More than ten years ago Kenneth Juncker and a few colleagues had the idea to develop a modular track-driven system, one that would enable off-road equipment manufacturers to easily convert their products from wheels to tracks. With this idea, ATI, Inc. was born. Headquartered in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, ATI has grown to nine employees with outsourced manufacturing and produces hundreds of track systems to suit numerous applications for all terrain conditions. This growing small business serves both national and international customers.

Resources for a Growing Company

As the company grew, so did their need to outsource some basic functions. Until two years ago, Juncker, Chairman, was performing all the bookkeeping duties himself. This left little time to focus on growing his business. His bank referred him to a local CPA and consulting firm, Harding, Shymanksi & Company, P.S.C., (HSC) who specializes in helping small to mid-sized companies fulfill their accounting and tax needs.

“It quickly became overwhelming,” says Juncker. “There wasn’t enough time in the day to develop and market our product and keep the financials up-to-date. HSC took care of the accounting function allowing me to focus on my business.”

HSC quickly began performing many services for ATI, including accounts receivable and payable, general ledger adjusting entries, payroll, and tax returns for the S Corp.

“We essentially act as ATI’s outsourced controller,” notes Terri Koch, an accountant and a supervisor in the Accounting Services Plus Department at HSC. “At first, Ken was doing it all himself, developing his company as well as the bookkeeping, and it got to be too much. Working with us allows Ken and the other shareholders time to concentrate on their product.”

“HSC takes care of all the day-to-day details,” agrees Juncker. “I have confidence in their ability to take care of our bookkeeping function timely and accurately.”

QuickBooks® online is a feature Koch says helps ATI stay on top of their financial information. “Everything we do is updated daily online,” explains Koch. “So ATI can log on anytime, 24 hours a day, and see up-to-the-minute information. They can print financials, look at inventory, it’s all right there.”
Always on the Look-Out for Savings

In addition to bookkeeping functions, HSC recently helped ATI complete a very extensive review of their research and development expenses that will yield long term tax benefits.

“As we worked with ATI to get an understanding of their business, we realized the nature of their business and their trial-and-error product development would qualify for significant federal and state R&D credits. We worked with them to gather the necessary information to file refund claims for prior years as well as credits for future years.” says Kathy Ettensohn of HSC.
ATI’s Future on Track

“ATI can depend on us for their every day needs, as well as their future needs,” says Koch.

“As ATI grows, we will continue to use HSC services,” agrees Juncker. “They have proven to be responsive, accurate, and knowledgeable by providing professional, courteous service to ATI.”

For more information on HSC’s outsourced accounting services, or research and development studies, please call Matthew Folz, CPA, at (812) 491-1391.