Finance Director Service
Boardroom financial expertise — without the full-time cost
An ad hoc or retained outsourced FD service for SMEs that need a financial expert at the board table — but cannot justify a full-time hire.
What we do
A trusted financial voice at your board table
Philip Barnes & Co offer an outsourced Finance Director service on either an ad hoc or retained basis — giving your business the strategic financial leadership it needs, structured around what you actually use.
Many growing businesses reach a point where the numbers demand more than a year-end accountant, but a full-time FD salary isn't yet justified. That gap is exactly where this service sits.
We prepare your finance board report, analyse the opportunities and threats facing the business, and act as a trusted advisor and business confidante — bringing the expertise of qualified chartered accountants with real FD experience to your leadership team.
Whether you need us once a quarter or on a standing monthly retainer, the engagement is shaped around your business, not a fixed package.
What's included
The service at a glance
The outsourced FD service from Philip Barnes & Co combines the rigour of ICAEW-qualified chartered accountancy with hands-on financial leadership experience. Here is what you can expect:
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01
Finance board report preparation
We produce a clear, board-ready finance report ahead of each meeting — covering performance against plan, cash position, and the key numbers your directors need to make decisions with confidence.
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02
Opportunity and threat analysis
We look beyond the month-end figures to identify where the business can grow and where the risks are building — giving you an objective, financially grounded view of your strategic options.
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03
Instant phone support
When a decision can't wait for the next board meeting, you can pick up the phone. We are available to talk through the financial implications of a deal, a hire, or a change in direction — quickly and without a formal engagement process.
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04
Strategic sounding board
Growth ideas, acquisition targets, pricing changes, new markets — we act as a confidential sounding board, stress-testing the financial logic before you commit.
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05
A sharp eye on business finances
We keep a close watch on the financial health of the business between engagements — flagging issues early and ensuring the numbers always reflect reality, not wishful thinking.
Is this right for you?
The right moment to bring in an outsourced FD
Not every business needs this service — but for those that do, the timing matters. If any of the following sounds familiar, it is worth a conversation:
You are making strategic decisions — entering a new market, taking on debt, restructuring the team — without a financially qualified voice in the room. Or you have a finance function that handles the day-to-day, but no one who can translate the numbers into a clear picture of where the business is heading.
Perhaps you need an objective appraisal of the business's financial fitness before approaching a bank or investor. Or you simply want a trusted confidante who understands both the numbers and the pressures of running a business in Staffordshire.
Philip Barnes & Co are based in Tamworth and work with businesses across the region. The first step is a free, no-obligation consultation — call us on 01827 60033 or use the link below.