Client Background

A Dublin-based Services Company engaged my Fractional CFO and Business Consulting services to support its next stage of growth. Having recently undertaken a significant effort to control costs and improve profitability, the company was looking to build on this momentum by enhancing financial clarity and developing a structured long-term strategy.

Challenges

• Ad-hoc financial reporting, making it difficult to assess true profitability across various profit centres.
• Lack of clear financial visibility, particularly in understanding the company’s overall performance and financial position.
• Absence of a structured strategic planning process, leaving long-term goals without a clear roadmap.
• Need for greater accountability and alignment among senior staff to drive sustainable growth.

Solutions Implemented

1. Improving Financial Clarity & Reporting
   • Worked closely with the CEO and internal accounting team to shift towards regular financial reporting with a balance sheet focus in management accounts.
   • Liaised with the company’s existing external accountant and internal accounting staff to refine reporting processes and ensure clarity on true financial performance.
   • Established clear and structured financial reports, providing the leadership team with accurate insights into profitability and financial health.
2. Mentoring & Growth Strategy Development
   • Conducted targeted mentoring sessions with the CEO, exploring strategic growth opportunities beyond cost control.
   • Encouraged a shift in perspective, demonstrating the importance of viewing accounts with enhanced clarity to inform strategic decisions.
3. Implementing a Strategic Structure
   • Developed a structured framework for accountability and transparency, ensuring that senior staff had clear goals and responsibilities aligned with the company’s long-term vision.
   • Facilitated strategic planning sessions, bringing senior staff together to align on future goals and the necessary structures to achieve them.
   • Built upon the company’s previous efforts, refining processes to create a scalable and sustainable roadmap for growth.

Results & Impact

– Regular, structured financial reporting, leading to a clearer understanding of company profitability.
– A more informed CEO, capable of making data-driven strategic decisions.
– Senior staff alignment, fostering a culture of accountability and long-term vision.
– A solid foundation for continued growth, with a focus on enhanced profitability in the future.

By combining financial clarity with a structured strategic approach, I have helped position this company for sustainable expansion and long-term success. These efforts continue to evolve, with high hopes for enhanced profitability and improved decision-making into the future.

Client Background

A growing construction-related company in Dublin engaged my Fractional CFO and Business Consulting services to bring financial clarity and structure to their expanding operations. Prior to my involvement, the company relied on a year-end accountant who produced management accounts on an ad-hoc basis, leaving gaps in financial oversight and decision-making.

Challenges

• Lack of structured financial reporting, with management accounts prepared inconsistently.
• Limited financial insight for the CEO, particularly in key areas like gross margin and operational efficiency.
• No clear strategic process engaging senior staff in long-term planning.
• Need for a scalable financial team to support the company’s continued expansion.

Solutions Implemented

1. Strengthening Financial Oversight & Reporting
   • Conducted regular business reviews and assessed management accounting practices to identify areas for improvement.
   • Enhanced the CEO’s financial understanding, particularly in areas that had previously received less attention.
   • Led the company to recognise the need for a specialised management accountant to ensure future scalability.
2. Introducing a Strategic Business Process
   • Implemented a structured strategic process, engaging senior staff in long-term business direction.
   • Improved staff alignment and accountability, ensuring that tactical actions aligned with broader company goals.
   • Created a framework that was welcomed by management and staff, giving the company a competitive edge over others in their industry.
3. Enhancing Gross Margin & Operational Efficiency
   • Conducted regular mentoring sessions with the CEO, with a focus on gross margin, a key focus area.
   • Contributed to the development a simplified workflow, clearly outlining responsibilities across the sales-to-delivery process, including assembly and installation.
   • Introduced a KPI monitoring system, ensuring continuous financial performance tracking and preventing complacency.
4. Preparing for Scalable Growth
   • Supported the company’s collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, advising the CEO on structuring their offering.
   • Introduced a specialist management accountant to take over monthly reporting and year-end processes, ensuring the financial function can scale with the business.

Results & Impact

– Improved financial transparency, with structured reporting and a scalable accounting function.
– Strategic alignment of senior staff, fostering accountability and long-term vision.
– Better operational efficiency, with a clear sales-to-delivery workflow.
– Stronger focus on gross margin, leading to improved profitability.
– Competitive differentiation, as the strategic planning process is not seen in their competitors.

By implementing financial structure, enhancing strategic alignment, and optimising operational efficiency, I have helped position this construction company for sustainable and scalable growth.

Client Background

A rapidly expanding business engaged my fractional CFO and business consulting services to support their financial growth and prepare for long-term success. As they scaled, they faced challenges in structuring their accounting function and ensuring financial clarity to support their decision-making.

Challenges

• Lack of structure within the finance and accounting department
• Need for greater financial visibility to support strategic growth
• Preparing for a potential acquisition by an international company
• Ensuring strong leadership development to sustain long-term success

Solutions Implemented

1. Finance Department Structuring & Mentorship
   • Worked closely with and mentored the Head of Finance, guiding them in building an efficient and scalable accounting function.
   • Provided strategic input on process improvements and reporting structures to ensure financial clarity.
2. Hiring Key Financial Expertise
   • Led the recruitment of an outsourced management accountant to support the business through its growth phase, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
3. Facilitating the Acquisition Process
   • Though not directly involved in the sale, I participated in meetings with potential international acquirers and helped position the business financially for a successful transition.
   • My work significantly contributed to bringing financial clarity, a key factor in securing their acquisition.
4. Providing Strategic Leadership & Network Support
   • Acted as a calm voice of reason for the CFO, helping navigate complex growth and acquisition discussions.
   • Introduced a key leadership trainer, who continued to work with the company for years, strengthening their executive team.
   • Leveraged my broad professional network to provide additional support in areas beyond finance.

Results & Impact

– Well-structured finance and accounting department, improving financial reporting and decision-making.
– Successful hiring of an outsourced management accountant, enhancing financial oversight.
– Clear financial visibility contributed significantly to the company’s successful acquisition by an international buyer.
– Strengthened leadership through my introduction of a leadership trainer, benefiting the company long-term.
– Recognition as a trusted, strategic advisor, with the CFO valuing my role as a steady, rational influence during critical business transitions.

By providing financial clarity, leadership support, and strategic connections, I played a key role in helping this company grow and successfully transition into its next chapter.

Client Background

A small business based in Dublin approached me with challenges in financial management. They were struggling with cost control, inconsistent transaction recording, and lacked a structured approach to financial reporting. Operating as a sole trader, they were looking for ways to improve profitability and plan for future growth.

Challenges

• Lack of clear financial visibility and control over costs
• Inefficient transaction recording processes
• No structured accounting system in place
• Limited understanding of profitability and expansion strategies
• Operating as a sole trader, which was restricting growth opportunities

Solutions Implemented

1. Financial Control & Accounting Setup
   • I worked closely with the client to streamline their financial processes, ensuring they had full visibility over their costs.
   • Assisted in onboarding a year-end accountant to ensure compliance and accurate financial reporting.
2. Business Structure Transformation
   • Advised on and facilitated the transition from a sole trader to a limited company, unlocking tax benefits, liability protection, and greater credibility for the business.
3. Ongoing Mentorship & Growth Strategy
   • I continue to mentor the client on profitability, pricing strategies, and service expansion to ensure sustainable growth.
   • Regular check-ins and strategy discussions help them make informed decisions as they scale.

Results & Impact

– 300% business growth since implementing these changes
– Improved financial oversight leading to better cost management and profit margins
– Greater credibility and financial advantages from transitioning to a limited company
– Ongoing mentorship continues to drive strategic expansion

This transformation has empowered the client to run a more structured, scalable, and profitable business, positioning them for even greater success in the future.

Client Background

A regional bakery engaged my Fractional CFO services to enhance financial reporting, transparency, and overall financial management. The company directors and accounting department faced challenges with inconsistent financial reporting, leading to a lack of clarity for decision-making at the executive level.

Challenges

• Financial reporting was inconsistent and ad-hoc, making it difficult for the CEO to access timely and reliable information.
• The accounting department lacked structured processes for management accounting.
• Staff needed training in best practices for financial reporting and analysis.

Solutions Implemented

1. Training & Mentorship for the Accounting Team
   • Conducted one-on-one training, group calls, and provided comprehensive training notes to improve financial reporting procedures.
   • Introduced best practices in management accounting to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable financial insights.
2. Enhanced Financial Reporting & Procedures
   • Worked closely with company directors and finance staff to develop structured financial reporting frameworks.
   • Established clear procedures so that financial data was available in a consistent and accessible manner.
3. Increased Financial Clarity for Leadership
   • Ensured that the CEO had real-time access to key financial insights, allowing for better strategic decision-making.
   • Transformed financial reporting from a loosely managed process into a structured, reliable system.

Results & Impact

– Significantly improved financial transparency, giving the CEO confidence in the company’s financial position.
– Standardised reporting processes, eliminating ad-hoc financial management.
– Accounting staff trained in management accounting best practices, ensuring a sustainable improvement in financial operations.
– More efficient financial decision-making, with information readily available when needed.

By implementing structured training, clear procedures, and best practices, I helped the bakery establish a financial reporting system that supports long-term growth and stability.