Stabilizing and scaling financial operations for a growing multi-entity real estate firm

Client background

The small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) client is a multi-entity real estate company managing a growing portfolio with increasing operational complexity. As the organization expanded, its accounting needs became more sophisticated, requiring more structured financial processes and enhanced visibility into property-level costs and overall performance.

Business challenge

The client needed to stabilize its accounting environment, clean up historical financial records and implement a reliable monthly close process across entities. In addition, leadership required clear and predictable cost structures for budgeting, as well as guidance on improving operational efficiency through automation and administrative support services. Further, the client wanted to automate more back-office human resources (HR) and payroll processes. Although the client was using a strong payroll platform, many of the processes, such as open enrollment, were still being performed manually. Due to limited internal payroll and HR capabilities, the client required support to effectively manage and mitigate workforce-related risks.

The organization faced several challenges, including incomplete and unreliable historical accounting records that required significant cleanup before accurate reporting could occur. Multiple entities require varying levels of support, making it difficult to standardize processes and pricing. At the same time, leadership lacked cost clarity for future planning and needed to evaluate additional services such as accounts payable (AP) automation and payroll /HR support without overcommitting resources prematurely.

Baker Tilly solution

Baker Tilly implemented a structured and transparent approach that addressed both immediate remediation needs and long-term scalability. The team began with a comprehensive cleanup of 2025 financial records to establish a reliable foundation for reporting and decision-making.

To support ongoing operations, the team introduced a flexible monthly accounting model tailored to each entity, an approach aligned with best practices in Accounting and Finance Services (AFS). Rather than locking the client into fixed pricing too early, estimated ranges were provided and refined over time based on actual workload and operational changes. This ensured fairness and adaptability as the organization evolved.

In parallel, the team recommended accounts payable automation through Bill.com to streamline invoice processing and strengthen financial controls, while still allowing the client flexibility in how much support they retained internally. Additionally, payroll and HR services were installed as a modular solution, complementing the broader AFS outsourced strategy by centralizing the payroll and HR administrative and employee-related back-office functions without requiring a rigid service bundle.

Results achieved

This engagement delivered meaningful value by stabilizing and modernizing the client’s financial operations, creating a scalable and transparent operating environment. Cleanup efforts produced reliable accounting records, enabling accurate reporting and stronger, data-driven decision-making. Leadership now has clear visibility into both current and future costs, improving budgeting effectiveness for 2026.

The flexible delivery model aligned cost with actual support needs, while automation and optional HR services introduced new efficiencies. As a result, the engagement deepened the client relationship and positioned Baker Tilly as a long-term strategic advisor.

Build a stronger financial foundation

Organizations managing multiple entities need more than basic accounting support, they need clarity, scalability and strategic insight. Baker Tilly helps businesses clean up the past, optimize the present, and plan confidently for the future. Connect with our team to learn how we can support your financial operations.