How we helped one of D.C.’s most innovative marketing and communications agencies streamline their financial management, enhance reporting and analysis, and lay a solid foundation for growth.

About Our Client 

Social Driver is known as one of the most innovative and impactful marketing communications agencies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. Renowned for its people-centered strategies, Social Driver specializes in solutions ranging from website redesigns for nonprofits and associations to crisis communications and reputation management for leading brands. It has received numerous accolades for its culture and performance, including Agency of the Year by Webflow and National Minority Marketing and Communication Firm of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

The Challenge 

Since the company’s founding in 2011, Social Driver has recognized the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the agency as it continues to grow. Leadership was keenly aware of the value of a top-notch support system and consistently sought the best financial, compliance, and legal support teams, whether internal or external.  

When Leslie Albrecht, Senior Vice President of People and Operations, began her career at Social Driver in 2012, the agency’s financials were becoming increasingly complex. Social Driver was expanding its operations into more U.S. states and taking on larger corporate clients, who also had complicated finances. Social Driver needed efficient and timely reporting, and Leslie needed external support to continue focusing on running the agency’s internal operations as the organization grew. 

Our Approach 

Social Driver was already working with BlueStone Accounting Solution’s parent company, KatzAbosch, for tax services. Their KatzAbosch advisor introduced agency leaders to BlueStone, and Social Driver engaged us for transaction management, fractional CFO, and controller services. 

Early on, we had numerous meetings with Social Driver leaders to understand the processes they had in place. Our original goal was to replicate what they were already doing and locate areas for improvement. 

Social Driver needed a streamlined financial management solution, so we implemented QuickBooks Online—a cost-effective and user-friendly solution that easily integrates with various applications, making it the perfect choice for our clients.  

We also modified Social Driver’s monthly reporting dashboards to enhance their capabilities and provide more valuable information. For example, we created reporting broken down by class to give leadership visibility into the effectiveness of their various revenue streams, enabling them to evaluate the performance of each business line. 

In addition, we assisted Social Driver with: 

• Financial planning, including budgets, projections, and cash flow management consulting 
• Internal controls and compliance 
• System upgrades and optimization 
• Monthly closes and reporting 
• General ledger transactions 
• Financial statements 
• Bill payments 
• Invoicing and payment tracking 
• Bank reconciliation services 

“We needed somebody to lean on…[The BlueStone team] is very attentive, and very fast to respond; they’re a trusted advisor.” 

– Leslie Albrecht, Senior VP of People and Operations, Social Driver 

Results 

A One-Stop Shop for Tax and Outsourced Accounting 

Our BlueStone team works directly with Social Driver’s KatzAbosch tax professionals, eliminating miscommunication and allowing us to process returns promptly. With their outsourced accounting and tax services under one roof, Social Driver leaders can rest assured about the quality and accuracy of their financials, enabling them to continue focusing on growing the business. 

“The relationship that [BlueStone] has with KatzAbosch makes it very efficient. Our financials are all undergoing one stringent review process…When we’ve had to submit financial reports, we’ve received compliments on how clean and well-managed they are. It was a proud moment for me and a testament to BlueStone’s processes.” 

– Leslie Albrecht, Senior VP of People and Operations, Social Driver 

Enhanced Reporting and Analysis 

With enhanced reporting capabilities, Social Driver leaders have complete visibility into their finances, allowing them to make better business decisions. We consult with leadership on a monthly basis to assess our findings and inform key decisions about the company’s future. 

“The reporting and analysis are really impressive. We always have good conversations with [our advisors]; they provide great margin analysis, and it’s helping us grow as a company.” 

– Leslie Albrecht, Senior VP of People and Operations, Social Driver 

Greater Focus on Client Needs 

By outsourcing their accounting needs, Social Driver leadership has more time to focus on their clients and internal functions, as well as a team of trusted advisors to support them as the agency grows. We have scheduled monthly and quarterly meetings with Social Driver leaders, but the team knows that we’re just a phone call away if they have any questions, concerns, or ideas. 

“With [BlueStone’s] support, we’re able to take the time we need to make sure that we’re getting back to our clients in a timely manner and getting them what they need. [BlueStone’s] support allows my team to focus on that rather than coding expenses at the end of the month.” 

– Leslie Albrecht, Senior VP of People and Operations, Social Driver 

A Trusted Advisor to Grow With 

We still work closely with Social Driver and have collaborated with leadership on multiple special projects. For example, we consult with leaders on managing their cash flow and providing more personal tax advice, such as setting up investment accounts and advising on the optimal amounts to maintain in each. 

Leslie played a role in the firm’s rapid growth, expanding to serve clients not only in the D.C. region but throughout the U.S. As Social Driver continues to grow, leaders can rest assured that BlueStone and KatzAbosch have the breadth of services they need to scale with the agency’s increasingly complex needs. 

“We’re such a night and day company between when we first engaged and now…We were a company poised for growth, and we want to continue to grow, and Bluestone has been a big pillar in that. Bluestone has definitely impacted us positively.” 

– Leslie Albrecht, Senior VP of People and Operations, Social Driver