CliftonLarsonAllen

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Skyline Communications, a low-voltage systems integrator. We design and install communication and security systems. As for security, we focus on electronic access control and video surveillance systems. As for communications, we do structured fiber and cat six cablings and implement wireless solutions, including emergency responder radio coverage and indoor cellphone coverage.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CliftonLarsonAllen?

We hired CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to provide us with CPA-reviewed financial statements to support bonding and borrowing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

CLA provides us with two sides of a pretty straightforward service. On the one hand, they have access to our accounting software, so they handle our financial statements. On the other hand, we sit down with the CPA assigned to our account and have Q&A sessions with them.

Over our engagement, CLA has helped us structure our general ledger so that it was more compliant with our industry, which was important. Additionally, they helped us put in place some financial safeguards, best practices, and controls for the security of our financial information. Finally, over three years ago, we transferred to a new accounting software system they recommended.

What is the team composition?

We have one main point of contact from CLA, but an analyst sometimes comes into the picture to get some specific information from us as needed.

How did you come to work with CliftonLarsonAllen?

We’ve been working together for a while now, so I don’t remember how we initially found them. However, we’ve continued working together because we’re very pleased with their service, and they’re a respected firm in the industry.

How much have you invested with them?

This year, we spent around $30,000, but in past years we spent close to $20,000 and about $10,000 years before that. On average, we’ve spent around $10,000–$15,000 per year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around 2012, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

The financial statements that CLA provides are thorough and accurate. In addition to that, the security controls they’ve put in place have allowed us, for example, to have two people looking at every purchase order to avoid someone stealing from us. Finally, the new accounting system has allowed us to take our business to the next level as we’re growing.

How did CliftonLarsonAllen perform from a project management standpoint?

Accounting is an annual process. Every year, we get together with CLA, and they provide us with a letter that lists all the documents they need from us. We then compile those documents and submit them. They also let us know if anything is missing, and we get occasional updates to know when we can expect their work done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Working with CLA, we have a direct line to a knowledgeable CPA who can guide us through specific financial issues, whether it is about taxes, reporting, or classification.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be great if they improved their expertise in our particular accounting software.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be sure to tell them everything they need.

BACKGROUND

Briefly describe what your company does and your role there. 

Charity that I run

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What were your company's goals when you started looking for a partner?

Find someone to take that part of the business ovee completely

SOLUTION

Describe the scope of your partner's work with your company. Please include a summary of any key tasks or deliverables.

We have outsourced that department

How many people does your company work with?

2-5

How did you find this provider?

Online search

Why did you choose to work with them?

• Positive reviews and ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What are the results or deliverables of this partnership that demonstrate progress or success?

All deliverables arrive before the deadline.

How does your team communicate with this service provider?

• In-Person Meetings
• Virtual Meetings
• Phone calls
• Email or Messaging App
• Project Management platform

Are there any areas for improvement or something this service provider could have done differently?

Not at this time