Plan your integration, also known as Post Merger Integration (PMI) roadmap.

Want to apply these strategies to your business?

Visit https://abtaz.com/ or book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery to get personalized support.

Dive into the essential world of revenue recognition in this episode, focusing on ASC 606. Learn how aligning revenue with when it's earned, rather than just when cash is received, provides crucial clarity for business decisions, especially for recurring revenue models. Discover the five-step process of ASC 606 and its practical implementation for businesses of all sizes.

Want to apply these strategies to your business?

Visit https://abtaz.com/ or book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery to get personalized support.

This episode discusses strategies for navigating current global events and macroeconomic factors. Learn about key macroeconomic factors like oil prices, inflation, interest rates and labor market shifts and how they impact your business. Discover proactive preparation techniques, including analyzing supply chain vulnerabilities, monitoring interest rates and strategically adjusting pricing. Understand the importance of regularly reviewing your financials and developing cash flow forecasts for various scenarios. Tune in to equip your business with the tools needed to face economic challenges.Referenced Episode: "How Risk Management Protects Your Cash Flow" (Risk Matrix) https://youtu.be/bkxGCoaRUr8Referenced Article: Stacey Vanek Smith on NPR, "Oil's Magic Price" https://www.wuwm.com/economy-business/2018-03-02/oils-magic-price?_amp=true&utm_source=chatgpt.com

In this episode we dive into strategic approaches for businesses to optimize costs while maintaining quality and aligning with company goals. We explore different philosophies of cost optimization, from Elon Musk's "slash first, fix later" to Warren Buffett's "don't incur costs in the first place," emphasizing the importance of aligning cost-cutting with company values.Learn how to identify cost-saving opportunities through expense analysis, vendor negotiations, and careful evaluation of impacts on team culture and customer satisfaction. We specifically address major cost drivers in software companies, such as people and hosting, offering insights into team optimization using the "Traction" framework and strategies for reducing employee churn and optimizing hosting expenses.Discover the balance between addressing significant costs using the Pareto Principle and monitoring smaller, recurring expenses. We discuss implementing regular expense reviews, like quarterly check-ins for different cost centers, and the potential of zero-based budgeting. Tune in for actionable next steps to establish a robust cost optimization strategy for your business.Want to apply these strategies to your business?Visit https://abtaz.com/ or book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery to get personalized support.

28 minutes

In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of debt management and how business owners can make smarter financing decisions to support long-term growth and stability.

We explore the real cost of equity vs. debt, why debt is often the preferred option for maintaining control, and how to strategically use financing tools like loans, lines of credit, grants, and factoring.

Learn how to stay financially healthy with best practices for cash flow forecasting, key financial ratios, and maintaining a cushion for the unexpected.

What You’ll Learn:

-Why debt is often cheaper—and safer—than giving up equity

-Key financing options and how they fit different business stages

-The importance of cash flow forecasting and a strong current ratio

-Smart borrowing: how to structure and manage debt effectively

-When to be conservative—and when to leverage debt strategically

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance growth and financial risk, this episode breaks it down clearly and practically.

Want to apply these strategies to your business?

Visit https://abtaz.com/ or book a call https://meet.abtaz.com/discovery to get personalized support.