Case Study: Navigating Post-Acquisition Challenges with Malander Advisory

Client Overview:
A NASDAQ-listed SaaS and transport company, renowned for its innovative software and comprehensive transport management solutions, recently expanded its market presence through the acquisition of a regional competitor. While the acquisition opened doors for growth, it also introduced complexities in integrating financial operations, ensuring stability, and maintaining operational excellence.

The Challenge:
Following the acquisition, the company encountered several immediate financial and operational hurdles:

• • Stability and Talent Needs:
    There was a critical need for skilled finance professionals to stabilise month-end close processes, manage consolidated financial reporting, and effectively integrate the financial functions of the newly acquired business.
  • Integration and Financial Reporting:
    Rapid integration of the acquired entity’s financial systems was essential to avoid disruptions to ongoing operations and to ensure accurate consolidated reporting.
  • Strategic Focus:
    The leadership team was tasked with driving strategic initiatives, such as expanding market share and enhancing product offerings, but required additional support to manage the increased workload stemming from the acquisition. 

Malander’s Solution:
Malander Advisory provided a flexible, high-quality solution specifically designed to address the client’s needs during this critical phase. By deploying a team of senior-level finance professionals, led by a chartered accountant relationship manager, Malander enabled the client to avoid the complexities of internal hiring, onboarding, and payroll management. Key actions included:

1. Streamlining and Enhancing Month-End Processes:
   • Malander’s team conducted an in-depth analysis of the existing month-end close processes, identifying inefficiencies and implementing industry best practices.
   • These improvements led to a 50% reduction in the time required for month-end close, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of financial data, and providing the finance leadership team with timely, actionable insights.

1. Automating Monthly Financial Reporting:
   • The team developed automated financial reporting templates and dashboards, significantly reducing manual data entry and calculation errors.
   • This initiative resulted in a 40% reduction in manual reporting efforts, freeing up finance staff to focus on strategic analysis rather than routine tasks.
   • Enhanced visibility into key financial metrics improved overall transparency, bolstered stakeholder confidence, and supported more informed decision-making.

1. Ensuring Strategic Focus and Operational Continuity:
   • By managing critical financial functions, Malander allowed the leadership team to concentrate on broader strategic goals, such as market expansion, customer retention, and product innovation.
   • The client maintained operational continuity with minimal disruption, even amidst the complex integration of the acquired business.

1. Collaboration with the Existing Finance Team:
   • Malander worked closely with the incumbent finance team, not only to streamline financial processes but also to identify opportunities for professional growth and development.
   • The relationship manager and senior finance professionals assessed how the current team was utilised, pinpointing areas where they were underused or misaligned with their strengths.
   • Malander provided guidance and support, enhancing the team’s capabilities and ensuring that they were delivering effectively on the finance side while also fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This approach ensured that the finance team was well-positioned to meet both current and future challenges, contributing to overall organisational growth.

 
Outcome and Impact:

• Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains: Within the first four months, Malander’s involvement resulted in substantial cost savings by reducing time spent on manual processes and leveraging highly skilled financial professionals to optimise financial operations.
• Enhanced Financial Reporting: Automation of monthly reporting not only improved data accuracy and speed but also provided a clearer picture of financial performance, enabling better decision-making at the executive level.
• Support for Strategic Decisions: The provision of short-term, expert resources ensured that the company could maintain financial stability while its leadership remained focused on driving strategic initiatives and growth opportunities.
• Team Development and Enhanced Utilisation: Beyond financial improvements, Malander’s approach ensured that the existing finance team grew professionally, addressed areas for development, and operated more effectively within their roles. This dual focus on financial and human capital significantly strengthened the organisation’s overall capabilities.

 
Conclusion:

Malander Advisory’s agile, short-term finance resourcing model played a pivotal role in assisting this NASDAQ-listed SaaS and transport company through a challenging post-acquisition period. By offering skilled professionals who streamlined month-end processes, automated financial reporting, and worked closely with the existing finance team to foster growth and development, Malander enabled the client to focus on its core services and strategic direction, ensuring a smooth integration and positioning the company for long-term success.