Portfolio CFO Services
Strategic Financial Planning, Cash Flow Management & Growth Support
Portfolio CFO
A Portfolio CFO is a senior finance professional who works with businesses on a flexible basis, typically a few days a month, to provide strategic financial leadership.
Rather than just looking in the rear-view mirror, a CFO is focused on the road ahead. They’re involved in the why, what next, and how do we get there.
In simple terms:
- Your accountant makes sure everything adds up.
- Your CFO helps you decide what to do with the numbers.
Accountants vs CFOs
It’s not about replacing your accountant. Far from it. Most businesses I work with already have a solid accounting setup, often someone they’ve been with for years and trust deeply.
Where I come in is to complement that setup. Your accountant ensures your accounts are accurate and tax-efficient. I work alongside them to build forecasts, manage financial risk, and develop the strategy that supports your growth or exit goals.
Think of your accountant as making sure the engine is running smoothly. The CFO helps you plan the route, avoid potholes and get to your destination faster, whether that’s scaling the business, bringing in investment, or preparing for a successful exit.
What Does a Portfolio CFO Do?
Every business is different, but here are some of the areas I typically get involved in:
- Financial forecasting and modelling (not just spreadsheets, real, decision-driving tools)
- Cash flow planning and scenario testing
- Strategic input for growth or succession plans
- Stakeholder management (buyers, lenders, legal advisors)
- Preparing for and supporting business exits
- Hands-on support sitting with you, working through it together
I’m CIMA qualified, which means my training is grounded in commercial strategy as well as financial management. I’ve also spent my career working in businesses, not just advising from the outside, so I understand the pressures, pace, and priorities that come with running and growing a company.
Is It Time to Bring in a CFO?
Here are a few signs your business might be ready:
- You’re planning for growth but unsure how to fund it
- You want more clarity and control over your cash flow
- You’re considering a sale or succession in the next 1–3 years
- You need support dealing with lenders, buyers, or legal advisors
- You want to make decisions based on real financial insight, not just gut feeling
Portfolio CFO
Rather than just looking in the rear-view mirror, a CFO is focused on the road ahead. They’re involved in the why, what next, and how do we get there.
In simple terms:
- Your accountant makes sure everything adds up.
- Your CFO helps you decide what to do with the numbers.
Accountants vs CFOs
It’s not about replacing your accountant. Far from it. Most businesses I work with already have a solid accounting setup, often someone they’ve been with for years and trust deeply.
Where I come in is to complement that setup. Your accountant ensures your accounts are accurate and tax-efficient. I work alongside them to build forecasts, manage financial risk, and develop the strategy that supports your growth or exit goals.
Think of your accountant as making sure the engine is running smoothly. The CFO helps you plan the route, avoid potholes and get to your destination faster, whether that’s scaling the business, bringing in investment, or preparing for a successful exit.
What Does a Portfolio CFO Do?
Every business is different, but here are some of the areas I typically get involved in:
- Financial forecasting and modelling (not just spreadsheets, real, decision-driving tools)
- Cash flow planning and scenario testing
- Strategic input for growth or succession plans
- Stakeholder management (buyers, lenders, legal advisors)
- Preparing for and supporting business exits
- Hands-on support sitting with you, working through it together
I’m CIMA qualified, which means my training is grounded in commercial strategy as well as financial management. I’ve also spent my career working in businesses, not just advising from the outside, so I understand the pressures, pace, and priorities that come with running and growing a company.
Is It Time to Bring in a CFO?
Here are a few signs your business might be ready:
- You’re planning for growth but unsure how to fund it
- You want more clarity and control over your cash flow
- You’re considering a sale or succession in the next 1–3 years
- You need support dealing with lenders, buyers, or legal advisors
- You want to make decisions based on real financial insight, not just gut feeling
Let's Talk
If you'd like to explore how I could support your business, the best way to connect is via LinkedIn.
