Finding the Right Fit for Your Outsourced Finance Team
The best financial advisors won’t just manage your numbers; they’ll help guide your company’s growth in a way that fits your vision, culture, and long-term goals
By Miguel A. Delgado CFP®, Josh Broward, and Luis Pieruzzini
In this series, we are collaborating with Miguel A. Delgado, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, to explore what it takes to select financial advisors who truly fit your business. Beyond reputation, you need a team that understands your industry, shares your values, and can scale with you as your startup evolves. Here’s how to find a great match.
Reputation Matters, But It’s Not Everything
Finding the right financial team isn’t just about credentials or impressive résumés; it’s about alignment. A great reputation is a strong starting point, but it doesn’t automatically mean someone is the right fit for your startup. Many founders have learned the hard way that hiring purely based on accolades can lead to friction if the advisor’s approach doesn’t align with their business culture or priorities.
Instead of focusing solely on credentials, seek advisors who:
Listen to your concerns rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all strategy.
Respect your goals and offer solutions tailored to your company’s unique needs.
Integrate seamlessly into your business, operating as a true extension of your team.
Trust and personal chemistry are also key. The right advisor is not just a hired consultant; they should be someone you feel comfortable turning to for guidance in high-stakes situations. A strong working relationship can be the difference between getting generic financial advice and receiving strategic insights that truly propel your company forward.
How to Vet Advisors for Fit
Even if an advisor comes highly recommended, take the time to interview them and ensure alignment. Here are some questions to ask:
Do they share similar values as you?
Have they worked with startups at a similar stage or in your industry?
Can they adapt to your company’s evolving needs?
When setting expectations, be direct but professional:
"I know you've come highly recommended, and I appreciate your reputation. However, we take relationships seriously, and I’d like to take some time to evaluate. I'd appreciate your patience and understanding."
Selecting the right financial team means choosing individuals who aren’t just technically skilled but also align with your culture, priorities, and long-term ambitions.
Find Advisors Who Fit Your Stage—And What’s Ahead
Your financial needs today will look very different in two years. The best advisors are the ones who can support you now and scale with you as your startup grows.
For example:
Early-stage startups need advisors who specialize in budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and early fundraising strategies. These professionals understand how to work with limited resources while preparing your business for growth.
Scaling companies require experts in managing complex financial structures, optimizing tax strategies, and navigating investor due diligence. If your goal is to raise a Series A or expand internationally, your advisors should have experience in those areas.
To assess an advisor’s ability to grow with you, ask them questions like:
“Have you helped companies transition from Series A to Series B funding?”
“Can you guide us through international expansion while managing compliance requirements?”
These questions aren’t about testing their knowledge; they’re about ensuring they can grow alongside your business. Choosing an advisor who can’t scale with you could leave you vulnerable during critical transitions.
Balancing Experience, Cost, and Fit
Startups often begin with referrals from friends or family, an accountant, a bookkeeper, or a general business advisor. While these choices may work in the short term, it’s crucial to recognize when you need to upgrade to specialists in tax planning, compliance, or funding strategy.
Right-Size for Right Now – Ensure your advisors can handle your current stage, but also know when to transition to a more specialized team.
Think Long-Term – Choose professionals who can meet your evolving needs.
Avoid Overkill – A prestigious firm might sound impressive, but it could be too expensive and overcomplicated for a startup. Look for professionals who can scale at a pace that matches your growth.
At the end of the day, finding the right financial team goes beyond hiring the most decorated professionals. You need advisors who understand your business, align with your values, and can grow alongside you. The best financial partnerships are built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to your company’s success.
In the next part of this series, we’ll dive into mastering the professional services interview. Stay tuned!
The information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and the information should not be construed as a provision of personalized investment advice or an offer to sale a particular product or service.