There’s a lot of talk these days about Portfolio FDs and CFOs, and whether or not businesses need one. So what is a Portfolio FD/CFO, and do you need one for your business?
As a business grows, one of the most important roles within the company is that of the finance director or CFO. With average salaries at well over £100k, it is often a role that is too costly for most start-ups or SMEs and more often than not businesses of this size don’t need someone full-time. A portfolio FD or CFO can be an attractive alternative as they provide a tailored service for each business at a fraction of the cost of hiring someone full-time.
Portfolio CFOs are strategic financial professionals who work with businesses on a part-time basis. They provide businesses with critical insights into their overall financial strategy. They work with CEOs, business owners, and other senior executives to develop long-term financial plans, advise on investments and acquisitions, and provide insights into market trends. In short, they help businesses make smart financial decisions that will impact the bottom line.
They can be extremely beneficial for businesses of all sizes and will provide valuable insights into trends that may impact your business. They will give you oversight into how your business will be impacted by changes in the market and can offer advice and guidance on a variety of financial topics, from cash flow management to tax planning.
An experienced Portfolio CFO will help you make better strategic decisions with your financial resources. By providing accurate and timely financial information, they will help your business stay on track financially and avoid costly mistakes. Having someone with this level of expertise on your team can help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of business and ensure that you are making the best possible decisions for your company's future.
The primary concern for start-ups and SMEs when hiring a full-time Financial Director is whether they will have sufficient projects to work on. This isn't often the case, meaning they typically take on projects that could be given to someone more junior. With a typical FD's salary coming in at around £100k, it's important to make sure they're adding value to the company.
Make sure you find someone with the right skills and experience. They should have a good understanding of your market or have skills that are transferrable from another and have a strong understanding of financial planning and analysis, as well as experience in strategic decision-making.
It's really important that the Portfolio FD/CFO is a good fit for your company culture. They should be able to work with your team and communicate effectively with senior executives. You want them to be able to hit the ground running and start adding value to the business from day one.
A good CFO should always be aware of the latest financial guidance about your business. This ensures they provide insight into the latest legislation, as well as any new grants or schemes that might be available. They should also keep on top of their ethical and professional requirements - as part of their membership to the relevant accounting bodies. This allows them to provide sound financial advice to their clients, free from any potential conflict of interest.
A Portfolio CFO will help your business to streamline financial processes and improve your overall strategic planning. By working with a Portfolio CFO, you can expect to receive expert advice and support in the following areas:
1. Financial Planning and Analysis: The Portfolio CFO will work with you to create a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your business strategy. They will also help you track key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that you are on track to meeting your goals. They will track your spending and budgeting, and provide valuable insights into where your money is best spent.
2. Corporate Financial Management: They will manage or oversee your company's financial operations, including accounting, tax compliance, and financial management. They will help to reduce costs and improve profitability. By analysing financial data, a Portfolio CFO can identify areas where the company can save money and make changes that will increase profits.
3. Debt and Equity Financing: They can help you secure financing for your business by working with banks or other lenders. They can also help you negotiate terms and conditions for loans or credit lines.
4. Risk Management: The Portfolio CFO will help you identify and manage financial risks such as interest rate and currency fluctuations or credit defaults. They can also recommend strategies to protect your business against these risks.
5. Strategic Financial Planning: The Portfolio CFO can help you develop a long-term financial strategy for your business, including goal setting, cash flow forecasting, and risk assessment. They can also help you negotiate deals and make sound investments.
Having a Portfolio CFO on your team can help you make more informed financial decisions and improve your overall bottom line. Working with a Portfolio CFO can be an extremely beneficial decision for your business. By having an experienced strategic financial advisor on your side, you can ensure that your accounts and finances are always in good order and that you're making sound strategic decisions when it comes to where to allocate your resources.
If you're looking for help managing your finances or want advice on how to grow your business, please contact me on +44 7703 797072 or alex@totalfdsolutions.co.uk for a no-obligation discovery call to see how I can help you. No matter what your needs are, I'm confident that I can help you achieve your financial goals.