With decades of combined experience in various aspects of financial analysis and management between them, our portfolio finance directors are truly some of the best in the business.
As well as having a deep understanding of the finance functions of SMEs, our team members also possess a wider range of qualities that ensure they can deliver maximum value to the people who use their services and are – as many of our clients will attest to – a pleasure to work with.
If you are considering a career as a portfolio finance director or are simply interested in discovering what it takes to succeed in a field as demanding and as fulfilling as ours, read on.
What are the common traits of an outsourced finance director who excels in their role?
Strategic financial acumen
As the individuals responsible for taking to the reins of a company’s financial affairs, portfolio finance directors must, of course, demonstrate a deep understanding of financial strategy.
They need to be able to quickly assess a company’s financial position, identify areas for improvement, and develop tailored plans to help businesses manage risk, optimise their resources, and grow sustainably. This kind of insight can’t be taught from a textbook; portfolio directors will usually need to have practical experience in working within a wide range of firms, all with their own unique quirks and challenges.
A results-oriented mindset
Working on a project-by-project basis naturally requires portfolio FDs to deliver clear, measurable results within a specific timeframe.
Successful portfolio finance directors focus on achieving defined objectives, such as improving cash flow, enhancing profitability, or preparing the company for a transaction or funding round. In essence, they are always looking for ways to prove that their guidance is working – and they are committed to working towards better outcomes for all stakeholders.
Elite analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong analytical abilities help finance directors quickly identify financial issues and opportunities. They need to be skilled at problem-solving and able to develop creative, data-driven solutions for each unique project or challenge they encounter.
Adaptability and flexibility
Due to the nature of their work, portfolio finance directors work with multiple clients across various industries and company sizes, so adaptability is key. They must integrate into teams quickly to build an understanding each client’s unique business model – and they must be able to adjust their approach accordingly.
Advanced communication skills
FDs must be excellent communicators, capable of translating complex financial data into clear insights for stakeholders. Building trust with executive teams, investors, and board members is essential for gaining buy-in on financial strategies and initiatives, so experience in stakeholder management is extremely useful, too.
A willingness to adopt a hands-on approach
Working on a client led basis often requires a preparedness to dive into the details and tackle challenges directly when the need arises. FDs should always be comfortable enough to get stuck into the task at hand, whether it involves optimising financial processes or implementing new financial systems or reporting structures, whilst being aware as to when it is the right time to step back from the detail and back fill any ongoing requirement with less expensive resource.
Being a quick learner
An ability to rapidly assimilate an understanding of a business’ operations, needs and the wider market dynamics, competitor landscapes, and industry-specific challenges in which it operates allows a good FD to provide relevant insights and guidance. This commercial awareness helps them align financial strategies with broader business goals – and, as anyone who has worked with this kind of financial professional will already understand, this is where the true value of a portfolio finance director comes into play.
Great self-discipline
Juggling multiple clients or projects with ease requires fantastic organisational and time management skills. FDs are great at prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality work across different projects.
High levels of integrity and confidentiality
Working within the financial space requires strict adherence to ethical standards and confidentiality protocols. A successful portfolio finance director will always respect the privacy of his or her clients and will make sure that sensitive financial information is handled with care.
If you believe you possess all the skills and traits listed above, and you are interested in pursuing a career as a portfolio finance director, we would love to hear from you. We are always looking to expand our team of capable FDs and welcome enquiries from finance specialists who are ready to transition into a new chapter of their career and begin working on their own terms.
Visit our Work With Us page for more information on our current vacancies and what we can offer you.