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

Revenue Management & Data Analytics

The ability to anticipate demand can empower management to make important resource allocation and pricing decisions. While such empowerment is attractive, many companies lack the necessary data collection and analytics processes.

by Ben Smith

Financial Management Technology Trends

From shifts towards data-driven strategy to the implementation of new technological tools, the world of accounting and finance is rapidly changing. Here are four trends we are tracking right now and what they mean for your business.

by Ben Smith

Manufacturing Sales Analytics Trends

Monitoring sales is a critical aspect of any high performing business. In the mission to work smarter, sales analytics tools provide a level of optics that help leaders predict and understand critical business trends.

by Ben Smith

Considering a Merger or Acquisition?

The changes that occurred under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) continue to impact businesses in multiple ways, and while some of these are favorable, others are not. More recently, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act further adjusted some of these rules. Businesses considering a transaction, such as a merger or acquisition, should be sure to discuss the following items.

by Margaret Amsden

by Ben Smith

The Role of Data Analytics in COVID-19 Recovery

As more and more states begin to reopen their economy, the COVID-19 conversation is shifting from survival to recovery. Through targeted data analytics, companies can access and analyze data to drive recovery planning. Here is a summary of important details.

by Ben Smith

Managing Cash Flow through Data Analytics

Every business should regularly review cash flow and optimization opportunities to ensure the highest level of financial vitality. Maintaining a clear picture of this important metric is not only essential to effective decision making but also necessary for managing the unexpected.

by Ben Smith

by Jim Biehl

Navigating Business Issues During COVID-19

by Ben Smith

Driving Efficiency Through Data Analytics

At the end of 2019, many businesses spent time evaluating performance, establishing profit and growth goals and approving budgets. There was also time spent drilling down on results to understand what was working and where changes needed to be made.

by Ben Smith

Managing Your Net Working Capital

by Margaret Amsden

by Ben Smith

Asset Acquisitions: The Dichotomy Between Buyer and Seller Goals

by Margaret Amsden

by Ben Smith

Maximize Your Company’s Value: Retain Key Employees

by Ben Smith

by Tim Hilligoss

The Sound of Automation Podcast

Industrial automation businesses are the driving force behind Industry 4.0, and Clayton & McKervey is here to help.

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