Summit Financial
Everything is Possible
Back Office Support Team
We are a team of professionals providing advisory services in the fields of Accounting, Tax, and Financial Management.
Our goal is simple; provide expertise where required, to support our clients for the long-haul through actionable intelligence.
Summit Financial Overview
We are a team of professionals providing advisory services in the fields of Accounting, Tax, and Financial Management. We were founded to help small business owners get their hands around the financial aspects of managing and planning a growing organization.
Our Goal
Provide actionable intelligence to business owners
Services
Financial Management
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Tax
Our Value
Clients gain by minimizing pitfalls, thereby maximizing their investment dollars.
Our Structure
We take a multi-disciplined approach utilizing professionals from the fields of Accounting, Tax and Finance to help steer your organization.
Fee Structure
Our fee structure is straightforward based upon hourly rates, with no hidden fees, or retainer.
Where We Fit In
Business Life Cycle – Summit Financial Integration
We Support Your Organization While You Focus On Revenue Generating Activities
Accounting
Bookkeeping: Day-To-Day Support
Duties
• Process Checking, Credit, Loans
• Reconcile Checking, Credit, Loans
• Process Accounts Payable
• Process Accounts Receivable
• Process Sales & Excise Tax Filings
• Inventory Hard Counts & Tracking
• Collections Of Delinquent Accounts
Importance
• Timely Payment From Clients
• Timely Payment To Vendors
• Creates Foundation For Accounting
Accounting: Foundational Support
Duties
• Create Financial Statements
• Implement Fraud Risk Prevention Policies
• Align Processes To Minimize Tax Exposure
• Direct Bookkeeper Activity
• Structure Chart of Accounts
• Structure Loan & Depreciation Schedules
Importance
• Creates Foundation For Strategic Planning
Finance
Finance: Provides Line-Of-Sight
Duties
• Creation Of Strategic Planning Model
• Match Goals w/Financial Feasibility
• Annually-Set Budget
• Monthly-Update, Analyze, Reforecast Budget
• Update Actual Performance To Budget
• Analyze Top & Bottom Line Performance
• Assess & Recommend Cost Savings Initiatives
• Reforecast Model Into Future
• Present Performance & Recommendations
• Ad Hoc-Evaluate Economics of New Products
• Ad Hoc-Implement Currency Hedge Policy
• Ad Hoc-Implement Commodity Hedge Policy
Importance
• Creates Foresight-Ability To Plan & Project
• Direct Business To Maximize Margins & Profits
• Optimize Cash Management Process
• Specifically Working Capital!
• Economic Assessment Of Business Decisions
• Compute Firm Valuation Given Prospects
Tax
Tax: Compliance Assurance
Duties
• Ensure Accuracy & Completeness of Filings
• Sales Tax
• Income Tax
• Payroll Tax
• Tax Planning-Quarterly & Annually
• Tax Preparation-Quarterly & Annually
• Manage IRS & 3rd Party Audit Process
Importance
• Keeps Business Compliant With Authorities
• Planning Allows For Anticipated Tax Bill
• Maximize Deductions Where Possible
• Fearless Audit Process For Business Owner
Management
Benjamin Pittsley
President
Background
• MS Finance, Suffolk University, MA
• BS Finance & Economics, UNH, NH
• Over 15 Years Professional Experience
• M&A Transactions Totaling Over $2.0B
• Investment Management Over $350B
Allison Pittsley, CPA, CGMA
CEO
Background
• BS Accounting, DU, MI
• Over 15 Years of Professional Experience
• Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – MT, UT, CO
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Benjamin Pittsley
President
Background
•MS Finance, Suffolk University, MA
•BS Finance & Economics, UNH, NH
•Over 15 Years Professional Experience
•M&A Transactions Totaling Over $2.0B
•Investment Management Over $350B
Biography
Ben founded Summit Financial, a fractional Accounting & Financial Management consulting firm in 2012. Summit was created to help business owners wrap their heads around the financial management aspects of a growing organization. At the time, Summit Financial was a consulting firm solely devoted to assisting businesses resolve their financial management issues. Over time however, Summit expanded into Tax, Accounting and Business Valuation to provide a comprehensive solution for the client’s needs.
Ben’s professional experience began in 2004 after completing his undergraduate degree in Finance & Economics. He spent 3 years with State Street Bank in Boston, MA as a Business Development Analyst, ultimately leading a small staff of employees. In 2007, after completing his Master’s degree in Finance, he accepted a position as an Equity Analyst at MFS Investment Management. While at MFS Ben evaluated the future prospects of many publicly traded companies, presenting investment recommendations to Senior Management to allocate a portion of the firm’s $350 Billion in assets.
In an effort to attain work-life balance, he relocated to Colorado in 2010, accepting a role as an Equity Analyst at private hedge fund. For the following 2 years he continued to evaluate and present investment recommendations, assisting in the management of the firm’s assets. However, as time passed, he realized his true calling was in the development of businesses.
In late 2012, Ben shifted back toward the corporate world, accepting a role in Business Development with Newfield Exploration while simultaneously launching Summit Financial. As demand for Summit's services grew, it became apparent he had to make a choice as to what path to head down. So, in early 2015, Ben left the “corporate world” for Summit Financial, where his true calling lies. Over the years he expanded the business throughout the Rocky Mountain and Gulf Coast States and currently splits his time between Bozeman, Montana, and Park City, Utah.
Allison Pittsley, CPA, CGMA
CEO
Background
•BS Accounting, DU, MI
•Over 15 Years of Professional Experience
•Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - MT, UT, CO
•Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Biography
Allison grew up in Bozeman, Montana, relocating to Michigan in 2001, There, she spent several years assisting the launch and operational management of a fine dining restaurant in a bustling tourist town. While overseeing a staff of 30 employees, Allison managed all of the financial aspects, including budgeting, strategic planning, inventory management, and vendor contracting. This position was instrumental in forming Allison’s desire to see small businesses realize their true potential.
After having completed her Bachelor’s in Accounting, Allison returned to the Rockies, where she attained her CPA license while working in public accounting. Having helped hundreds of clients over a 10 year period, planning and mitigating tax liabilities, she realized her career goals were to apply her skill set beyond the tax world.
Allison joined Summit Financial in 2014 to manage the Accounting and Tax Departments to pursue her goal of helping to facilitate the growth of small, locally-owned businesses with their tax and accounting needs. She currently splits her time between Bozeman, Montana, and Park City, Utah.
Testimonials
The Bagel Project, LLC began a partnership with Summit Financial in late 2019. The move was life-changing! Allison and Ben Pittsley quickly jumped-in to learn the business’s minutiae…all the nooks and crannies, including personal goals.
Our first project was to triage the ‘books’ and develop a Financial Package that would serve as the knowledge-base to measure the health of the business, and to make sound and risk-mitigating decisions by prioritizing a path to drive down debt while maintaining long term goals of expansion. The first phase of our partnership was accomplished only from Ben and Allison’s calming influence, approachable personalities and their true desire to realize their success through their client’s accomplishments.
Allison, Ben and their experienced team are nothing short of stalwart. As a small business owner who is the wearer of all hats, my time is valuable. Summit Financial understands that accurate information and pragmatism serves as the baseline for decision making. Their attention to detail is thorough and timely. Their team’s professionalism is first-in-class.
Summit Financial is not an 'accounting firm', but a boutique team of financial advisors with Wall Street experience that places high regard for Main St. Our partnership is inspiring and I’m proud to refer to Summit Financial as The Bagel Project’s “CFO”. As Covid-19 is testing humanity’s resolve, Allison and Ben have kept my ship with the currents, and I can’t imagine a more exciting future.
Robb Abrams
Owner, The Bagel Project, LLC
The Summit Team has been instrumental in keeping us on track financially. They are professional, efficient and comprehensive in their approach to helping us stay organized and up to date with all important financial documents, almost without a second thought. I would highly recommend Summit Financial to any business looking for high quality accounting and tax work at a reasonable price.
Katelyn Brenner
VP of Operations, Equihome Mortgage
Prior to finding Summit Financial I truly didn't have a clue as to where my business stood. I knew my way around a P&L and a Balance Sheet, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I didn't know what my numbers meant - whether they were good or bad. Since hiring the Summit Team, I not only know where my business stands at all times, but I have been able to use that knowledge to confidently hire more staff and leave the numbers to them. I don't know where I'd be without Ben & Allison. These two are my outsourced CFO & CPA and they are the absolute dream team.
Renya Nelson
CEO, Brand+Aid
Summit Financial helps my husband and me with the books for 3 of our companies. We have been so impressed with their willingness to take the time to figure out how each company works to ensure that our books are being done correctly according to the types of businesses that were running. Summit Financial is always willing to take the time to answer questions or contemplate different strategies. We feel that their services are bargain with the hourly rate structure. We have been so pleased with the team! They are such an asset to us!
Tiffany Lancaster
CEO, Tru Agency Real Estate
Summit Financial was an essential part of our small business getting started successfully. We were new business owners and they quickly set up a strong foundation for our books. We had no idea what we were doing, and they held our hands (without making us feel like they were holding our hands) as we learned. After getting us set up with QuickBooks and teaching us how to keep our accounts up to date, they also moved to guiding and teaching us in best practices. The Summit Financial team has walked alongside us and been an amazing blessing during a new and crazy adventure. I would recommend them to anyone, regardless of their financial knowledge or needs. Our business success is due partially to their guidance and expertise. We are so thankful for the whole Summit Financial team.
Patrick & Sarah Flemming
International Coffee Traders
Summit Financial allows the backing that I need to grow my business. By offering sound advice, accounting and financial planning, they give me the back end support that I need so that I can focus on the parts that I love about my business!
Weston Deutschlander
CEO, MTN View Arborists, LLC
Summit Financial has completely changed the way our company does business. They have helped us know where our money is and where it is going, which has had a direct ROI on our business. They are truly the experts and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to start or grow their business. I only wish I would have brought them on sooner!
Denise Cartwright
CEO, Crude Personal Care
We've loved working with Ben and Allison at Summit Financial. We now have a clearer understanding of our books, and a better overview of where we sit financially, and where we are going. For a business like ours, with a lot of moving parts, it is crucial that we fully understand how our money flows, and how we can improve.
Moudi Sbiety
CEO, Laziz Kitchen
Summit Financial has really streamlined our accounting & finance, freeing me up to run the business. They have done a great job on large projects and daily bookkeeping alike.
John McHugh
CEO, The Naked Edge
The Summit Financial team has transformed my business. Accounting used to be stressful and consume precious time. Now, it's a breeze, and I can do my work with peace of mind. Summit Financial is the best investment I've made as a solo entrepreneur.
Rich Ellis
CEO, Pen & Path
It's clear Summit Financial is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to helping small businesses manage their taxes and finances. They were incredibly thorough and quick when it came to preparing my business taxes, researching several items, ensuring I didn't pay any more than I had to. I feel very confident knowing Summit Financial handled my return and will absolutely use them again and again. I highly recommend working with them for your business tax and financial needs!
Stephenie Zamora
Stephenie Zamora Media, LLC
Up until working with Summit Financial our books and finances were “fine.” Truth be told, we didn’t know what we didn’t know so we were satisfied with the barebones services that were provided until we ran into some serious bookkeeping trouble. Summit Financial came in and did a deep and thorough dive into our finances correcting all of the errors and inaccuracies that occurred over many years. Since Summit Financial, I have learned there is a BIG difference between bookkeepers and finance teams! They are prompt, thorough, responsive, highly communicative, and continually keeping an eye on my company to sure we are financially sound, compliant and on track for our established goals. I cannot imagine our company functioning as well as it has without them. They are a big part of our financial health and success.
Kristin B. Hodson
CEO, The Healing Group
FAQ’s
We are a team of professionals providing advisory services in the fields of Accounting, Tax and Financial Management. We were founded to help small business owners get their hands around the financial aspects of managing and planning a growing organization.
Do I need to be located in the Rockies region of the United States to work with Summit?
No! Much of our work is remote in nature. We have clients from Europe to the United States, from east coast to west coast. If we are required onsite, we will be there. However, since much of our work is remote, nearly everything can be completed from our offices in Utah and Colorado.
Can I Afford Summit Services?
YES! As a result of our low overhead, we are capable of offering your business extremely competitive pricing vs. the large consulting firms. Furthermore, our flexible fee structure based upon an hourly rate with no long-term contract allows you to use as much, or as little of our expertise to help guide your business to success. Contact us for a free Consultation to determine if our services are a proper fit for your business.
Is My Business Too Small?
Unlikely! We find businesses that have been in operation for at least 1-2 years, and have less than 20 employees tend to be the best fit to leverage our expertise in Strategic Planning, Finance, Bookkeeping, Accounting & Taxation. Of course this is not a hard and fast rule, rather a guideline that we have found to maximize our value-add. Contact us for a free Consultation so that we can help assess your needs.
Can I Select Certain Services?
Not a problem, think of Our Services as a la carte! We will custom-fit our services to your business’s needs. In addition, we recognize that at times you may also require services Summit does not offer. To bring our clients the best service possible, we have partnered with trusted firms to offer these services, enabling us to help you find the assistance you need as we help guide your business to success.
Where Do I Begin?
It's Easy! In our experience many clients aren't sure how all of our services fit their organization. That is why we offer a free assessment, so let us schedule a Consultation to evaluate what your business’s needs.
How Long Is The Process?
If you decide to utilize Summit after an initial Consultation, moving forward is seamless. The initial evaluation and set-up will vary depending on each client’s needs. However, in our experience, it will take approximately 60-80 hours to validate current processes as well as establish a working baseline. Once complete, our flexible fee structure allows you to use as much, or as little of our expertise as you see fit. In our experience, many clients require about 10-25 hours per month on an ongoing basis to help guide their businesses to success.
What If I Already Have a Bookkeeper or CPA?
Not a Problem! Summit Financial will work hand-in-hand with your existing bookkeeper and/or CPA to ensure accuracy of financial records. Additionally, our financial planning models will be invaluable to your existing CPA for tax planning purposes! It is important to realize that our services are designed to integrate and support existing talent you may already have on your team, not replace them.