The 2018 Best Small Firms to Work For: CFGI

Consulting Service Lines:  Financial Consulting

Another newcomer to the Best Small Firms to Work For final ranking this year is Boston-based CFGI, which makes an impressive debut at No. 7.

CFGI was founded in 2000 by former Big 4 professionals, CFGI is an established industry leader with the resources to successfully navigate today's complex accounting, reporting, tax and compliance landscape. An assemblage of top-flight professionals with in-depth public accounting expertise, CFGI is able to fulfill a variety of client needs without the restrictions of auditor independence, says Shane T. Caiazzo, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of CFGI.

CFGI is a unique and highly specialized financial consulting firm that is strategically positioned to help companies through a range of routine and complex business scenarios, he says. But the firm's most important—and most valuable—asset is the team of dedicated professionals it has assembled. 

"Our employees are passionate about what we do. As a business we are consistently challenging our teams, allowing them to grow and evolve their careers continually," he says. "Our people can redefine their career trajectories in a way that aligns with their big-picture goals and lifestyle needs. The commitment to quality client service and delivery along with the ability to create your path sets our firm aside from our competition."

Caiazzo says that today's rapidly changing operational and regulatory environment presents a unique set of challenges for CFOs, controllers and their teams. The need to adapt to uncertainty and complexity can strain limited resources. This can also present significant—and often costly—challenges when required skill sets, experience and operational expertise are not available.

As a result CFGI can serve as an extension of a company's corporate finance team, working alongside internal staff and serving in a variety of roles to deliver seamless support services, Caiazzo says. The firm's value-added services are focused on the following key areas: Private Equity Services; CFO Services; Consulting; Interim Management; and, Corporate Tax; and Valuation.

On the survey, CFGI excelled in the areas of Client Engagement and Culture. 

"Our team can be rapidly deployed to nearly any business environment—from pre-IPO startups to Fortune 500 corporations," says Caiazzo. "It's a direct correlation to the talented people we hire who are innovative and passionate about helping their clients."

 Meanwhile, CFGI's culture provides an entrepreneurial spirit, challenging projects, and flexibility, he says. "We offer a collegial environment where someone can continually grow and evolve, and the opportunity to make more of an impact in their daily work. We also strive to help our team members maintain a sensible work/life balance, which we feel is essential to reward and maximize the intensity and value of their efforts."

How would you describe morale at your firm and why?

Caiazzo:  "Positive morale has always been a top priority for CFGI, as a firm we are only as good as our people, and always looking for ways to improve. Our morale is high because we listen to our employees and reward them for going the extra mile."