Profitability : Clarity : Growth
I help Yorkshire-based SME businesses to increase their profitability by growing confidence in their numbers, understanding their cashflow and thinking strategically.
Are you a Yorkshire-based business owner struggling to stay on top of your finances and feeling the impact of not having a clear understanding of your numbers? You know you could benefit from the expertise of a Finance Director, but a full-time role just isn’t feasible for your business. A Portfolio Finance Director offers the perfect balance, providing expert guidance and support tailored to your needs – without the commitment or cost of a full-time employee.
What to Expect
A Finance Director, full-time or portfolio, should bring experience, leadership and challenge to the business, and be influential in supporting your business into the future.
As a Portfolio Finance Director, I offer this support on a very part-time basis to a portfolio of clients, with each client having a bespoke package, anything from 1day/month to 2days/week.
Alongside the standard Finance Director attributes, I also bring a strong drive to build trusted relationships. Getting to know you and your business is important to me, I’m not there just to talk numbers! So yes, I help clients understand their business financials, make improvements and plan whilst empowering teams to overcome challenges and work toward a shared goal with passion and enthusiasm.
Whether your business is facing challenges, opportunities, or a mix of both, now could be the perfect time to work with a Portfolio Finance Director.
“Fiona’s approach was very friendly and it was good to bounce queries and ideas off an experienced finance director, and get quality feedback.”
Approach
Understanding
Having clarity on the financial health of your business will increase your confidence to make accurate and timely decisions for your business.
After reviewing your business financials can you “paint a picture” of the current position, with enough detail that the person listening also understands the financial position? You cannot be an expert in all areas but understanding the financials and having clear actions to help your business thrive is so important.
With over 25 years’ experience I have an instinct of where to focus, what connections look unusual, and where the financials don’t align with the spoken explanation. With a fresh view, my questions often expose areas which have been hidden for some time. Nobody wants unwanted surprises, and having clarity on the financial health will increase your confidence to make accurate and timely decisions for your business.
There are no stupid questions, so ask away, and let’s together watch your business thrive!
Ready for Growth
You will have growth plans for your business, but have you thought what this means for the business financials and the Finance function?
How high is Finance on your priorities? For your business to thrive it is important to have an expert in your corner; allowing you to concentrate on your passion in the knowledge that I will challenge, improve, and strengthen the financials and the Finance team
I have supported business owners and leadership teams, and managed Finance departments throughout my career, and having the time to listen, challenge and share knowledge is one of the areas I love! For an in-house finance team work often involves historic reporting and dealing with the now, and there’s not always time or resources to interpret, challenge or look forward, which is where I can add value.
I know that unravelling what has been the norm can be difficult, which is why my collaborative approach allows teams to navigate the change with confidence, ownership and agility. I believe there are no stupid questions, and I always encourage questions, and duplicated questions if the answer doesn’t give them what they need. With the right preparation your business will be ready to springboard into the future!
Futureproofing
Finance is not just reporting the past… Can you fast forward, and visualise, your business in the future, in 5 or 10 years time?
Business owners often focus on the current financial year and whilst this is important, having sight of what is coming towards you, both externally and internally is powerful. I understand it is difficult to let go of the restrictions but I encourage business owners to share their vision so we know what step changes are needed for the vision to become a reality.
“Three words to describe Fiona – Inspiring, influential, and leader. Fiona has an unique skill in enabling you to look at things in a different light in order to obtain the best outcome.”
Sarah, food and drink sector
Services
Diagnostic
When I start with a new client one of the first things I complete is a Diagnostic; a tailored high-level review, which looks at the “health” of the financials (this can include Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cashflow, processes, and customer & product profitability). Once complete we will discuss the findings so we both understand where the business is now.
I’ll help you answer the all-important “So what?” question and provide action-based recommendations to maximise financial potential. This can be completed as a standalone project, or part of an ongoing Portfolio FD relationship.
Standalone Diagnostic Packages start from £2500
Finance Team Coaching
As your business grows your Finance team will also need to continually develop to reach their full potential. I have coached finance teams throughout my career, and I can quickly build rapport and motivate teams. My collaborative approach will help challenge the norm, embrace difference and navigate the changes with confidence, resilience and agility.
With my guidance, your teams will feel confident, supported and empowered, and in turn help you will get the best from your business financials.
Standalone Finance Team Coaching Packages start from £150/month
Portfolio Finance Director
This package provides tailored senior-level financial expertise, support, and mentoring specific to the needs of your business. An ongoing relationship supporting you to navigate the financial rollercoaster of running a business, whilst only paying for what you need!
From budgeting to cashflow forecasting, ensuring reports are fit for purpose, upgrading accounting systems, strategic financial planning and team mentoring, I offer a range of valuable services to strengthen the long-term financial health of your business.
Portfolio FD Packages start from £1000/month
“I think there is an art to demystifying and simplifying the complexity of finance and Fiona has definitely mastered this – her knowledge is distilled in an easy-to-understand way and she is focused on delivering the core objective of the task. Very well organised, great communication and a personable way of working. I would certainly recommend Fiona to assist with managing financial understanding and performance.”
John, MD of Yorkshire-based healthcare organisation
About
I come with over 25 years’ experience, first as an employee with household names Fox’s Biscuits, Hallmark Cards, and Bettys & Taylors, then as an experienced Portfolio FD.
As a CIMA Membership in Practice and with strong technical knowledge, my expertise extends beyond the conventional, incorporating future visioning and strategic thinking.
I was a Finalist in the 2024 Yorkshire Businesswoman awards and was so proud to be recognised for what my business is about … supporting Yorkshire businesses to thrive, grow confidence in their numbers, understand their cashflow and increase their profitability.
Outside work, I live in Leeds with my husband, son, and crazy Cocker Spaniel. I enjoy walking, watching my son play sport and meeting friends for cake, coffee – and cocktails! I have been PTA Treasurer Trustee for my local primary school since 2021 and as a committee, we are thrilled to have raised over £40k in the last 3years!!
