About the Client
BenchPrep is a unique, cloud-based learning platform. The education tech company helps clients deliver training and education content to employees and end users. Founded in 2009, the company tripled in size over the past two years and has been named one of the best places to work in Chicago.
The Challenge
Toward the end of 2018, George Nissan, Director of Finance at BenchPrep, found himself stretched thin. BenchPrep was in the middle of a funding round, but they also needed to prepare for their first audit. This required someone to build out the company’s finance function, but George needed to focus on strategy for the funding round. The company had outgrown their current finance support and needed someone familiar with hypergrowth companies who could understand their business quickly, take initiative, and function independently to build out forecasts, budgets, and other reports.
The Solution
A Perfect-Fit Expert for a Unique Company
When George approached Paro, he explained he needed a hands-on, experienced controller with a passion for improving processes at small businesses. The Paro team understands how important finding the right fit is for each company, and quickly identified Dave W.
Dave has been in accounting and finance for over 20 years, working for public accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies, and high-growth businesses. His diverse background led him to his passion for helping companies find their footing and grow to success. “BenchPrep is my sweet spot,” Dave said. “They’re an exciting, dynamic startup in an emerging space. Plus, they’re a top 100 company to work for in Chicago. It was great working with a company so well-regarded.”
While most of Paro’s network works remote, Dave is in the Chicagoland area, and was able to meet with George in person. They started work immediately, and within the first month, BenchPrep saw results. “Dave knew clearly where we were as a company and the scope of the work that needed to be done,” George said.
Rewarding Success
Funding rounds are busy times and often demand so much attention that day to day operations take a backseat. At BenchPrep, everyone knew there would be a lot of catchup with the books post-fundraise, but by working with Dave, the company was able to shorten that catchup period considerably.
Now, BenchPrep has an in-house Senior Accountant—one Dave helped onboard and train. The team works hard to provide BenchPrep’s leadership with the information they need to run their business, but they celebrate their on-time closes every month. “You work hard every day,” said George, “and when you finish successfully, you reward yourself.”
The Impact
Controller Dave W. stepped in to assist. Over the next few months, Dave assisted with moving BenchPrep from a quarterly to a monthly close. He knew that the fast-growing company needed to see financial results on a tighter timeline. This positioned BenchPrep to make better, more effective strategic decisions—exactly what George and the leadership team needed.
