How Do We Work?
First, a diagnosis.
Next, identify the right engagement model.
Only after a thorough diagnosis — with real data — is the engagement model defined together.
Every engagement starts with a Diagnosis (Discovery)
Discovery
Structured Financial Diagnosis
Over 2 to 4 weeks, a rigorous picture of the financial situation is built: where value is generated, where it is lost, which processes need to be transformed, and what opportunities can be captured.
WHAT DOES THE BUSINESS RECEIVE AT THE END OF THE DISCOVERY?
- Complete financial diagnosis of the business in report form.
- SERA Matrix with prioritized findings (Start, Eliminate, Realign, Accelerate)
- Quick Wins identified with potential impact within 30-60 days
- Clear recommendation on the optimal next step (On / Focus / Impact)
- Executive summary for discussion with the leadership team or board.
WHY DO WE START THIS WAY?
No engagement begins without a diagnosis first. The business and Sabal identify the optimal solution together.
AI that amplifies.
Experience that decides.
Powered by artificial intelligence, led by partners with decades of field experience. Sabal incorporates AI into diagnosis, analysis, and reporting — every output is reviewed, interpreted, and validated by the partners before it reaches the client.
With the diagnosis in hand, the model that makes the most sense is chosen
Three Possible Models, Depending on the Case
Chosen together based on scope, the type of relationship, and the desired outcome.
01 · On
Ongoing Support
For businesses that need a robust financial function without a full-time CFO. Scope, deliverables, and work cadence are defined together. Predictable for the business.
IDEAL FOR
- Fractional CFO
- Ongoing financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
- Integrated sales and operations plan (S&OP) and operational planning
- Monthly management reporting
- Rolling Forecast
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A clear monthly scope is defined — deliverables, meetings, team access. The business has two senior managing partners available without the overhead of a full-time executive. The contract is flexible: scope adjusts quarterly based on business needs.
Monthly structure · Recommended minimum commitment of 6 months
02 · Focus
Defined-Outcome Project
Scope and outcome defined before we start. Support until the goal is achieved.
IDEAL FOR
- FP&A model implementation
- Multi-scenario financial models and/or Rolling Forecast
- Financial due diligence
- Cost and margin optimization
- Post-merger or acquisition integration
- Financial digital transformation
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The project is executed until the expected result is achieved. Upon completion, the business retains the implemented processes and tools. Fixed commitment · Defined scope · Estimated duration: 4 to 16 weeks depending on the project.
03 · Impact
Shared Success
A base fee plus a percentage of the economic value generated together. If costs are reduced, margins improve, or working capital is freed up, Sabal shares in that value. We are active participants in execution because we believe in what we do.
IDEAL FOR
- Operating cost reduction
- Contribution margin and EBITDA optimization
- Working capital release
- EBITDA improvement with a measurable baseline
- High-impact projects with quantifiable results
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We agree on a baseline of financial metrics before starting. Sabal charges a monthly base fee plus a percentage of the value generated above that baseline — savings, margin improvements, or working capital release. Base plus shared success.
GPS — Our Way of Working
Five stages applied in every engagement, regardless of the model defined.
Diagnosis
A Client–Sabal session to understand context, data, and operational reality through active listening.
SERA Matrix
Start, Eliminate, Realign, Accelerate. Each finding is classified into one of four actionable categories.
Quick Wins
High-impact, low-effort actions in the short term.
Guided Execution
Visible Gantt, executive sponsors from the client, operational champions. Capabilities built during execution.
Sustainability
Post-close follow-up ensuring results and continuity after the engagement.
Our Capabilities
What we bring to every project, regardless of the model chosen.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Multi-scenario models, Rolling Forecasts, and analysis tools.
Fractional CFO
Senior financial leadership on a part-time basis.
Income statement (P&L) and cash flow optimization
Identifying the lines with the greatest opportunity.
Financial digital transformation
Dashboards, automation, and tools that eliminate manual work.
S&OP and operational alignment
Connecting sales, operations, and finance in a single planning process.
EVA and value creation analysis
We measure whether the business truly creates economic value or merely grows without return.
Financial team development
Building team capabilities so results are sustainable.
Financial due diligence
For M&A, partner entry, or business sale. Rigorous analysis, no conflict of interest.
Financial restructuring
Support during transformation, refinancing, or structural changes.
Who Does Sabal Work With?
Three profiles. One shared conviction: finance is the engine of growth.
The Business Owner or Family CEO
"I don't fully understand my financials and I make decisions by intuition."
The business is explained in plain language, basic controls are put in place, and real visibility is established on whether the company is truly profitable or just moving cash.
The General Manager
"I know something isn't working, but I don't have the team to fix it."
Sabal's financial expertise is put at the service of the business — forecasting, profitability, cash flow — with the focus and closeness that a large firm cannot provide.
The Finance Director (CFO)
"I have the vision, but I lack the tools and execution capacity."
Sabal acts as a transformation partner: it implements, trains the team, and leaves capabilities in place. The finance function becomes an engine for growth.