Top CFOs Gauge the Fallout

CPAs report from the frontlines of six key industries.

by Rick Telberg
On Finance

CPA financial executives around the nation and in every industry are grappling daily – even hourly – with the fallout from the meltdown in the global financial markets.

What are they seeing? Hearing? Saying? What do they think will happen next? What should the government do? What can CPAs do?

These are some of the question we took to leading CPAs in business and industry in the last few days. And, predictably, the CPAs were not spare in their answers.

They are reporting some new difficulties in obtaining credit, a freeze-up in decision-making and spending, employees worried about their 401(k)’s, questions about the government response, and concerns about the new regulatory schemes to follow. At the moment, CPAs seem sure about few things. And they still have more questions than answers. But one thing on which they are certain and they agree: CPAs will play a leading role in the solution.

Here’s a sampling of their comments, edited for space and clarity:

HIGH TECH — Bob Laux, senior director of financial accounting and reporting, Microsoft Corp. in Redmond, Wash.

We’re going to see new regulations and a whole new regulatory environment. It would do no good to just resist the changes that are about to come, but it is an opportunity to shape what will happen so that we don’t get costly regulations that don’t really provide the transparency that is really needed. It’s an opportunity for us to see some real robust risk disclosures. Too much of the disclosures we’ve had leading up to this moment haven’t really been good disclosures. The disclosures have been boilerplate, all perfectly correct, of course, but not clear at all, sometimes minimal. We as CPAs in business and industry must strive for transparency in financial reporting and not answer questions with legalese. We need to be as clear with the public as we are in a management meeting or with our board of directors. It doesn’t have to be radical and I’m not saying the new rules should put any company at a competitive disadvantage because of a disclosure. But as CPAs we need be more than just technically competent. As CPAs we have taken on the obligation to look out for the public good. And CPAs in business and industry can be the prime drivers in this.

FINANCIAL STAFFING – Doug Nesbit, senior project consultant, SALO LLC, Minneapolis:

I am seeing a general paralysis in decision making on such things as hiring and investment. This will mean less work-life balance and more pressure on current staffing models. I am very concerned about the meltdown and the ability for government to take swift action. I do not feel we should be concerned about a depression but more about a sustained recession that poses longer term pressure on our financial resources. Be proactive in banking discussions and work to cement business relationships.

LOGISTICS — Thomas Foard, EVP/CFO, Publishers Circulation Fulfillment Inc., Towson, MD:

We have not experienced liquidity issues with respect to our credit lines and cash management–it seems that the “credit crunch” is limited to certain financial sectors, with the middle-market commercial lending sector appearing to remain liquid at this time.  Customer and supplier transactions appear to be behaving in a business-as-usual manner–no sense of panic, but we are monitoring closely to be proactive if things deteriorate.  Employees are naturally concerned about their 401(k) accounts, but, for the most part, are not overreacting in the short-term and they are keeping the long-term perspective in mind.  Most people seem to be discussing the role of government, with the debate focusing on the ‘too big to fail’ notion, and the question of where does that stop, as more companies are lining up to be included. When I purchased my coffee at the local donut shop, the owner commented to me, “Would the government bail me out if my business went down the tubes?’ It was interesting that our recent quarterly review with our bank focused on the health of the bank as opposed to the health of our business–talk about turning the tables!

BROADCASTING AND MEDIA — Ralph Bender, CFO, Manship Media, Baton Rouge, La.

Like everyone in this country, the events of the last couple weeks have been unsettling. Working for a somewhat leveraged family-owned business, we have some concerns about how this will impact lending arrangements, and as a trustee and administrator for our retirement plans, I am now in the role of social worker for many employees who are very worried about their nest egg. Of most concern is: Can we calm the country so that business is driven by business needs and so we do not see the market create long-term emotional reactions harm business?

FOODSERVICE DISTRIBUTION — James P. Jones, COO/CFO, Edward Don & Co., Chicago:

First of all I believe we have to take the time to really understand the implications of the “market meltdown” on our individual companies. We as the financial leaders need to remain calm in our approach as we analyze issues we have not seen before. We cannot panic nor can we ignore if action needs to be taken. In times of uncertainty as a distributor we focus on cash and the balance sheet efficiency. Stay close to your lenders and update your forecasts as often as necessary. If you see issues, loan defaults, other compliance matters, make all your constituencies aware as soon as possible and offer an expected duration until resolved. Its difficult in these times but if possible there is enormous comfort in a leader giving some clarity.

COMMUNITY BANKING — Eustis Corrigan, CFO, MidSouth Bank,  Lafayette, La.

It affects us on an hourly basis. In community banking we’re looking at the possibility of a change in our business model. We’re seeing the capital markets the way they are, with the cost of, and new and very large regional and money-center banks. Yes, maybe half of the local-owned, community banks in the country just go away, or get consolidated.  More than ever before, small and midsize business owners will need CPAs who can act as business advisors. People are going to need a lot of help in sorting this out. It’s like the Boy Scout motto, ‘Be prepared.’ But today you need to be better prepared than ever before.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN: How is the financial crisis affecting you, your company, and your customers and clients? What are you doing about it? What should the government do? What can CPAs do? We want to quote you, here.

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Posted at October 2, 2008
Filed Under BSG [CPA TRENDLINES] | 1 Comment

Comments

One Response to “Top CFOs Gauge the Fallout”

  1. Russell Abernathy, CPA on November 6th, 2008 5:10 pm

    I think the main thing is not to panic. We have not seen our ability to borrow money decline and we find our bank is still willing to lend if the deal makes sense. That may change tomorrow but right now it is business as usual with our bank. There is so much instability in the financial markets that everyone is on hold right now and until that changes I think we are in for a long and protracted economic malaise.

    Russell Abernathy, CPA
    Director of Finance
    Diventi Enterprises
    Sarasota, FL

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