Ben Lehrer, Author at First Water Finance

Apr 23, 2024 |

Harnessing tools and technologies like machine learning and AI are predicated on one crucial factor: clean, accessible data. It’s the lifeblood that fuels the potential... Read More

Harnessing tools and technologies like machine learning and AI are predicated on one crucial... Read More

Managed FP&A

Reporting & Business Intelligence

Forecasting & Planning

Cash & Working Capital Visibility

Data? What Data? Navigating a New Regime in a Fog 

Apr 16, 2024 |

Ben Lehrer

Stepping into a new CFO role evokes a mix of excitement and trepidation. On the latter, much of the concern comes from what you weren’t... Read More

Stepping into a new CFO role evokes a mix of excitement and trepidation. On... Read More

Managed FP&A

Reporting & Business Intelligence

Forecasting & Planning

Cash & Working Capital Visibility

Wage Inflation – The Gift That Keeps on Taking

Apr 9, 2024 |

Ben Lehrer

Overall, inflation levels have subsided from peaks though still stay above long term “targets.” Regardless of their industry sector, or size, most companies find themselves... Read More

Overall, inflation levels have subsided from peaks though still stay above long term “targets.”... Read More

Managed FP&A

Reporting & Business Intelligence

Forecasting & Planning

FP&A Implementation Readiness: Private Equity Do’s (and Do Nots!)

Feb 13, 2024 |

Ben Lehrer

The stand-up or expansion of the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) function is a common initiative following private equity transactions, or any investment of institutional... Read More

The stand-up or expansion of the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) function is a... Read More

Capital & Transactions

Financing Alternatives

Managed FP&A

Reporting & Business Intelligence

The Lonely CFO

Nov 24, 2023 |

Ben Lehrer

Financial leaders in small and midsized businesses (SMBs) have it tough. SMBs have it even tougher in that they don’t often have financial leaders. This... Read More

Financial leaders in small and midsized businesses (SMBs) have it tough. SMBs have it... Read More

Capital & Transactions

Acquisitions & Business Sale

Financing Alternatives

Growth Capital

3 Transaction Comments You Never Want To Hear (or Say)

Jul 13, 2023 |

Ben Lehrer

Selling your business is but one of the significant transactions or deals a company, its owners, and its management will navigate over the course of... Read More

Selling your business is but one of the significant transactions or deals a company,... Read More

Managed FP&A

Where’s The Finance Talent At?

Apr 5, 2023 |

Ben Lehrer

I spend a lot of time talking to finance professionals. The team, candidates, members of finance teams at clients, other colleagues, friends, etc. I’ve always... Read More

I spend a lot of time talking to finance professionals. The team, candidates, members... Read More

Managed FP&A

Reporting & Business Intelligence

Forecasting & Planning

The Data False Flag Can Be Worse Than No Flag

Jul 27, 2022 |

Ben Lehrer

Data and analytics are valuable to business management. That isn’t news. However, there are many situations where improper labeling, incomplete datasets, or insufficient granularity can... Read More

Data and analytics are valuable to business management. That isn’t news. However, there are... Read More

Managed FP&A

Forecasting & Planning

Cash & Working Capital Visibility

Newly Profitable? Congrats! You’re Screwed.

Oct 29, 2021 |

Ben Lehrer

Corks fly. Moderately-priced champagne drips from the ceiling. You started from the bottom and now you’re here – PROFITABLE. You and your team sacrificed, bet... Read More

Corks fly. Moderately-priced champagne drips from the ceiling. You started from the bottom and... Read More