Why is Your Finance Function Worth 2X EBITDA?

Most MSPs run their business from the bank account. And that’s exactly why they leave money on the table.

In this episode of M&A Insights, Brandi Bonds — Managing Partner at Next Level Now — breaks down how to turn your financials into your competitive advantage.

If you’re an MSP owner who’s great at operations but still flying blind on finance, this one’s for you.

Here are some of her mic-drop moments 👇

The sale of your business comes down to whether you make money.
It may be about clients and employees for you, but it still needs to translate into profits.

If finance isn’t one of the legs on your stool, you won’t be a high-performing MSP.
Treat finance as a growth driver, not an afterthought.

The best MSPs close their books monthly, practice accrual accounting and forecast within five percent. That’s what confidence looks like to a buyer.
If you track your numbers with discipline today, you’ll have options tomorrow..

A data room isn’t just for buyers — it’s for you. It’s how you prove you’re running a serious business.
Data-driven clarity will add points to your margin and turns to your multiple.

Most MSPs have a PSA problem, not because of the software — but because they don’t use the data to run the business.
MSPs focus on operations not on finance. Use technology strategically.

If you’ve collected $200K of advanced revenue but your bank account is at $100K you’re living off money you haven’t earned and buyers will catch that
Clean add-backs, accrual books, and revenue recognition alone can add 1–2 turns to your EBITDA multiple.

Know your Staff utilization. Utilization is down from 85%-90% to 50%-60% and it is killing margins.
Low staff utilization is one of the biggest money losers.

Know your add backs and take them because buyers won’t do that for you!
Don’t wait for buyers to tell you what your add backs should be.

If someone says they are a CFO and they will get your books closed they are not a CFO. They are a controller.
Get the right level of strategic help for your stage.

Madhur Duggar is a Senior M&A Advisor at Excendio Advisors and focuses on IT Services