Broadly, there are four things a good FD adds to any business:
No business can grow profitably without solid, consistent, up to date performance information that looks at:
Mostly these are routines that happen every day, week or month and need to work like a well-oiled machine:
Without these processes and systems working well, the financial information required simply won’t be produced in a useful way.
Ensuring that everyone in the business is aware of the financial dimensions of their job, particularly when making decisions.
Investing in new assets, buying / selling businesses, promoting or recruiting senior staff, lease renewal. These are some of the issues that pop up from time to time and require experienced financial input. But they don’t arise every day.
Everything listed above is a valuable contribution to your business and to many others, these are real-world financial needs.
But they’re not full-time and they don’t require a high annual salary cost to get them done.
Indeed, if you have a full-time FD – do they actually have a full-time job?
A far better answer for most businesses is to bring in a part-time FD to:
This gives your business the best of both worlds – the senior financial input you need but without a full-time cost.
It’s a solution that an FD would be proud of!
We’ve taken on the part-time FD role for scores of businesses in and around London ever since we opened our doors.
We know the role and our people have all worked in finance teams in businesses like yours.
And clients say things like this about us:
“Their tailored solutions, commitment to excellence, and depth of knowledge make them an indispensable asset.
With Blue Dot Consulting, you can confidently navigate change and emerge stronger and more efficient. “
This is not an easy space to navigate, partly because bringing in a part-time FD isn’t something you do every day.
But like so many decisions, having someone to talk it over with is a really good start. So, let’s have a chat about your business and explore some ideas.
As members of the ICAEW Business Advice Service the first meeting is free.
Call Michael Austin on 020 7125 0270 or email info@bluedotconsulting.co.uk and we can go from there.
Michael
Frequently asked questions
Finance director v bookkeeper or both?
Every business needs decent accounting software and that software requires good bookkeeping. So there’s always a need for bookkeeping resources, whether they are in-house or external.
The FD/CFO helps the bookkeeper get the numbers right and get the right numbers flowing through your business to help improve financial performance.
Fractional CFO / part-time FD – what’s the difference?
There’s no difference, just a lot of different names being used for the same thing!
How long do we need the part-time FD for?
The role changes as progress is made. The smart move is for most of the finance work to be handed over to other staff as and when you know things are working smoothly. The FD will have less of a role and maybe they move on or maybe they stay involved in a much-reduced but high-level role.
Related links:
We don’t believe in forms, we believe in talking to people, finding out your needs and tailor-making a solution just for you.
Give us a ring on 020 7125 0270 or email us at info@bluedotconsulting.co.uk
“Michael and the Blue Dot team have been an essential part of our journey from startup through to being an established company, and we look forward to continuing working together long into the future. They have always been on hand to offer support and sound advice whenever it is needed.”
“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”
“Blue Dot Consulting went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.
Their deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges was evident from the outset. They provided unwavering support to our team, ensuring they felt confident and well-prepared for the changes ahead.”
“Thank you again for your help and training so far – it’s honestly been invaluable.”
“I’m no expert but it has been transformative the help and advice I get from Michael and his team.
Michael was fantastic. He quizzed me on how my business worked financially and was super patient with me. Explaining everything in a non-accountancy manner. He then showed me how to utilise all the less obvious tools in the program, which he continues to do, so that I can see immediately what monies held belonged to my company and what is held for clients. I now do my own VAT returns and payroll because of his help and continued support.”
“I really enjoy working with Blue Dot Consulting — they’ve helped me take control of our financial situation in a practical, no-nonsense way.
They take a common-sense approach and, most importantly, they get things done. For example, we now have weekly planning and forecasting calls, along with monthly cash flow reviews using simple, easy-to-understand spreadsheets.
Their support has made a huge difference in how we manage and plan for the future.”
“As the business owner, it can get lonely making all the decisions. I feel I have a ‘silent FD’ that I can call, challenge and that any idea is OK to discuss, and to arrive at a sensible way forward.”
“Having someone in the room that is happy to (in a structured way) challenge the norm and not simply accept that, because things look good, we should stop looking to improve.”
“Blue Dot are uncompromisingly systematic and thorough so that you can get on with running your business.”
“Outstanding service and support. They get things done, just what you need. Recommended.”
“It was the genuine level of care and interest in what we do as a business.
The regular check-ins and the effort to ensure the systems they’ve implemented are working for everyone stood out.
It felt like more than just a service, it was a partnership.”
“I’ve been delighted with both the service and expert advice I’ve received from Michael and his team. They take the weight off my shoulders when it comes to my business’s financial requirements, allowing me to focus on building and managing the company.”
“We are a small organisation with no in-house financial expertise, so it’s a huge weight off my mind knowing that I can rely on Michael and his team to take care of everything.”
“I can wholeheartedly and highly recommend Michael and his team at Blue Dot as an exceptional accounting firm. They put my mind at rest knowing I am in excellent hands.”
“Michael and the team are my saviours. Always helpful, approachable and reliable. They show an interest in my business and give excellent advice and recommendations. Above all, they are highly likeable and fun to work with.”
“They went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.”
“You guys are brilliant. It’s been a challenging few weeks facing up to the issues but I do feel positive towards them now and I feel a weight has lifted from my shoulders. I am honestly so thankful!”
“I was a little apprehensive about working with a new accountant but I didn’t need to worry – I have found their approach to be friendly, genuine and they go above & beyond to help.”
“Michael’s straightforward, practical and tailor-made approach was perfect for me and our business.”
“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”
