One of our virtual CFOs recently had a great win with a client in the auto industry. Like many trades businesses, the service delivery was great but the insight into how the business was tracking was less than optimal. They needed more visibility into what was actually going on under the hood and what levers they could pull to grow the business.
Here's how our CFO made a significant impact in a short period of time.
The Challenge
The business was running lean; costs were under control, and the team operated efficiently. But like many growing trades and service-based businesses, the owner wanted more clarity around the numbers driving success.
They asked:
Are we pricing our services correctly?
How do we measure performance across our overseas sales team?
How can we prepare for growth as more customers book online instead of by phone?
Their goal was clear: improve visibility, strengthen pricing decisions, and create a financial structure ready to support scalable, tech-driven growth.
Our Approach
We implemented tailored financial tools and dashboards that gave the owner clarity, confidence, and control — turning data into smarter business decisions.
1. Smart Pricing Model
We designed a pricing model that:
Highlighted breakeven points and utilisation rates
Ensured full recovery of material and overhead costs
Enabled confident, data-backed pricing decisions
Every price now supports healthy margins, and the owner was not left guessing.
2. Sales Dashboard
We created a real-time dashboard to:
Track individual performance across six overseas salespeople
Monitor regional growth, including fitting service income in Queensland
Integrate website orders through an automated system
National sales were more easily tracked and growth through new business was also predicted and pipelined, all in one place. The owner now had full visibility.
3. Financial Dashboard
We built a financial dashboard to provide:
Real-time tracking of monthly income and expenses
Budget vs. actual comparisons
Margin and profitability KPIs visible at a glance
Management decisions are now guided by up-to-date numbers, not end-of-year reports, which allows for proactivity rather than reactivity.
The Results
Confidence in Pricing – Every service is now priced strategically to protect margins.
Sales Accountability – Transparent performance data across regions and salespeople.
Financial Visibility – Real-time clarity on income, expenses, and profitability.
Future-Ready Growth – Automated systems and data visibility supporting a scalable business model.
Client Feedback
“The dashboards changed the way I now run my business. I can see exactly how we’re performing — and now I know the pricing is right. It’s given me the confidence to grow and plan for the future.”
— Auto Glass Business Owner
The Bigger Picture
This project delivered more than dashboards — it delivered clarity, control, and confidence. By combining smart pricing, sales transparency, and financial insight, this business is no longer just managing, it’s thriving.
From tight operations to scalable, data-driven growth, this is how smart financial management builds stronger businesses. It can now predict growth and reward the team whilst still delivering service excellence to its clients.
If your business could benefit from this kind of insight from one of our virtual CFOs, please contact us.
