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Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Shareholder, Consulting

Ben leads the firm’s consulting group, helping middle-market clients optimize results through transaction services and digital advisory support.

What is your area of focus?

I work with middle-market clients in a variety of sectors, including high-tech, manufacturing, distribution and industrial automation. Much of what I focus on is related to financial reporting and analysis, financial and tax due diligence, and quality of earnings studies when buying and selling their businesses.

How long have you been at Clayton & McKervey?

Since 2008

What is the favorite part about your job?

I appreciate the opportunity to analyze and anticipate clients’ needs.

Specializations

  • Buy-side financial and tax due diligence
  • Sell-side financial and tax due diligence
  • Quality of Earnings
  • Working capital analysis
  • Tax structuring
  • Financial analysis
  • Data Analytics

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Oakland University
  • Structuring Machine Learning Projects (Coursera)
  • Neural Networks and Deep Learning (Coursera)
  • Robotic Process Automation Strategy for Business Leaders (AICPA)

Connections

  • Association for Corporate Growth, Membership Committee
  • Oakland University, School of Business Administration, Accounting and Finance Board
  • Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Ben 360°

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Travel

If you had to choose a different job, what would it be?
Scientist

If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
Dan Bricklin

Articles by Ben Smith

  • Digital Advisory Services

Internal ERP vs. Third-Party Reporting Tools: Time to Switch?

Business owners face several choices when it comes to data management tools There are many benefits to using native ERP reporting tools but businesses tend to outgrow the functionality Here are a few reasons why it might be time to switch from internal ERP to third party reporting tools

by Elly Mioduszewski

by Ben Smith

  • Architecture & Engineering Firms

A&E Firms: Why You Should Track WIP

Tracking your architecture or engineering firm s work in progress WIP can seem like an extra step that will take away from getting actual work done but without keeping tabs on project milestones there is no insight into how the company is performing

by Ben Smith

  • Digital Advisory Services

5 Questions to Ask Before Any Big Technology Investment

In today s always on work from anywhere business environment it is crucial to choose productivity tools that boost your competitive edge Besides cost savings the right technology stack can deliver gains in customer experience employee engagement and your ability to innovate Here are five questions to help you evaluate productivity tools with confidence

by Ben Smith

  • Digital Advisory Services

Technical Debt: The True Cost of Delays

We recently spoke with Brent Yax founder of the IT support firm Awecomm about how to get your arms around technical debt before it starts taking on a life of its own

by Ben Smith

  • Digital Advisory Services

Data-Driven Decisions: 3 Key Owner Insights

What does it take to build a data driven business For self reliant leaders who feel they ve hit a plateau when it comes to scaling a business adopting a data driven approach can be a breakthrough success strategy Using data in a more focused way helps good engineers become good entrepreneurs It s about creating balance Here we take a look at key insights for business owners when using data in decision making

by Ben Smith

  • Transaction Support

Considering a Sale? Financial Reporting Matters

Having the right financial statements in place is vital for many reasons but especially when you may be considering the potential sale of your business When it comes to financial reporting buyers and sellers frequently have different priorities in mind so they may be looking for different things when reviewing financials

by Tim Hilligoss

by Ben Smith

  • Digital Advisory Services

Data Analytics: Optimize Your Path to a Speedy Sale

Many business leaders are so invested in getting through the day they may not have the time to dream about or plan for the future Whether you ve got someone ready to buy your company or not it is always prudent to be ready for the next stage of your business

by Ben Smith

by Elly Mioduszewski

  • Transaction Support

It’s Time to Plan Your Business Exit Strategy

Selling your business ownership stake at the right time and for the right price can be a challenge To make matters even more uncertain today s buyers are more sophisticated than ever especially with rising private equity influence The earlier you start crafting an exit strategy the better

by Tim Hilligoss

by Ben Smith

  • Transaction Support

Avoiding Common Transaction Mistakes

Most M A deals go through a number of steps involving a team of accountants lawyers and potential buyers analyzing the business through careful assessment of everything from financial records to contracts to intellectual property Even if your manufacturing business isn t for sale yet it s critical to understand the M A process and plan now to avoid common transaction mistakes

by Ben Smith

by Jim Biehl

  • Architecture & Engineering Firms

Navigating the M&A Revolution in A&E Firms

By consolidating operations with allied companies or expanding their consumer base through strategic mergers many businesses were able to survive the pandemic As businesses attempt to return to normal it s important for sellers to prove the staying power of their company and be prepared for higher scrutiny into their valuations

by Ben Smith

by Kevin Johns

  • Transaction Support

Inflation’s Impact on Market Transactions

Navigating business transactions in an ever evolving post pandemic world has become challenging for entrepreneurs Those looking to acquire a business must pay particular attention to raw material pricing watching for margin erosion driven by inflation in their target s key product lines and channels

by Ben Smith

  • Digital Advisory Services

Revenue Management Best Practices

Many companies faced financial and operational challenges due to the pandemic including production delays and supply chain issues Despite a record high positive industry outlook businesses are searching for new ways to understand the relationship between customer demand and available resources

by Ben Smith

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