Business advisory services in ND for growth and transition

Financial Strategy and Planning for Small Businesses

Strong business decisions are built on sound financial insight. Goodhart & Associates helps Mandan and Bismarck businesses create strategic plans, budgets, and forecasts that align with their goals. We analyze financial statements to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, offering clear recommendations on pricing, cost control, and profitability. Our team also assists in preparing financials and projections for banks if you’re seeking financing for expansion or equipment purchases. By combining business consulting with CPA expertise, we deliver strategies grounded in numbers you can trust.

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Business Advisory & Consulting Services

Strong businesses are built on more than tax compliance—they require forward-looking strategies and reliable financial systems. Our advisory services help North Dakota companies plan for the future, improve internal operations, and make informed decisions with confidence.

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Succession Planning & Exit Strategies

Transitioning a business takes preparation, whether passing it to family, selling to a third party, or creating a buyout plan for employees. We provide tax-smart strategies to maximize value while addressing asset vs. stock transfers. With organized records and early planning, you’ll have a clear roadmap for stepping away and ensuring continuity.

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Internal Controls & Process Improvement

Strong internal controls reduce risk, prevent fraud, and improve the accuracy of financial data. Our consultants review how your business manages cash, expenses, and reporting, then recommend practical improvements. With CPA-level auditing knowledge, we help you build sustainable systems that support growth.




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Advisory for New Businesses

Starting a business involves more than entity selection. We help entrepreneurs build financial models, set realistic goals, and establish accounting systems that support long-term success. This service connects with our New Business Formation offerings for a complete startup plan.

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Fractional CFO & Ongoing Support

Many small and mid-sized companies need CFO-level insights without hiring full-time. We provide periodic reviews, cash flow forecasting, and on-call advice to guide major financial decisions. Our fractional CFO model scales with your business, giving you strategic oversight at a manageable cost.


Trusted Local Advisors with Financial Expertise

Unlike general consultants, a CPA brings both financial knowledge and ethical standards to every engagement. Goodhart & Associates understands the local economy in Mandan–Bismarck, from agriculture and energy to retail and professional services. Because we often manage both accounting and tax for our clients, our advisory services are rooted in an intimate understanding of their businesses. That means recommendations are practical, relevant, and tailored to your unique situation.

Common Questions About Business Advisory Services

  • My business is small; do I really need strategic planning?

    Yes, even the smallest businesses benefit from goal setting and internal controls. Planning ahead helps you grow with intention and avoid costly mistakes.

  • What does a succession plan involve?

    We help identify your goals, prepare financials, and design a transition strategy, whether passing your business to family, selling, or planning a buyout.

  • Can you help me understand financial statements?

    Absolutely. We explain your profit and loss, balance sheet, and key ratios in plain terms, then connect them to real decisions you can make.

  • Do you provide ongoing consulting or one-time advice?

    Both. Some businesses engage us for specific projects like a business plan, while others schedule quarterly strategy sessions for continuous support.

  • Do you advise on profitability improvements?

    Yes, we review expenses, analyze revenue streams, and provide clear recommendations to increase profitability and improve efficiency.