The organization was blind to its true financial position.

In addition to system limitations, there were serious compliance concerns. The Symphony’s complex performance payroll – governed by a collective bargaining agreement – was out of compliance with the 12-day post-performance pay rule. Their HR/payroll system, ADP, couldn’t handle the multi-jurisdictional tax needs and onboarding for their rotating musician roster.

There were no I-9s on file for many musicians. Employee files were inconsistent and incomplete. Many had no direct deposit.

The Symphony was in a vulnerable position, both financially and legally.

To top it off, manual, inefficient processes slowed operations and increased errors. Everything from bill payments (via paper checks) to approvals required physical handoffs, introducing delays and errors.

It was clear the organization needed stronger financial systems, more viable, consistent reporting, and information to help with day-to-day decision-making.
Recognizing the urgency, Mary Ellen reached out to TurboExecs. She knew something had to change if the Symphony was going to keep its doors open.

Clarity in Uncertain Times

Months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Guy McIntosh was hired as Executive Director.

He felt that if TurboExecs hadn’t been hired, the Symphony would have likely pieced together financial support from various sources, which he admits would have been inefficient.

TurboExecs uses a structured process to help clients restore financial clarity, which is how we helped Lancaster Symphony Orchestra transform from financial crisis to stabilization.

Step One: Initial Assessment, Gap Analysis and Transition Setup

We began with discovery, clean-up, and transition planning in collaboration with Mary Ellen and LSO’s Program and Events Director, Melinda. Tasks included:

• Secured remote access to QuickBooks Desktop and obtained ADP credentials.
• Scanned and organized initial handoff documents and unpaid invoices.
• Located and recovered missing files from LSO’s former bookkeeper.
• Set up a dedicated email box to manage deliverables tied to performance and board reporting deadlines.

Step Two: Systems Conversion and Workflow Design

After stabilizing immediate risks, we tackled the Symphony’s outdated and inefficient manual processes:

• Converted QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online for increased efficiency and access to financial records.
• Transitioned payroll processing from ADP to Innova, which improved tax compliance and onboarding efficiency.
• Designed and implemented online bill pay process and workflows through a local financial institution, Fulton Bank, removing the reliance on paper checks.
• Created onboarding templates, standardized spreadsheet formats for performance payroll, and introduced a structured weekly approval workflow for payables.

Step Three: Operational Stabilization and Reliable Ongoing Support

Once the Symphony was on stable financial ground, we moved on to step three to strengthen operations.

Restored Resilience, Confidence, and Trust

TurboExecs didn’t just bring the Symphony out of crisis. We helped them build a stronger financial foundation for the future.

The turnaround was significant:

• The board received its first accrual-based, fully reconciled P&L and balance sheet in years, restoring confidence in the Symphony’s financial leadership.
• Musicians were consistently paid on time and with greater accuracy, honoring the terms of their collective bargaining agreement and restoring goodwill with the musicians.
• Administrative errors were reduced through a streamlined onboarding process—a major relief given the rotating nature of the ensemble.
• The Symphony remained operational through the pandemic, securing and properly accounting PPP loans and grants.
• The finance function was transformed – from a reactive scramble to a stable, well-oiled business office.

With accurate and timely reports in place, Mary Ellen was finally able to step back from daily operations, knowing the organization had trustworthy systems and people in place.

Reflecting on the bigger picture, Guy shared how much more was at stake than just the numbers:

“We’re a nonprofit organization, and the Lancaster Symphony matters to the community. It’s a vital cultural resource for the community, not just because of the concerts, but our music education, our outreach, our connection to the community. And none of that’s possible without financial health, which TurboExecs definitely helped make possible.”

Looking ahead, he described the Symphony’s stronger position:

“We’re in a pretty stable (financial) point right now. We went from almost closing the doors to executing a strategic plan that includes debt elimination, building cash reserves, and increasing development capacity. TurboExecs definitely played a role in that transition from crisis to stabilization.”

Is Your Organization Facing Financial Uncertainty or Operational Overwhelm?

TurboExecs specializes in helping nonprofits like Lancaster Symphony Orchestra move from crisis to clarity—with the systems, structure, and support needed to thrive.

Let’s talk about how we can help your organization build stability, regain control, and move forward with confidence.