Overview
Work alongside a Fractional CFO to build and maintain integrated, decision-ready finance tooling (models, forecasts, reporting packs and operating rhythms) that help owner-led and PE-backed businesses understand performance, protect cash, and get “event-ready” for debt, investment or exit.
Why this role (and why fractional)?
* Make an impact across multiple businesses. Work with several growing companies, implement financial reporting, forecast models and dashboards, and see tangible impact quickly.
* Do more of the high-value work you enjoy. Focus on FP&A, modelling, systems and decision support — not just compliance — so you spend your time where you add the most value.
* Flexibility that fits real life. The fractional model is built for balance — variety of work with the freedom to shape your week and still be present for family and life outside work.
* De-risk your career. Build experience and relationships across clients instead of “all eggs in one basket,” and keep learning from diverse industries.
What you’ll do
* Build, run and evolve FP&A models (driver-based, scenario-ready) that integrate historic actuals, automate refresh from accounting systems, and support bank/investor reporting.
* Design weekly dashboards & monthly packs that translate numbers into understandable, actionable insight for non-finance leaders.
* Own cash forecasting and working-capital analysis; highlight risks, options and decision points early.
* Tighten systems & processes around the (typically Xero-centred) finance stack; recommend and implement pragmatic automation to drive efficiency without adding headcount.
* Support “event readiness.” Prepare clients for due diligence with clean reconciliations, reliable KPIs, covenant checks, documentation, and a disciplined monthly/weekly drumbeat.
* Help “translate” between business and lender/investor language; compile and present information clearly and credibly.
* Provide hands-on guidance to controllers/transactional staff; set expectations, coach, and raise the bar without drama.
* Communicate frequently and well. Operate with high trust and two-way challenge; align to each client’s preferred channel (Teams/WhatsApp/email) and keep momentum between “on-site” days.
Outcomes with clients we look for (first 90 days)
* Financial model in place: integrated P&L, balance sheet and cash flow with clear revenue/margin levers and scenarios; monthly re-forecasting set up.
* Weekly finance dashboard live (6–8 vital signs) to surface risks early — bank rec status, A/R and overdue counts/values, A/P, and any process queues — distributed on a consistent cadence.
* Cashflow visibility established (13-week and 6–12-month horizons) and governance around updates.
* Reporting pack agreed with the CEO/SLT (forward-looking analysis > backward-looking compliance) and delivered within a 10-day month-end target.
* Event-readiness checklist underway: tidy statutory calendar, data room basics, covenant monitoring, and “single place” for company information and logins.
You’ll thrive in the role if you…
* Love modelling and turning data into decisions, and can explain finance in plain English to non-finance colleagues.
* Balance commercial insight with pragmatism, focusing on what moves the dial for growth-stage businesses.
* Value systems thinking. You’re comfortable shaping a Xero-based ecosystem and using automation to scale output (without scaling headcount).
* Show up as a “good human.” We care, we listen, we’re available when it matters, and we take accountability for results — not just “do the minimum two days a month.”
* Enjoy hybrid working and can be on-site when useful (we prioritise clients around Manchester/North West to enable real collaboration).
Experience & skills (what helps)
* Track record in FP&A/finance business partnering within growing SMEs and/or PE-backed environments.
* Strong Excel/Sheets modelling (drivers, scenarios, error-proofing) and management reporting design.
* Hands-on with modern finance stacks (e.g., Xero plus add-ons) and process automation for AP, AR, reconciliations and collections. Finance system migration experience a real benefit.
* Confident communicator who can present results to mixed audiences - from finance teams to wider-team briefings.
Type of roles you may have succeeded in previously
* FP&A roles
* Finance Manager
* Commercial / Management Accountant
Ways of working
* Fractional cadence: typically 1–3 days/week equivalent, flexed to client needs; dedicated “anchor” day(s) with responsive support between.
* Rhythm: weekly check-ins, monthly close/review, quarterly planning and scenario refresh.
* Tools: collaborative work in the client’s stack; preference for Xero-centred ecosystems given automation and app breadth.
What our clients value
* Speed to clarity: within weeks, CEOs gain confidence in numbers and decisions; within months, the finance function feels “night and day” better.
* Preparedness: event-ready financials and documentation reduce diligence pain, protect value and avoid unpleasant surprises.
* Partnership: trust + straight talk; we bring experience, they bring domain knowledge, and we meet in the middle.
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