Serving Areas – Dayton OH Cincinnati OH Columbus OH Indianapolis IN Pittsburgh PA

Call us: (937) 203-0907

Questions & Support: hello@contrailfinancial.com

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Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis

Turn your data into forward-looking insights with a connected financial model and ongoing analysis.

Clarity

Control

Confidence for every phase
Take the Growth Readiness Audit

FP&A Shouldn’t Be a Spreadsheet Exercise. It Should Drive Strategic Decisions.

Many business leaders are working with unclear, disconnected financial data. Numbers live in different systems and finance is focused on reporting the past instead of modeling the future. This leaves you guessing on high-stakes decisions.

You may hit revenue targets but miss profitability goals, or scale quickly without visibility into risk.

Our approach

A Financial Strategy Consultant That Moves With You

Contrail Financial brings clear financial thinking to owners, founders, and business leaders who think in years, not just quarters. We’ll help you:

Connect your data

Show what’s really driving results

Anticipate outcomes

Make confident decisions that grow your business

With decades of experience across industries like tech, media, real estate, manufacturing, and health technology, Contrail Financial delivers CFO-level insight without the cost of a full-time CFO.

It’s time to go beyond basic budgeting and forecasting to align your numbers with your vision.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Financial Planning & Analysis Services

Our FP&A services provide the financial foundation every business needs. We build the infrastructure that supports confident, data-driven decisions and simplifies future growth. Here are examples of services we deliver: 

Forecasting & Budget Modeling

Multi-scenario planning to help you prepare, adjust, and grow with purpose.

Cash Flow Planning & Capital Allocation

Making your resources work harder, without guesswork or noise.

Profitability & Margin Analysis

Uncover what’s driving, or draining, your business performance.

KPI Development & Monitoring

Meaningful metrics tailored to your strategic priorities.

Board & Investor Reporting

Clarity and confidence for stakeholders.

Financial Risk Advisory & Stress Testing

See around corners. Mitigate exposure. Lead with confidence.

Compliance Audits & Internal Controls

Ensure your financial house is built to withstand scrutiny and scale.

Embedded CFO Services

Strategic financial leadership — without the full-time cost.
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Financial Planning & Analysis

Clear Financial Thinking For Owners, Founders, & Business Leaders Who Are Building For The Future.

At Contrail Financial, we approach financial planning and analysis (FP&A) not as a spreadsheet exercise but as a catalyst for direction, clarity, and confident decision-making. We’re looking for founders and business owners who want more than just reactive accounting; they want strategic foresight to chart uncertain terrain. With decades of experience across industries like tech, media, real-estate, manufacturing, health technology, and more, our advisory brings precision and perspective to your most critical financial questions.

This isn’t just budgeting or forecasting; it’s strategic financial planning designed to align your numbers with your vision.

Let's Plan Together
GROWTH READINESS AUDIT

Diagnostic Tool for Business Leaders Preparing for Growth

Without forward-looking finance, growth can feel like flying blind. Use this quick audit to see if your finance function is ready to support your next stage of growth.

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Take the Right Next Step. Let’s turn your numbers into clarity and your plans into action.

Contact Us

Send mail: hello@contrailfinancial.com

Call us: (937) 203-0907

Here’s how we simplify the path forward:

1

Schedule a Free Consultation

Start with a no-pressure call to discuss your goals.
2

Build Your Financial Model

Create a multi-year projection tailored to your business, built collaboratively so you can test assumptions (hiring, pricing, costs).
3

Make Confident Decisions

We’ll connect your model to actuals each month, spot variances early, and explain what’s driving them. We handle KPI monitoring, board and investor reporting, and provide clear recommendations so you can make optimal, data-backed decisions.

Schedule a Free Consultation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently asked questions about Financial Planning & Analysis.

What’s the difference between FP&A and regular accounting?
Traditional accounting looks backward, tracking what happened. FP&A looks forward, helping you understand where you’re going and how to get there. At Contrail Financial, we focus on strategic planning, forecasting, and decision-making tools that support growth, not just compliance. We don’t replace your bookkeeper, instead, we help you see the bigger picture.
We’re a small team. Do we really need FP&A support right now?
If you’re making financial decisions without a clear view of cash flow, revenue projections, or cost structure, FP&A is exactly what you need. Contrail works with companies at all stages, especially those ready to scale. We help build the systems and financial visibility that support smart growth, even before you hire a full-time finance team.
Can Contrail help us build financial models and track metrics?
Yes! And more. We don’t just build spreadsheets; we help you understand them. Contrail creates custom financial models that are aligned with your business goals and tailored to your industry. We’ll work with you to identify the right KPIs, set targets, and use data to make confident decisions.
We already have a bookkeeper or accountant. How do you fit in?
That’s great! We complement that role. While your bookkeeper keeps the books accurately, Contrail focuses on interpreting that data to drive business decisions. Think of us as your strategic finance partner, helping you budget smarter, plan better, and prepare for what’s next.
What industries or business types do you typically support with FP&A?
Contrail works with founders and leadership teams across SaaS, technology, manufacturing, and service-based companies. Whether you’re just gaining traction or navigating rapid growth, we bring structured FP&A support that fits your size and stage with forward-thinking insights and real-world experience.
I already have a CFO/Finance leader. Why do I need Contrail?
We augment your existing finance leadership; working at their direction to perform tasks and provide specialized advice.
What is the difference between FP&A and traditional accounting?
FP&A goes beyond recording past transactions. It focuses on forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning to inform future business decisions, while accounting focuses on ensuring compliance and maintaining historical accuracy.
How does FP&A improve decision-making for SMBs?
By providing forward-looking insights, FP&A enables leaders to evaluate risks, allocate resources efficiently, and make data-driven decisions, rather than relying solely on intuition or outdated financial reports.
What tools or models are commonly used in FP&A?
Typical FP&A work relies on assumption-based models, rolling forecasts, variance analysis, and cash flow projections. Many firms also leverage cloud-based platforms, such as Adaptive Insights or Vena, or custom Excel models.
When should a business consider outsourcing financial planning and analysis (FP&A)?
Outsourcing makes sense when internal teams lack bandwidth, growth has outpaced existing processes, or leadership needs strategic insights without the cost of hiring a full-time in-house FP&A team.
How often should financial forecasts be updated?
Most growing businesses update forecasts quarterly, while high-growth or volatile industries may benefit from rolling monthly forecasts.
See More And Ask Questions With Us!
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1700 Lyons Rd, Centerville, OH 45458

Call us: (937) 203-0907
Mail: hello@contrailfinancial.com

Mon – Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm / Sat & Sun: Closed