Insights

You’re growing, but your numbers don’t tell the full story.

Revenue’s up. The team’s expanding. Opportunities are everywhere. But beneath the surface, there’s uncertainty. Cash flow feels tight. Profit margins aren’t clear. And too many decisions rely on gut instinct rather than solid financial insight.

If that sounds familiar, you’re facing one of the most common signs that it’s time to bring in a part time finance director.

If you're relying on basic compliance without clear strategic financial guidance, a part time finance director can bring the clarity and leadership needed to support confident decision-making, without the overhead of a full-time hire. In this blog, we’ll walk through the signs you need one, how they compare to other finance roles, and the value they can deliver, quickly.

Signs You Need a Part-Time Finance Director

If your business is at a crossroads, or scaling faster than you can manage, it might be time to consider bringing in senior financial input. Here are common signs it’s the right time:

• You’re seeing revenue growth, but your profits aren’t improving
• Cash flow is unpredictable or always tight
• You want to raise investment, sell, or acquire
• Your current reports don’t explain what’s going on in the business
• You’re making major decisions based on instinct, not financial insight
• Your accountant handles compliance, but you need strategy

These issues aren’t unusual for SMEs, but left unaddressed, they can hold your business back or expose it to risk. A part time finance director can help you take control, get clarity, and move forward with confidence.

Part-Time FD vs Full-Time Hire vs Accountant: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to assume your external accountant or internal finance manager is enough. But when your business becomes more complex, more customers, more products, more decisions, you need deeper insight and senior guidance.

Here’s how the key finance roles typically compare:

Part-Time Finance Director

• Offers strategic input and long-term planning
• Brings board-level experience without the full-time cost
• Flexible and scalable support
• Ideal for growing SMEs that need senior expertise a few days a month

Full-Time Finance Director

• Embedded into daily operations and long-term decision making
• Valuable for larger or highly complex organisations
• Higher cost and overhead commitment
• Not always necessary for smaller businesses

External Accountant

• Focuses on tax returns, compliance, and financial year-end reporting
• Great for statutory work but limited strategic input
• Not typically involved in day-to-day business strategy or forecasting

A part time finance director bridges the gap. You get the experience and perspective of a senior finance leader, but on terms that suit your business size, pace, and budget.

What a Great Part-Time FD Delivers

The right FD does far more than tidy up your spreadsheets. They work with you to:

• Build and implement a financial strategy that matches your business goals
• Improve reporting so you know what’s really driving profit or dragging you down
• Create forecasts that give you control over cash flow
• Support investment, funding, or exit planning with clear financials
• Translate financial data into decisions your whole leadership team can act on

They bring clarity to your numbers. A great part time finance director supports decision-making, shapes financial strategy, and works alongside your leadership team to resolve challenges early and drive results.

The Impact in the First 90 Days

A high-performing part time finance director should start delivering value immediately. Here’s a typical roadmap:

Month 1: Assess your financial position, processes, and reporting. Identify red flags and quick wins.
Month 2: Implement better cash flow control and improve management information. Bring clarity to your forecasts.
Month 3: Align financial strategy with business goals. Start planning for growth, investment, or exit with confidence.

That’s not theory. That’s what we do at Evoke every week, with businesses just like yours.

Why Choose Evoke Management?

At Evoke Management, our part time finance directors roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. We don’t sit on the sidelines or hand over advice and disappear. We become part of your team, helping you make better decisions, avoid risks, and take your business further.

We specialise in supporting SMEs who are growing, transitioning, or simply tired of flying blind financially. And we do it in a way that works with your pace and budget.

If you think now might be the right time to bring in a part time finance director, we’re ready to talk. No jargon. No pressure. Book your free 30-minute consultation today to see what kind of support would work best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a part time finance director cost in the UK?

The cost typically ranges from £1,000 to £5,000+ per month depending on the number of days worked, business complexity, and required expertise. It’s a cost-effective way to access senior financial support without a full-time salary.

Can a part time FD help prepare my business for investment?

Yes. A part time FD can structure your finances, refine reporting, improve forecasting, and ensure your financials are investor ready. They also help with pitch decks, due diligence, and funding conversations.

What's the difference between a fractional CFO and a part time finance director?

The terms are often used interchangeably. In practice, both roles provide senior financial expertise on a flexible basis. Some view CFOs as more strategy-led, and FDs as more operational, but the overlap is significant.

Is a part time FD suitable for a startup or early-stage business?

Yes, especially if you're growing fast or planning to raise capital. Many startups benefit from bringing in a part time FD early to build proper systems, financial models, and investor materials.

Do I need a part time FD if I already have an accountant?

Probably. Your accountant focuses on compliance and reporting. A part time finance director looks forward, building strategy, guiding decision-making, and helping you grow or restructure the business.

How do I choose the right part time FD for my business?

Look for someone with experience in your sector or stage of growth, strong references, and a collaborative working style. Evoke matches businesses with professionals who integrate seamlessly with your team.

Ready to find the right fit? Let’s talk.

Chat with our team and discover how a part time finance director from Evoke can give your business the clarity, confidence, and momentum it needs to grow.