Rigorous where it counts, efficient everywhere else. Our process is designed to get to the truth beneath the numbers without slowing your deal down.
Every engagement follows the same disciplined arc — sized to your transaction, with senior people involved from the first call to the final debrief.
A short call to understand the target, the deal, and your goals. You receive a clear scope and timeline in writing before any work begins.
We send a focused, prioritized request list and begin analyzing financials, the general ledger, and bank activity — reconciling what’s reported to what’s real.
EBITDA normalization, working capital, proof of cash, revenue quality, and debt-like items — supported by a structured management Q&A to resolve open questions.
A clear, defensible report delivered with a live walkthrough — so you understand every finding and can negotiate, lend, or sell with confidence.
Our reports are written for decision-makers, not just accountants. Every finding is clear, sourced, and tied to its impact on your deal — with an executive summary you can hand to an investment committee, a lender, or a co-investor.
The key findings, risks, and adjusted EBITDA bridge up front — the part decision-makers actually read.
Every adjustment is explained in plain language and linked to how it affects price, structure, or risk.
We talk you through the report so nothing gets lost in translation — and answer questions in real time.
We’re not your broker, your lender, or your counsel. Our only job is to tell you what the numbers really say — which is exactly why our findings carry weight at the table.
Most engagements are delivered within two to four weeks of receiving access to the data. Smaller or simpler deals can move faster; multi-entity or multi-location businesses may take a little longer. We commit to a timeline up front and keep you posted throughout.
An audit looks backward and asks whether historical statements were fairly presented under accounting standards. A QofE looks forward and asks whether earnings are sustainable once you own the business. We analyze at the account and transaction level rather than by sampling, and we deliver actionable findings rather than a formal opinion.
Typically financial statements, the general ledger or accounting file, bank statements, tax returns, and key contracts or customer detail. We send a focused, prioritized request list and work efficiently with whatever quality of records the business keeps — including owner-operated companies on cash-basis books.
Yes. We focus on the lower middle market and regularly support transactions starting around $1M. For earlier-stage or smaller deals, a right-sized buyer’s report or quick review can flag the deal-breakers without the time and depth of a full QofE.
Absolutely. Our sell-side QofE helps owners surface and resolve issues before going to market, build a defensible earnings story, and understand what their company is worth — so you negotiate from strength.
No commitment — just a conversation about your deal and how we can help.