Insights

Running a small or medium-sized business is a constant balancing act. We know because we’ve worked with hundreds of founders who face the same issues. Your business needs more than a bookkeeper or an accountant, but a full-time Finance Director feels like a commitment you can’t justify. The truth is, that gap between day-to-day accounting and long-term financial strategy is where a business stalls. This is exactly where a part-time finance director fits in.

We bring senior-level financial expertise to your business on a flexible basis. We don't see ourselves as an overhead; we become a strategic partner who provides the financial clarity and control you need to drive profitable growth.

Why Your Business Needs a Strategic Financial Partner

Most SMEs use an accountant for statutory returns and compliance. This is essential, but it is not strategic. For your business to grow, you need to know what the numbers are truly telling you, what financial levers to pull, and what risks are building under the surface.

A finance expert with a strategic focus steps in here. They provide a high-level view of your finances, looking beyond the balance sheet to identify real opportunities for profit improvement, operational efficiencies, and cash flow optimisation. A part-time finance director offers the strategic insight that empowers you to make informed decisions about pricing, investment, and market expansion. They act as a trusted advisor, bridging the gap between your day-to-day operations and your long-term vision.

The Core Responsibilities of a Part-Time Finance Director

A financial leader manages the financial health of your business. The scope of their work goes well beyond what a bookkeeper provides. Here’s what we handle for our clients:

• Financial Reporting and Analysis: We ensure you have accurate, timely management accounts. We then analyse this data to provide a clear picture of your business's performance. This includes understanding key metrics like gross margin, profitability by product or service line, and customer lifetime value.
• Cash Flow Management and Forecasting: Cash flow is the lifeblood of an SME. An experienced financial leader will build robust cash flow forecasts, helping you anticipate potential shortfalls and plan for future investments. A solid cash flow forecast removes the anxiety of not knowing where you stand, allowing you to plan for future investments with confidence.
• Strategic Planning and Budgeting: We work with you to create realistic budgets and financial models that support your business growth strategy. We help you set measurable goals and track your progress against them, making sure your commercial ambitions are grounded in financial reality.
• Mergers, Acquisitions and Exits: If you are considering buying or selling a business, a part-time finance director is invaluable. We lead the due diligence process, conduct business valuations, and manage negotiations, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
• Fundraising and Investor Relations: When you need to raise capital, a part-time finance director can prepare detailed financial projections, build pitch decks, and manage relationships with banks and investors. We speak their language and can help you secure the funding you need to grow.
• Risk Management and Compliance: We ensure your business has the right financial controls and processes in place. This includes managing corporate governance, ensuring compliance with regulations, and protecting intellectual property (IP).

By taking on these high-level tasks, a part-time finance director frees you up to focus on what you do best: running and growing your business.

How a Part-Time Finance Director Drives Tangible Results

We improve your business from the inside out, providing benefits that are both direct and measurable. For example, we recently helped a services client identify a pricing inefficiency that was costing them 15% of their gross margin.

• Increased Profitability: By analysing your financial data, a part-time finance director can identify areas where you can reduce costs or increase prices without impacting your sales. They can also help you understand which parts of your business are most profitable and advise you to focus your efforts there.
• Improved Decision-Making: With timely and accurate financial information, you can make better decisions, faster. A finance expert provides the insights you need to confidently invest in new projects, hire more staff, or enter new markets. They help you move beyond making decisions based on instinct and into making decisions based on data.
• More Efficient Operations: A senior financial professional helps streamline your financial processes. We can implement new systems and software, automate manual tasks, and improve the accuracy of your financial data. This saves you time and reduces the risk of errors.
• Reduced Financial Stress: Running a business can be a stressful and lonely experience, particularly when it comes to finances. Having a part-time finance director on your team provides an objective, knowledgeable partner who shares the burden of financial responsibility. They can offer a second opinion on critical decisions and provide a sense of security.

For an ambitious SME, a fractional Finance Director is a necessity. They provide the strategic insight and financial oversight that is essential for sustainable, long-term growth. Are you ready to take the next step and transform your business?

What to Look for in a Part-Time Finance Director

Not all financial professionals are the same. When looking for a part-time finance director, you should find someone who has worked in your sector or with a business of your size. This is what we call an experienced portfolio Finance Director.

Here are some key qualities to look for:

• Strategic Thinking: They should be able to see the big picture and align financial strategy with your overall business goals.
• Experience: Look for a professional with a proven track record of helping businesses similar to yours.
• Hands-on Approach: They should be willing to get their sleeves rolled up and work alongside you and your team.
• Communication Skills: They should be able to explain complex financial concepts in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

This is exactly the type of person you will find at Evoke Management. We provide real, tangible support that helps you move your business forward. A part-time finance director from our team works closely with you and your leadership team. We can help you navigate the financial challenges of growth and turn your commercial vision into a profitable reality. Read our client stories to see how we've helped businesses like yours.

Bring a Part-Time Finance Director on Your Board

If you’re ready to gain the financial expertise you need to grow your business, a part-time finance director from Evoke Management could be the answer. We understand the daily pressures you face, and our goal is to lighten that burden while helping you achieve your aspirations. We’re here to help you stop worrying about your numbers and start using them to grow.

Book a free consultation today, and let’s discuss how a part-time finance director can help your business. Our first call is all about understanding your unique challenges; no pressure, just a conversation about your goals and how we can help. Our pricing is clear and flexible to suit your needs.