We believe that experience matters and this goes far beyond finance and accountancy skills. Here are some of the things we deal with as Finance Directors (FDs) and as financially experienced Non Executive Directors (NEDs). Take a look and see if there’s something here that would help you in your business:
Insightful management information (MI)
Monthly (or more frequent) reporting and analysis.
Typically, more detailed and insightful financial information, including:
- Identification and reporting of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Some words of explanation and commercial insight, not just a page full of numbers.
- The metrics that drive value in your business. Which are your most profitable products, customers and markets; which generate the greatest levels of positive cash flow?
Cash flow management and forecasting
Cash flow forecasting: identifying the gaps and the underlying position and assessing what is required, particularly when expanding or approaching investors or lenders.
Optimising working capital to maximise cash headroom and minimise the need for borrowings.
Cash flow crisis management and getting you back on an even keel. Cash is still ‘King’.
Raising finance
Securing equity or debt (including term facilities), working capital and revolving (working capital) facilities, peer to peer (P2P) facilities.
Preparing the business case for funders/investors and the business for a flotation or sale – sometimes a process planned over several years, not just months and so the business is ready when the corporate finance advisers are invited to the party.
Re-negotiating existing banking facilities.
Financial modelling
Integrated financial forecasts with monthly P&L accounts, balance sheets and cash flows, with annual summaries and graphs to allow the effect of changes in the estimates made to be easily seen. A tool for managing the business, not only for fund raising or assessing one-off projects.
Some say financial forecasts are always ‘wrong’ but the key is to be able to assess the “what ifs” and the impacts of potential variations on the forecast and particularly cash.
Strategic planning
Developing a concise, action-oriented road map for your business. Without a plan, effectively communicated, you are less likely to achieve your ambitions.
Team development and mentoring
Overseeing and managing the accounts/finance function and training your finance staff to be more effective. We work with our clients’ in-house staff to optimise their contribution and to help them develop. This improves staff retention and ensures our work is delivered cost-effectively.
We also arrange management accounting and bookkeeping services.
Overall, we look to be that invaluable business partner to other departments in your company, maximising potential all around.
Financial staff recruitment
As your finance team evolves; assistance with drafting job descriptions and candidate specifications.
From our own experience recruiting for our own business, we recognise the risk of relying solely on CVs and interviews. We design tests to assess short-listed candidates’ capabilities for the specific job in question.
Tax mitigation and compliance
Preparing data for R&D tax claims and tax returns before submission to your tax advisers to ensure their service is efficient.
Acquisitions and Disposals
Deal negotiation: what’s the right price to pay? What are your ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to haves’? Where can you afford to concede? What does a good deal look like?
Post deal integration planning – as important as the acquisition due diligence.
Accounting systems and procedures
Reviews of financial systems and accounting processes. Developing an action plan of any matters to be addressed.
Getting the most out of your IT systems.
Helping with financial system selection and implementation – we understand what SME’s require and ensure they don’t end up with something designed for larger corporates.
Representing your business and taking unnecessary tasks off your desk
We can engage with your other external professional advisers and bankers ensuring the right advice is obtained at the right time and in the right way.
For example, ensuring that what can be done in house is done first and that information is collected before engaging other expert services, such as from lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, financiers etc. and making sure their work remains commercial and is tailored to achieve the best outcome.
Corporate Governance
Effective chairing and board development: setting or helping to set objectives and expectation for your senior management team.
Board representation; fulfilling NED roles.
HR support
Senior HR Director input at key moments, supporting your staff with e.g. Contract discussions or Business mergers.
Ultimately, it’s all about adding value, making a difference and helping you to achieve your ambitions.
