BizSugar.com › Human Resources › What Happens if Brian Leaves? The Key Employee Problem.

Brian is great at what he does. Brian is your controller—he manages all of the accounting for your small business. He keeps all of the company's expenses properly documented, finds all of the tax deductions, manages payroll, pays all the bills, negotiates for better rates on the company's health plans, and keeps a sharp eye on all of your accounts receivable. He's an all-star employee.

So what would you do if Brian was in a car accident and couldn't come to work any longer? What if Brian jumps ship and leaves for greener pastures without giving you any prior notice? How would you get someone to fill his shoes in his absence?