Accountant Spotlight: Craig Gainsboro at Ignition Consultants

Our Accounting Spotlights highlight inspirational leaders in the profession who are making a difference for their clients and community. Know someone who deserves to be featured? Submit a nomination. ‍

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In our latest Accountant Spotlight Series, we're thrilled to introduce Craig Gainsboro, Founder and CEO of Ignition Consultants. 

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Did you know you can also nominate an accountant for one of our spotlights?

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With that, let us dive into Craig's story, which is one of strategic insight, adaptability, and a passion for finance.

From business school to Big 4 CFO

Craig pursued a business degree, inspired by his entrepreneurial parents, and pursued an accounting major as he always liked solving puzzles.

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After an internship with Deloitte, Craig had a renewed passion for understanding and improving company efficiencies. Craig's career expanded and took him from E&Y to PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served as CFO for their Tax and Advisory Lines of Service for 15 years.

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With over 20 years as a CFO, Craig founded Ignition Consultants in 2015, focusing on providing high-level strategic CFO services. Ignition Consultants provide immediate, strategic operational finance and accounting solutions, such as budgeting and financial modeling to facilitate equity and debt raises. Their team joins customers to guide their business, improving management of burn and guiding outside investor expectations.

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His focus on building strong, lasting relationships with select clients is central to his and his firm's success. As Craig advised his fellow CFOs, “Life is too short and too long to work with people you don’t like.” Outside of work, Craig is a dedicated family man who enjoys traveling with his family and attending music festivals. His hobbies include baseball card collecting with his son, staying active with gym workouts, and walking his dog.

A diverse and impactful approach

Craig and his team at Ignition Consultants are known for their ability to work with founders and capital allocators at crucial decision-making points. His firm has grown through word-of-mouth, specializing in diverse industries from emerging technologies to life sciences.

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They excel at implementing cost-effective finance tech solutions and supporting strategic financing, having been part of teams raising over $2 billion in venture equity and debt.

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One of Craig's notable achievements includes leading a $5 million venture debt financing for a high-growth tech company, saving them significant costs and securing the best terms.

Embracing technology in strategic finance

Craig and Ignition Consultants are embracing AI and machine learning to enhance their strategic finance services in the rapidly evolving field of accounting. They skillfully recruit and support clients with advanced tools like Ramp's vendor spend analysis.

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This innovative approach keeps Ignition Consultants at the forefront, combining financial expertise with technological efficiency.

In summary

Craig Gainsboro's journey in finance is a narrative of strategic thinking, dedication, and a commitment to enriching relationships. His story highlights the evolving role of CFOs in today's business landscape.

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At Ramp, we celebrate Craig's innovative approach and his significant impact on the finance industry.

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