Contrary to popular belief, Q4 is not too late to make a positive impact on your financial team and strategy.
The end of the year has a way of revealing what’s working and what isn’t. Budgets tighten, forecasts get stress-tested, audit prep kicks into gear, and investor expectations rise. For many investment managers, it’s the moment when outdated processes and thin internal finance teams start to show their cracks.
That’s exactly why year-end is a great time to strengthen your finance function. At Blue Ribbon CFOs, we see the same pattern across firms of all sizes. A confident and successful start to the new year comes from decisions made in Q3 and Q4, not from scrambling in February.
Still think Q4 is not the right time? Consider this:
You’re looking at the big picture:
Right now, your year is nearly complete. You have eleven months of performance data giving you a window into what worked, what slipped, and what surprised you. That makes this the perfect moment to evaluate how your finance function supports (or limits) your growth and goals.
An outsourced CFO can bring structure and direction to that review, helping you interpret the numbers and determine what to prioritize in the new year.
Budgeting and forecasting are active:
This is the window when budgets, hiring plans, and growth targets are still flexible. An experienced CFO partner can quickly help you build forecasts, clarify cash flow needs, and make sure your spending is aligned with strategy.
With CFO level expertise to guide your team, you’ll be running a plan you can trust in 2026, not constantly adjusting on the fly.
Preparation is key for audit season:
If your team is already stretched thin, audit prep only amplifies the pressure. Outsourced CFO services can help your team, clean up accounts, resolve lingering issues before auditors flag them, streamline communications with audit teams.
Accessing outsourced financial services now, means less stress for your team, and hopefully fewer surprises when it really matters. If those surprises still happen, you will have someone that understands your firm by your side to help resolve any issues.
The Clock is ticking, but it’s not too late
We’ve seen it time and time again, firms walk into January in reaction mode and wonder why their performance is rocky. The firms that outperform are the ones that begin with a solid financial and operational structure in place, ready to tackle whatever the new year holds.
Start 2026 with confidence. If you’re thinking about improving your finance function, the clock is ticking, but it’s not too late. We’d be happy to talk through what’s working, what isn’t, and how Blue Ribbon CFOs can help you tackle the opportunities and challenges that await in 2026.
Contact us to start a conversation about closing the year strong.