Fractional Chief Finance Officer
Employing a fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) offers a multitude of benefits, especially for small to medium-sized businesses seeking expert financial guidance without the full-time cost. This flexible arrangement allows companies to access high-level financial expertise and strategic insight, typically reserved for larger corporations at a fraction of the cost.
A fractional CFO is a finance professional offering part-time CFO services and is responsible for making crucial financial decisions, offering financial guidance and insights and leveraging financial strategies for the growth and stability of the company. They’re typically retained on a contract basis, synchronising financial management and advice with the firm’s operational strategies and goals.
Fractional CFOs have pivotal roles which involve managing financial risks, planning budgeting, tracking cash flow and financial planning. They also offer advice on long-term business planning including capital raising, mergers and acquisitions. These professionals have an interesting role as they bring an external perspective to the business, free from internal biases.
An interim chief financial officer typically reports to the CEO or the business owner. They may also have a responsibility to report to the board of directors or shareholders in some instances. Their decisions and strategies align to the visions of the CEO or business owner, ensuring that their role integrates seamlessly within an existing team.
Fractional CFO skills required
To be a successful fractional CFO, you need a strong foundation in accounting and finance. Solid understanding of financial forecasting, corporate finance, scenario analysis, cost accounting and the ability to analyse financial data to steer business recommendations is crucial. You should also possess sound knowledge of legal procedures related to finance and accounting.
Strong leadership skills are vital, as is the ability to direct and supervise your team to achieve business goals. You must have strong communication skills to explain complex financial information in an understandable manner to other members of the team.
In the rapidly evolving business environment, being proficient in financial technology is a must. Familiarity with financial management software, spreadsheets and data visualisation tools would serve you well.
Fractional Chief Finance Officer Jobs in Gloucester
Situated in the county town of Gloucestershire, Gloucester is located near the Welsh border and around 30 miles north-east of Bristol.
It's also situated on the River Severn, which eventually flows to the Bristol Channel and this, combined with an extensive canal network that was built in the 19th century, led the city to become an important place for international trade, particularly with Spain, France and Portugal.
Gloucester has long been an important site for banking and the financial industry, while manufacturing has also played a big part in the local economy. In fact, there are still factories and research and development facilities within the area for companies like BTR Permali, which makes water tanks and automotive mouldings, and Du Pont.
What's more, Gloucester is also known as a hub for the aerospace industry. Smiths Aerospace and Messier-Bugatti-Dowty are located here - the latter makes landing gear, braking systems and wheels.
Over the last 30 years, Gloucester has undergone significant regeneration, and it is now an ideal place for those seeking Fractional Chief Finance Officer opportunities.
Many of the old warehouses in the port area having been converted or replaced with more modern structures. In addition, there are now a number of business parks - such as Ashville Industrial Estate and Waterwells Business Park - that house a number of IT and media companies, SMEs and businesses based in the service sector.
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Fractional CFO jobs at Cast UK
Have you carved out a niche as an accomplished interim chief financial officer and are looking for your next role? It’s a task where experience and understanding of diverse corporate environments is helpful, so if this sounds like you, we want to hear from you. Please register with us so we can forward your name to interested employers.
If your business is lacking a CFO and you like the idea of bringing in top talent on a temporary basis, there’s a wealth of experience to help when you work with Cast UK for your recruitment. Please call us on 0333 121 3345 or contact us here for more information.
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