A Month in the life of a Portfolio Finance Director.

By Jason Soars – JRS Financial

A Month in the life of a Portfolio Finance Director.

Stay in your lane.

I have been working as a Portfolio Finance Director for some time.

I have worked with a range of different clients and undertaken and a large number of different projects.

One lesson I have learnt, on occasions painfully, is “Stay in your lane”.

No two projects are the same, no two clients are the same.

I have some clients who want a very light touch, all they want from me is to carry out a high level review of the monthly management accounts, assist with forecasting, attend board meetings and ensure a smooth year end.

I only spend a couple of days a month with them.

Other clients want a far more complete service, I do all of the above, I actively manage cash, credit control and stock. I get involved in a wide range of commercial conversations, I hold all of the stakeholder relationships. I am far more than just a Finance Director, I am tipping into being a non Exec.

I spend at least a day a week with them.

Some clients want my input on all parts of their business, sales, marketing, operations, IT, HR. Others only want my advice on Finance.

I try to always make sure that I work with my clients to understand exactly what it is that they want from me. I try to work out how best to add value to their business.

I try to “Stay in my Lane”

When I do I have happy clients, when I don’t life gets more complicated.