This is a meaningful step for Alliance as the firm has grown considerably over the past several years, expanding its capabilities across accounting advisory, finance advisory, M&A, business systems and transformation, AI and data analytics, and human capital solutions.

Who Is on the Alliance Advisory Board

The founding members of the Advisory Board bring a range of backgrounds that reflect the clients Alliance serves and the challenges those clients face.

Chris Bruner: Chris spent 38 years at Ernst & Young, including 13 years as Managing Partner of EY Philadelphia, before retiring in December 2024. He brings deep expertise in technical accounting, SEC reporting, audit readiness, and large-scale finance transformation.

Mike Duffy: Mike currently serves as CFO of Zippy Shell and previously held the role of SVP, Chief Accounting and Risk Officer at Hilton Worldwide, where he helped lead the company through its IPO. He brings a practitioner’s perspective on what finance leaders inside large, complex organizations need.

Dan Lasik: Dan retired from Ernst & Young in June 2025 after nearly 40 years advising public companies and high-growth organizations. He founded EY’s Financial Accounting Advisory Practice in the Eastern U.S. and served as Global Head of Hospitality. His experience spans IPO readiness, complex accounting advisory, and extensive boardroom work.

Deborah Ricci: Deborah currently serves as EVP and CFO at Acentra Health and has previously served as CEO at Guidehouse, with additional senior leadership roles at Constellis and Centerra Group. She brings a proven track record of leading organizations through growth, transformation, and M&A.

Bobby Kelly (Advisory Board Chair): Bobby brings more than 20 years of private equity experience, including senior roles at Harvest Partners and CIP Capital. He will chair the Board and work closely with Alliance’s leadership team as the firm continues to expand its footprint within the private equity and professional services space.

What This Means for Clients and the Office of the CFO

The Advisory Board is not a governance structure; it’s a resource – a group of people who have sat on both sides of the table that Alliance works at every day. They understand the pressures CFOs are under, the complexity of finance transformation, and what it takes to build a finance function that can keep up with a growing business.

Their involvement gives Alliance a sharper perspective as it develops new capabilities, enters new markets, and takes on more complex client engagements. For clients, that ultimately translates into a partner that is better informed and more intentional about how it shows up.

“We have assembled a group of highly accomplished leaders who bring diverse perspectives. Their experience and guidance will be instrumental as we continue to scale our firm, expand our capabilities, and deliver even greater value to the Office of the CFO.” – Ed Barrow, CEO, The Alliance Group

Learn More About The Alliance Group

The Alliance Group is a national consulting firm built for the Office of the CFO. The firm partners with finance leaders across accounting advisory, finance advisory, mergers and acquisitions, business systems and transformation, AI and data analytics, and human capital solutions.

Contact us to learn more about how Alliance supports finance leaders.

The post The Alliance Group Announces Its Advisory Board to Support Growth and Better Serve CFOs appeared first on The Alliance Group.

Alliance is directly addressing that gap with the launch of its Finance Advisory Practice, led by James Clous.

What the Finance Advisory Practice Does

Alliance’s Finance Advisory Practice partners with the Office of the CFO to deliver the analytical precision, planning expertise, and execution support that turns financial data into better decisions. This isn’t advisory in the traditional sense as Alliance consultants don’t hand off a roadmap and disengage. Instead, they build the models, run the planning cycles, and deliver the board-ready outputs that finance leaders actually need.

The practice supports organizations across four core areas:

• Finance Optimization: Finance maturity assessments, KPI rationalization, and reporting development and automation
• Planning Process Design & Enhancement: Long-range planning, annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and 13-week cash flow models
• Value Creation Support: Profitability analysis, synergy tracking, and capital allocation decision support
• Transaction Readiness: FP&A maturity assessments, investor-grade financial models, public peer analysis, and IPO readiness

Built for How Finance Leaders Actually Work

What distinguishes Alliance’s approach is a bias toward execution, accelerated by the technologies reshaping modern finance. The practice applies AI, automation, and leading planning platforms directly to client work, so organizations aren’t just getting a recommendation; they’re getting the finished work.

Engagements are structured to fit where each organization is, whether that’s embedded support during a critical planning cycle, a defined project with a clear deliverable, or an ongoing fractional relationship.

“Most CFOs are not struggling to understand what needs to change, they’re struggling to find the capacity and expertise to actually change it, while keeping everything else running,” said Ed Barrow, CEO of Alliance. “Finance Advisory gives organizations the strategic perspective and the hands-on execution to build a finance function that performs at the level the business demands.”

A Complete Answer for the Office of the CFO

The Finance Advisory Practice joins Alliance’s growing suite of capabilities supporting the Office of the CFO, including Accounting Advisory, Business Systems & Transformation, AI & Analytics, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Human Capital Solutions, giving organizations an integrated partner across the full finance function.

Your finance function should be a competitive advantage, not a bottleneck. If your organization is looking to modernize its planning processes, improve reporting, or prepare for a transaction, Alliance is ready to help.

Contact us to learn more about Alliance’s Finance Advisory Practice.

The post Alliance Launches Finance Advisory Practice to Help CFOs Build a Finance Function That Performs appeared first on The Alliance Group.

That’s why Alliance has formally launched its NetSuite Practice, which is a dedicated capability built to help finance organizations implement, optimize, and fully leverage NetSuite as a core part of their finance infrastructure.

Why NetSuite and Why Now?

NetSuite has become one of the most widely adopted cloud ERP platforms. It gives finance teams a single, integrated environment for financial management, revenue recognition, procurement, multi-entity consolidation, and reporting. It does this by replacing the fragmented systems and manual workarounds that slow organizations down as they scale.

For private equity-backed companies managing rapid growth or integration across acquisitions, and for finance leaders under increasing pressure from investors and boards, a well-implemented NetSuite environment isn’t just nice-to-have, it’s foundational.

What Alliance Brings

Alliance professionals have been supporting NetSuite environments for years through ERP implementations, post-acquisition integrations, finance transformation initiatives, and technical accounting engagements across technology, professional services, life sciences, manufacturing, and PE-backed companies.

What sets Alliance apart is the combination of system expertise and deep accounting knowledge. We don’t just configure the platform; we make sure it’s built to support your financial reporting requirements, your close process, and your growth trajectory.

With the formal launch of our NetSuite Practice, we’re expanding that capability with dedicated resources and a structured approach across the full platform lifecycle, from initial implementation and finance process design through optimization, system integration, and ongoing operational support.

A Partner for the Long Term

Launching or optimizing a NetSuite environment is not a one-time project. It requires a partner who stays engaged through go-live, through the first close, through the next acquisition, and beyond. That’s how Alliance works.

If your organization is evaluating NetSuite, working through a stalled implementation, or looking to get more out of an existing environment, we’d like to talk.

Contact us to learn how Alliance’s NetSuite Practice can support your next phase of growth.

The post Alliance Launches Dedicated NetSuite Practice to Support the Office of the CFO appeared first on The Alliance Group.

In response to these evolving demands, The Alliance Group has launched a new AI & Data Analytics Practice, led by Christina Gadrinab. The practice is focused on helping finance organizations operationalize data and AI capabilities in a way that aligns with business priorities, regulatory expectations, and existing finance processes.

Why Now: The Evolving Office of the CFO

The launch of the new AI & Data Analytics practice at Alliance reflects a broader trend across the Office of the CFO, where leaders are increasingly expected to deliver real-time insights, support enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, and navigate growing volumes of data across fragmented systems. At the same time, many organizations are still working to bridge gaps between data availability, process maturity, and the practical application of AI.

“CFOs are being asked to take on a more strategic role within the business, while still maintaining the rigor and control expected of the finance function,” said Ed Barrow, CEO of Alliance. “That combination is driving a need for more connected data, more efficient processes, and thoughtful adoption of analytics and AI.”

Common Challenges Facing Finance Organizations

Despite growing interest in AI and analytics, many finance teams face similar barriers to adoption:

• Manual reporting processes that limit speed and accuracy
• Inconsistent data across systems that undermines decision-making
• Uncertainty around where AI can deliver meaningful and measurable value

These challenges are exactly what Alliance’s new practice is designed to address through a combination of foundational improvements and targeted use cases for automation, advanced analytics, and AI.

What the AI & Data Analytics Practice Does

Alliance’s AI & Data Analytics Practice helps finance organizations move from data complexity to actionable insight.

Areas of focus include:

• Assessing AI Readiness by evaluating data, processes, systems, and organizational alignment to identify gaps and define what is needed to effectively implement and scale AI
• Streamlining finance processes through automation to reduce manual effort
• Improving visibility and reporting across multiple systems and data sources
• Identifying practical AI applications that support cost efficiency and scalability
• Helping clients prioritize their AI roadmap and begin demonstrating value
• Supporting governance, controls, and risk management in AI adoption

Meet the Practice Leader: Christina Gadrinab

The AI & Data Analytics practice is led by Christina Gadrinab, who brings experience advising organizations on data strategy, analytics, and technology-enabled transformation, with a focus on aligning technical capabilities to measurable business outcomes.

Part of a Broader Commitment to the Office of the CFO

The launch of the AI & Data Analytics Practice is part of Alliance’s broader effort to expand capabilities supporting the Office of the CFO, particularly as finance teams continue to balance operational demands with increasing expectations around strategic insight and innovation.

To learn more about how Alliance can help your organization build AI and analytics capabilities within the finance function, visit www.thealliancegroup.com/contact.

The post Alliance Launches AI & Data Analytics Practice as the CFO Role Expands appeared first on The Alliance Group.

In his new role, he will lead business development efforts, expand client relationships, and support organizations navigating complex finance initiatives. His appointment reflects Alliance’s continued commitment to building strong regional markets supported by experienced leaders who understand local business dynamics.

Mike brings more than 25 years of experience building trusted relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs, and finance executives across industries. Prior to joining Alliance, he served in strategic roles with local and regional accounting firms focused on growing brand awareness, making key client acquisitions, and hiring top-tier talent to support the growth. He was also Director of Business Development for RSM, supporting middle market, private equity, privately held, and public companies, where he brought extensive services to bear to help clients drive value-enhancing initiatives. Throughout his career, Mike has earned a reputation in the Philadelphia business community for strategic insight, integrity, and a highly client-centric approach.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University and serves on several community and educational boards throughout the region.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike to Alliance,” said Ed Barrow, CEO. “Philadelphia has long been an important market for our firm, and bringing dedicated leadership to the region is a natural next step in our growth strategy. His deep financial expertise, strong local relationships, and alignment with our mission make him the ideal leader to represent Alliance on the ground. We’re excited about the value he will bring to our clients and the momentum he will help create across the region.”

“As a Philadelphia-based organization, we’ve experienced firsthand the impact Alliance has in this market,” said Dave Clark, CFO of Q-mation. “Alliance has consistently delivered value through its accounting advisory, business transformation, and technology consulting services. Their ability to quickly understand our business and provide clear, actionable solutions has made a meaningful difference in how we operate and scale our finance function. We’re excited to see Alliance further invest in the Philadelphia region with dedicated local leadership.”

With Mike’s appointment, we are further positioning ourselves to support Philadelphia-area organizations with high-impact consulting, transformation initiatives, and executive talent solutions. Join us in welcoming Michael Verrill to Alliance. Organizations seeking a strategic consulting partner for finance, transformation, or executive leadership needs are encouraged to connect with Mike and the Alliance team in Philadelphia.

The post Michael Verrill – New Market Leader – Philadelphia Region appeared first on The Alliance Group.

The post Building Momentum Together: A Look Back at an Incredible Year appeared first on The Alliance Group.

The newly appointed Partners are:

• Nicole Holden, Partner,  Accounting Advisory
• Clay McDonald, Partner, Technology Staffing
• Nikki Tercero, Partner, Business Systems and Technology
• Brittney Gordon, Partner, Enterprise Growth
• Michelle Cho, Partner, Accounting Advisory

These promotions expand Alliance’s Partner group alongside existing Partners Ed Barrow, Chief Executive Officer; Chris Rollin, Chief Strategy Officer; Joe Rollin, Chief Delivery Officer; and Brian Meadows, Chief Growth Officer.

Each new Partner will play an instrumental role in the development and execution of our value creation plan, which is designed to fuel exponential growth, deepen client impact, and advance the firm’s strategic vision across its service lines.

“This is a proud moment for our firm,” said Ed Barrow, CEO of Alliance. “Nicole, Brittney, Clay, Michelle, and Nikki have each demonstrated sustained excellence, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to our clients and our people. Their promotions reflect not only their individual contributions, but also our belief in building a firm where leadership is earned, recognized, and empowered to shape the future of Alliance.”

The promotions were made through our Path to Partner program, a formal leadership framework designed to provide every employee with a clear roadmap to partnership. The program recognizes individuals who consistently drive the firm’s success and integrates them more deeply into our strategic direction, operations, and culture.

“These promotions underscore our commitment to expanding leadership in a thoughtful, intentional way,” added Barrow. “As we continue to scale nationally, having the right leaders at the table is critical to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients and creating long-term value for the firm.”

With these additions, we further strengthen our leadership team as we continue to invest in innovation, client service, and strategic growth across our consulting and staffing offerings.

The post The Alliance Group Announces Five New Partner Promotions, Expanding Leadership to Support Firm’s Next Phase of Growth appeared first on The Alliance Group.

What’s Different This Time

Classic ZBB required painful manual reviews and endless justification meetings. The modern version uses AI-powered analytics and automation to make the process continuous and dynamic. It’s not about blanket cuts. It’s about aligning resources with priorities in real time.

What CFOs Should Be Thinking About

1. Continuous Re-Evaluation: Rather than setting budgets once a year, CFOs can leverage automation to monitor actuals vs. planned spend monthly or even weekly, allowing faster course corrections.
2. Performance-Linked Allocation: Use predictive models to identify which investments generate the highest ROI, and reallocate capital accordingly.
3. Visibility Across Functions: Integrate finance and operational data to track how spend ties to business outcomes: marketing ROI, supply chain efficiency, and headcount productivity.
4. Scenario Planning: Simulate cost structures under different revenue projections, inflation assumptions, or growth scenarios.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Successful ZBB 2.0 requires transparency and partnership with department leaders, not top-down mandates. Technology makes this collaboration easier through real-time dashboards and shared workflows.

CFOs implementing ZBB 2.0 report leaner cost structures, improved agility, and renewed trust from boards and investors. Instead of reactive cost cuts, they’re proactively optimizing spend to fund innovation and growth.

Want to bring next-generation cost discipline to your organization?

Alliance’s consulting teams can help CFOs redesign budgeting frameworks, integrate automation tools, and align spend with strategic goals. Reach out today to explore how we can help you implement Zero-Based Budgeting 2.0 for sustainable growth.

The post Zero-Based Budgeting 2.0 — Rethinking Spend in the Age of Automation appeared first on The Alliance Group.

Supporting Growth Across the U.S.

Alliance has long been a hub for supporting organizations in government contracting, technology, private equity, and beyond. As Alliance strengthens our national presence, Alex will be instrumental in helping clients across these industries access the resources, expertise, and strategic partnership they need to succeed.

Alex’s focus will be on building strong client relationships and ensuring organizations have access to Alliance’s full spectrum of services, which include:

• M&A Services
• Month-End Close Support
• Financial Reporting
• Technical Accounting
• Business Systems & Technology
• Business Transformation
• Interim Support
• Executive Search

Alex brings a proven track record of developing and managing client relationships across diverse industries. With his consultative approach, he is passionate about connecting business leaders with the right resources to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful outcomes.

Outside of work, Alex is known for his collaborative nature and dedication to building authentic partnerships, qualities that align perfectly with Alliance’s values and our commitment to being The People You Need, The Partner You Want.

Looking Ahead

The addition of Alex reflects Alliance’s continued growth as a national consulting partner and our commitment to delivering exceptional value to clients in every market we serve. His leadership in business development will be key as we continue to expand our reach and support the evolving needs of finance and business leaders across the country.

Please join us in welcoming Alex Genschoreck to Alliance.

Learn more about how we support the Office of the CFO and connect with us here.

The post Alliance Welcomes Alex Genschoreck as the Newest Member of the Business Development Team appeared first on The Alliance Group.

Founded in Washington, D.C. in 2012, Alliance began by helping companies build high-performing finance teams. But as client needs evolved, so did Alliance. Today, the firm delivers high-impact consulting solutions nationwide, across finance, accounting, business systems, and technology, while continuing to provide best-in-class interim staffing and executive search services to support the full talent lifecycle.

With a team of over 100 consultants, including former Big 4 professionals and seasoned industry experts, Alliance partners with mid- to large-sized organizations coast to coast, offering hands-on execution and strategic insight to help clients navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful transformation.

“This rebrand was a long time coming,” said Brian Meadows, Chief Growth Officer at Alliance. “Our clients have always looked to us as strategic partners, and now our brand fully reflects that. Over the past year, we’ve invested in our own transformation so we can better support theirs.”

Alliance now operates across eight defined practice areas that reflect the breadth and depth of its consulting capabilities:

• Financial Reporting
• M&A Services
• Technical Accounting
• Month-End Close Support
• Business Systems & Technology
• Business Transformation
• Interim Support
• Executive Search

“At our core, we’re built for the Office of the CFO,” said Ed Barrow, Chief Executive Officer at Alliance. “We don’t just fill gaps, we help finance organizations across the country become smarter, faster, and more strategic. This rebrand marks an exciting new chapter where we’re doubling down on the value we deliver and the national impact we can make.”

Alliance’s evolution comes at a pivotal time. Organizations across industries are facing increasing complexity, from acquisitions and system implementations to evolving audit and compliance demands. Alliance offers a uniquely comprehensive and scalable solution, serving clients nationwide with consulting services that adapt to each organization’s goals, structure, and stage of growth.

Why the New Brand Matters

• Built for the Office of the CFO: From transaction-driven consulting to long-term transformation, Alliance delivers the talent and expertise to support every corner of the finance function.
• One Partner. Complete Solution: Clients no longer need multiple vendors. Alliance combines consulting, interim staffing, and executive search under one roof.
• Scalable Support, Nationwide: Whether preparing for an audit, integrating a new acquisition, or rolling out a new ERP system, Alliance delivers the right resources, when and where they’re needed.

A Culture Rooted in Excellence

Recognized as one of the best places to work, and with nine consecutive years on the Inc 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S., Alliance’s culture is defined by excellence and innovation. Its team-first approach and deep commitment to client success have fueled the firm’s national expansion and reputation as a trusted partner to the Office of the CFO.

The post The Alliance Group Launches Bold Rebrand appeared first on The Alliance Group.