London companies, similar to those in other major global cities, might opt for part-time financial controllers for several reasons, which often revolve around cost, flexibility, and specific expertise needs:
- Cost Efficiency: Hiring a part-time financial controller can be more cost-effective for businesses, especially small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or startups. These businesses may not have the budget or need for a full-time position but still require professional financial oversight to manage their accounts, tax compliance, and strategic financial planning.
- Flexibility: A part-time financial controller provides businesses with the flexibility to scale their financial management needs up or down without the commitment to a full-time salary and associated benefits. This can be particularly attractive for companies in industries with fluctuating demand or for those undergoing periods of growth or restructuring.
- Expertise on Demand: Part-time financial controllers often bring a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge that might be too costly for a business to employ full-time. They can offer strategic advice, help with specific projects like fundraising or financial modeling, and leave the day-to-day financial tasks to the internal team.
- Focus on Core Activities: For many businesses, especially in the tech and creative sectors, the primary focus is on product development, market entry, and growth. Hiring a part-time financial controller allows them to focus on these core activities while ensuring that an expert is handling the financial strategy and compliance issues.
- Resource Allocation: In a dynamic business environment, companies may prefer to allocate resources to revenue-generating roles rather than support functions. A part-time controller can fulfill the necessary financial oversight roles without diverting too much from core business investments.
- Access to a Broader Skill Set: Part-time professionals often work with multiple companies across different industries, bringing a broader perspective and skill set to the table. This exposure can be invaluable for companies looking to innovate or improve their financial processes.
- Networking and Resources: Experienced financial controllers can also bring valuable networks and resources, including contacts with banks, investors, and financial institutions, which can be beneficial for business growth and fundraising efforts.
The core skills required of a part-time Financial Controller are fundamentally the same as those needed by a full-time counterpart. Both roles necessitate a deep understanding of finance, accounting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. However, the context in which part-time and full-time financial controllers operate can highlight certain skills and attributes more prominently for those in part-time positions:
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Part-time financial controllers often work with multiple clients across different industries, which requires them to adapt quickly to varying business cultures, systems, and processes. They need to be flexible in their working hours and methods to accommodate the diverse needs of their clients.
- Efficiency and Prioritization: Given the limited hours they spend with each client, part-time financial controllers must excel at managing their time effectively. They need to quickly identify and prioritize the most critical financial tasks and issues that will impact the business.
- Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication skills are crucial for part-time financial controllers. They must be able to convey complex financial information clearly and concisely to stakeholders who may not have a financial background. They also need to collaborate effectively with the existing finance team and other departments, often remotely or with limited face-to-face interaction.
- Strategic Thinking and Insight: Part-time financial controllers are often brought in for their strategic insight. They need to quickly understand the business’s strategic goals and provide advice on financial planning, risk management, and investment opportunities to support these objectives.
- Broad Business Acumen: Due to working with a variety of businesses, part-time financial controllers often develop a broad understanding of different business models, industries, and markets. This allows them to bring valuable external perspectives and best practices to the table.
- Problem-Solving Skills: They must be adept at identifying financial and operational issues quickly and developing effective solutions. Their work often involves troubleshooting and providing guidance on improving financial health and operational efficiency.
- Self-Motivation and Independence: Part-time financial controllers must be self-motivated and able to work independently. They need to manage their workload and deliver results without the constant oversight that might be present in a full-time role.
While the foundational financial management skills remain consistent across both roles, the emphasis on adaptability, strategic insight, and efficiency is often more pronounced for part-time financial controllers due to the nature of their engagements and the breadth of their client base.
This trend towards part-time professional roles reflects a broader shift in the workforce towards gig and flexible working arrangements, driven by both employer needs and professional preferences for work-life balance and diversity of experience.
FD Capital are a leading recruiter of Part-Time Financial Controllers
