How an Outsourced Finance Director can Become a Force for Business Growth

Most SMEs reach a stage where their financial complexities outgrow their current capabilities. At this critical stage, entrepreneurs can face an array of challenges that could stand in the way of growth if not well navigated.

While many business owners are familiar with outsourcing everyday functions like payroll or bookkeeping, they may overlook the significant advantages an outsourced Finance Director (FD) brings. In contrast to conventional outsourced services, a part-time financial director provides strategic expertise that is often beyond the economic reach of smaller businesses.

This article delineates the genuine value of an outsourced financial director, clarifying misconceptions and underscoring the transformative advantages.

The Role of a Finance Director in Growth

The Finance Director has a strategic role that goes well beyond conventional accounting. They will be responsible for designing financial plans, securing a stable flow of cash, preparing accurate forecasts, but also:

• Identifying risks and opportunities,
• Building risk management strategies, and,
• Laying the foundation for robust growth strategies.

All of which makes it possible to achieve long-term business goals.

Consider for instance an SME with a diverse range of products and services. Your outsourced Finance Director will assess and evaluate the pricing model, cost structures and projected revenues and build a finance model and forecast  that aims to optimise margins and inform management decision making.

Many SME owners mistakenly assume that FD services are relevant only for large enterprises with complex financial frameworks. Quite rightly, this perception holds businesses back from realising their potential. Take for example technology based business looking to launch new product innovation and expand into new global territories. Without FD-level insight, this might be done based on commercial expertise, instinct, and experience of the industry. An outsourced FD would look at this with broader strategic insights that may otherwise be missed.

An outsourced FD would review market trends, forecasts of ROI, and financial risk, leading the owner to a confident, informed decision.

From cash flow forecasting to expansion planning, an outsourced FD’s insights can be the difference between growth and stagnation.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time FD: Which Is Right for Your Business?

The choice between a full-time and part-time FD can be very difficult, but the practical implications make the decision clearer. Full-time FDs are better placed in larger corporations where there is a need for ongoing, intricate financial management. However, for SMEs, the hiring of a full-time FD may not be financially feasible. Here, part-time FDs bring with them many advantages by offering expertise only when needed.

Suppose an SME dealing with tech solutions experiences phases of accelerated growth or other critical business cycles that demand focused attention on working capital and cash flow management. A part-time FD can provide expert support during these periods, ensuring cash flow forecasts are accurate, working capital is efficiently managed, and customer payment cycles are effectively monitored. The FD’s input is strategically aligned with the business’s evolving requirements, offering flexible yet consistent expertise without the ongoing costs of a full-time hire.

The cost savings are not only in salaries but also in overheads such as benefits, training, and administrative expenses. For instance, an SME can save some 40% of the costs it would have with a full-time FD by going for a part-time FD. This way, it allows businesses to allocate resources more efficiently and funnel the savings generated into innovation, marketing, or scaling up operations.

The Distinct Advantage of an Outsourced Finance Director

An outsourced Finance Director is more than a finance manager; they apply a strategic lens to every decision. This independent perspective will often challenge the status quo, therefore driving creative solutions. Take, for example, an SME hindered by flat growth. The owner may be too close to the day-to-day operations to see that diversity in their revenue streams is key. An experienced outsourced FD, trained in multiple industries, could diagnose this blind spot and open new revenue streams or collaborations to pursue.

The experience of an outsourced Finance Director can include helping to drive major business milestones, such as securing funding. For example, a small business may want to expand operations to a new region. That may require outside funding. A Finance Director might create compelling financial forecasts and projections – critical in attracting investors or securing loans – that make the difference between expansion plans that become a reality and those that stay in the realm of ideas.

Their depth of knowledge also supports risk management. For example, when dealing with a volatile market, a Finance Director might institute cash flow buffers and advise on variable cost adjustments so that the business can still maintain its agility. Proactive measures such as these shield against sudden market downturns and thus help the business sustain itself through uncertain times.

In short, your part-time FD services will provide a tailored package to meet your business’s core needs, offering flexible support that adapts to evolving priorities. As the business grows or diversifies, additional time and expertise can be utilized to address emerging requirements.

 

Examples of Strategic Implications and Tactical Benefits in a Growing Business

One can find the strategic value of an outsourced Finance Director in managing cash flow forecasting and driving major business investments. Let’s take, for example, an SME that operates within the food distribution arena. The costs of supplies can be volatile; customer demand is also quite uncertain. Any business needs to have good control over cash outlay. An outsourced FD would work very closely with the business owner in developing a cash flow strategy that identifies potential shortfalls many months ahead.

This may involve negotiating longer repayment terms with suppliers or even arranging an overdraft facility to iron out seasonal cash flow shortages.

Another real-life example is the situation of expansion. Assume that an SME in the software sector contemplates the extension of its product range to SaaS products. An FD can perform extensive scenario analyses, covering the consequences on cash flow, required capital investment, and expected growth in revenues. The owner would benefit from accurate, data-driven advice outlining the possible return on investment and the risks involved.

The importance of an external view cannot be discounted. An FD from an outsourced service will have worked with a wide range of business models and industries, so they will be better placed to challenge assumptions and suggest improvements that might not be considered by an internal team. They might, for example, highlight areas of inefficiency or suggest new technologies that save time, such as the implementation of a more capable financial management system.

Achieve better forecasting, real-time financial insights, and strategic decision-making with outsourced FD services.

Debunking Myths About Outsourced FD Services

Some small and medium enterprise owners might be wary of outsourcing such a critical function, fearing they will lose control or face issues with quality.

It is important to understand that an outsourced Finance Director is a fully integrated member of the management team. Their role is not just about delivering reports or in providing advice; rather, they work directly with owners and senior teams and typically have significant involvement in strategy sessions and decision-making. Regular communication and transparency ensure the owner is always fully informed and involved.

One of the common prejudices is the perceived lack of loyalty or dedication from an outsourced service provider. However, most outsourced FDs are very much focused on a long-term relationship and identify their success with that of the business. An outsourced FD, for example, will give much more time to strategic meetings, keep the management updated regularly, and work closely with internal teams for the smooth implementation of the plan if an SME is at a critical stage of growth.

Tailoring Financial Leadership Without Full-Time Costs

The most attractive feature of an outsourced FD is the customisation they can provide. They do not offer a one-size-fits-all solution; their engagement can be tailored to the particular needs of the business. Take an SME in the creative sector that has variable income based on projects and the timing of these projects.

In periods of high activity, an outsourced Finance Director can intensify their involvement, focusing on cash flow management, profit margin analytics, and monitoring of project profitability. On the other hand, in the slow months, the organisation may need only occasional input, thereby managing costs while maintaining a strategic perspective of financial affairs. This bespoke service provides SMEs with access to strategic information, enabling them to keep their financial health without the responsibility of a full-time employee.

Such flexibility in the services of an outsourced Finance Director means that a business can grow confidently – always assured of expert financial advice, without creating any permanent financial commitment.

A part-time FD ensures you benefit from high-level financial leadership without the overheads of a permanent position.

Final Thoughts

For SME owners hesitant about outsourcing strategic roles, understanding the value of a part-time FD is essential. Beyond traditional outsourcing, a part-time FD provides strategic leadership, professional counsel, and the integration of operational and financial systems to deliver consistent, accurate, and timely information. This ensures that business decisions are informed and aligned with long-term goals.

As your business grows, so do the complexities surrounding commercial, industry, and regulatory challenges. A part-time FD helps  navigate these by focusing on key areas such as staff retention, asset protection, risk management, financial planning, and exit strategies. Their expertise ensures that your finance function runs smoothly – freeing you to focus on scaling your business.

With a dedicated financial business partner by your side, your SME can confidently navigate growth opportunities, tackle financial challenges, and achieve sustainable success.