Finance FAQs
Answers to common questions about how Graphite Finance works, what clients receive each month, and how we support forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and planning.
Finance Overview
Graphite Finance helps leadership understand where the business is headed and what decisions the company can realistically make.
The FAQs below cover what our Finance team typically handles, how onboarding works, what clients receive each month, how Finance supports planning and board conversations, and where the service fits alongside Accounting.
What does Graphite Finance actually do?
Graphite Finance provides the modeling, forecasting, analysis, and financial guidance leadership teams need to make informed decisions. This may include building or taking over the financial model, delivering monthly financial reviews, updating forecasts, supporting budgeting, and running scenario analysis.
How is Finance different from Accounting?
Accounting focuses on the financial activity that has already happened. Finance uses that accounting foundation to help leadership understand what is likely to happen next. The two services work closely together because clean books make stronger forecasting, planning, and analysis possible.
What does onboarding include?
Finance onboarding typically includes collecting financial and operational data, reviewing revenue and billing systems, building or restructuring the financial model, creating the budget, and establishing the monthly reporting rhythm. The goal is to create a reliable finance foundation that leadership can use consistently.
Do you build the model from scratch?
Usually, yes. Graphite may also take over an existing model and rebuild or restructure it so it becomes a more reliable source of truth.
What do we receive each month?
Most Finance clients receive a monthly financial review package. This typically includes budget vs. actuals, variance commentary, updated forecasts, and insights tied to current business performance and upcoming decisions.
Do you help with budgeting?
Yes. Budgeting is a core part of Graphite Finance. Graphite typically helps establish the annual budget during onboarding, then uses that budget as part of the ongoing monthly review process.
Do you help with board reporting?
Yes. Finance supports clearer board and investor conversations through maintained models, updated forecasts, variance explanations, and stronger financial narratives. More customized board packages may require separate scoping.
Can you help us understand burn and runway?
Yes. Burn and runway visibility is one of the most common reasons companies engage Graphite Finance. Graphite helps leadership understand current cash position, cash needs, burn trends, runway, and the impact of hiring or spending decisions on future plans.
Do you run scenarios for hiring or spend changes?
Yes. Scenario planning is part of the service. Graphite uses the financial model to test decisions like hiring changes, pricing shifts, or spending adjustments before leadership commits to them.
What systems do you work in?
Finance is intentionally tech-agnostic. Graphite works within the client’s existing systems where possible, including general ledgers, billing platforms, CRMs, ERPs, and operational reporting tools.
What is out of scope?
Finance does not own accounting execution, flow of funds, payroll operations, tax filings, or broader HR ownership. Highly customized work, major model rebuilds, or more intensive board and investor support may require separate scoping.