If you are looking for a highly technical Finance Director, who can deliver IFRS, taxation, accounting standards, corporate finance, M&A advice, etc, etc, then I am not the person you are looking for!
However, if you are searching for a hands on Finance Director who possesses operational and commercial talents combined with a solid background in providing financial business support and advice across different business sectors and size of business, read on.............
My strengths are in working in both high growth and turnaround situations where I can quickly add value. Typically this involves:-
Controlling the cash – Throughout my career managing cash has been my number one focus. Implementing robust business forecasting models to drive out the cash flow forecasts and assess the implications of current & future trading comes first.
Working Capital - Then it’s into strengthening credit control & collections procedures, resolving old debt issues, unallocated cash problems, etc. At the same time, looking at supplier T&Cs, negotiating payment terms & building strong supplier relationships. Of course, stock and WIP levels also need to come under very close scrutiny to find ways to release cash into the business.
Getting underneath the numbers – By supporting the management team with constructive insightful interpretation of financial & non financial MI. For instance, why are sales underperforming (customer & product analysis), what opportunities exist to improve margins (cost reductions &/or efficiency improvements), seeking out ways to reduce payroll costs & headcount (responsibilities, delegation, training) and implementing strong financial control over discretionary spend. This usually means some tough unpopular decisions maybe required, but that goes with the territory.
Funding – Building strong relationships with the bank and other funders always has been important, but its importance in the current economic climate cannot be over emphasised. I have developed a strong & respected networking relationship with the main banks, understand why they react the way they do to changes in risk profiles & know how to manage these complex relationships in often critical situations.
Process Improvement – I am in my element strengthening financial controls, improving business processes (including non financial processes such as operations & back office support functions). Generally, ensuring businesses are geared up to deliver excellence in customer service through implementing world class processes across the business.
IT, MI & E Commerce – Systems implementations, but more these days, systems & process improvements and developments can help drive increases in efficiency and performance. I find that I naturally have a very clear focus on how to improve the use of systems, develop the tools and reporting which will achieve performance improvements and access to meaningful MI & KPIs. My personal interest at the moment is examining the opportunities to drive sales & margin growth with ecommerce applications, supported by effective back office functions in logistics and order fulfilment.
People Development – I have built a few strong, talented and respected teams along the way, by training, mentoring, disciplining/dismissing & developing hidden talents. In the short term it can be hard work, but in the medium term it makes my role easier and helps to drive business improvement.
Team Player – Not one for internal politics or making a name for myself. I am more into how I can work with the management team, support and develop them & play my part in ensuring the business achieves success.
Business Building & Strategic Business Planning – Of course, if you do not have a plan, then how do you know where to go and how do you know when you have arrived. Therefore, I have developed good business planning skills along the way. The non financial roles I have successfully held in the past in the areas of operations & general management, provide me with the ability to see the big picture, to identify internal and external threats & opportunities, to work on improving the strengths of the business and reducing the risks associated with the weaknesses.
If I am the kind of Finance Director you are looking for to join your business, please give me a call on 07754 124758 or email me at steven.mark.green@gmail.com.
