Every small business owner knows that setbacks are inevitable — whether caused by economic shifts, market changes, or unexpected disruptions. The challenge isn’t avoiding hardship; it’s learning how to rebuild stronger than before. Resilience in business is both...

Many organizations struggle to answer a simple but critical question: Which products or services are actually making us money? Without a clear understanding of product costs, profitability can feel like guesswork. Add in the challenge of allocating overhead—expenses...

For Finance Teams and Growing Startups If you’re still relying on spreadsheets to manage critical business operations, it’s time for a reality check. What once felt flexible and free is now likely costing you more in time, errors, and missed opportunities than you...

When you're knee-deep in system logs, debugging issues, or planning infrastructure upgrades, it’s easy to forget that not everyone speaks your language. For many IT professionals, the biggest challenge isn’t building a secure cloud environment or rolling out new...

Selecting the right Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is one of the most strategic decisions an HR team can make. A well-chosen HRIS doesn’t just streamline administrative tasks — it lays the foundation for better employee experiences, smarter decision-making,...

The landscape of software development is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and autonomous systems. In 2025, AI-powered tools will move beyond simple automation to become fully autonomous coding assistants,...

In the fast-paced world of automotive manufacturing, efficiency is key—especially when it comes to financial operations. One West Michigan Tier 1 automotive supplier recently found itself in a high-stakes legal battle over an attempt to modernize its accounting...

Economic fluctuations are the norm, and small businesses must adopt proactive strategies to ensure their survival and growth. The key to enduring these challenges lies in implementing measures that protect and strengthen your business. These strategies are not just...

In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations across industries are always looking for ways to streamline operations and improve efficiency. One key area where many businesses find significant benefits is in outsourcing their bookkeeping services. Whether...

Preparing for a year-end financial audit is critical to ensure the accuracy and credibility of an organization's financial statements. A well-prepared audit process demonstrates transparency and accountability, which are essential for building trust with stakeholders...

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires many companies to submit details on their “beneficial ownership” to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) effective January 1, 2024. The CTA, passed by Congress in 2020, requires “reporting companies” to file...

Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down, but for many, it's an opportunity to embark on a new and exciting journey. One such path that has gained immense popularity among retirees is consulting. Transitioning into a consulting career can offer a myriad of...

Across the country, a movement is underway, people are taking their self-care seriously and the pay off includes prosperity.  This May while moms enjoy a day of celebration with pampering, top achievers in the business world might consider joining them with...

A Fractional CFO, also known as an outsourced or part-time Chief Financial Officer, can play a crucial role in mentoring a controller or a new CFO. This mentoring relationship can be highly beneficial for the professional development of the mentee and the overall...

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the role of a great leader transcends beyond mere management. Such leaders are architects of vision, catalysts for innovation, and anchors during tumultuous times. They embody a unique amalgamation of qualities: unwavering...

Embarking on a business adventure often conjures images of hefty investments and sprawling resources. However, beginning with minimal capital is possible and potentially advantageous with the right strategies. This guide from Phoenix Group unravels seven strategic...

In today's fast-paced business world, managing finances effectively is essential for success. Whether you're a startup, a growing company, or an established enterprise, having a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on your team is crucial. However, not every organization can...

Image via Freepik Retirement often signifies the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Yet for many, the thirst for meaningful engagement persists well into their golden years. The good news is that retirement can serve as a gateway to explore new ventures...

Registration is Open!  Earn up to 8 hours of FREE CPE and enjoy some very interesting speakers and topics at the 22nd Michigan Council IMA Annual Fall Conference (VIRTUAL) on October 13, 2023!  It’s free to attend, but you must register. Register today!...

Register here: https://wmafp.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=138528&item_id=2056376 Click here for a printable agenda. Approved for up to 7.4 CTP recertification credits by the Association for Financial Professionals Approved for up to 6.4...

(Note: This is a partial excerpt from the article "Top 12 Signs That You’re Outgrowing QuickBooks".) “QuickBooks is the entry into accounting software for many businesses, thanks to its low price point and relative simplicity. However, it is an entry-level accounting...

Entrepreneurship can be a daunting undertaking, but it’s even more so for people with disabilities. Many disabilities present unique challenges to business ownership, but it’s certainly not impossible to succeed.

As of April 26, 2023, Sellers of tangible personal property in Michigan should no longer tax delivery installation if separately stated on an invoice (subject to the limitations in the notice). The notice issued by the Michigan Department of Treasury regarding the changes in the treatment of delivery and installation charges previously included as part of the sales tax or use tax base.

To find qualified workers, you need access to a large pool of candidates. Talented, hardworking and committed employees can come from all walks of life. Did you know that about 41.1 million people have disabilities in the U.S.? The Phoenix Group encourages you to use the following tips to help your business appeal to differently abled candidates, which can help you find a wealth of incredible talent.

We get asked this question almost daily.  Companies always want to know exactly how long it will take to implement a new ERP.  The answer?  It depends.  The length of time it takes to implement a new ERP system is dependent upon numerous factors.  They are: The ERP...

Outsourcing.  We read about it everywhere.  Outsourced customer service, human resources, help desk, accounting and more.  We are going to focus on accounting in this edition.  Outsourced accounting has its benefits and, to some, drawbacks.  On the positive side, it...

FACT: Star performers can leave anytime. Mediocre employees will probably stay, and poor performers will normally never leave. Star performers have options and are in constant demand. If they aren’t happy, they can easily find work elsewhere. Mediocre and poor...

Do you know when and when not to ask for help?  CFO’s and other business leaders have many choices to seek counsel when evaluating courses of action to take.  Knowing when you have crossed your threshold of expertise in these situations can be costly either...

I am so excited to share this!  Bryan Blackburn and I did our first radio blog interview with Mike Maddox of ASK which aired on the Michigan Business Network!  Check it out! http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/blog/phoenix-group-bottom-line-i.t.-podcast 

Many small to mid-size organizations use a virtual CIO (vCIO) to assist them in making strategic technology decisions.  A vCIO is a part-time trusted advisor that is contracted to keep the organization’s best interest at the forefront.  The vCIO works with...