Nicholas Lane

Technical vs person specs? When someone says "I need someone really good", we need to stop and think what that means. Are you looking for the person who was top 2% of their CPA exams and who contributes to IFRS rules construction, or do you mean someone who can get the best out of a team of diverse finance professionals? Because, newsflash, 💥 these are not necessarily the same person. Many moons ago, I was bemoaning the fact I had someone who was "perfect" in paper for a role but had not impressed at interview, and had the personality. One of my colleagues was completely unphased by this, and said "sure, we should always have a person spec". From then on, I always have 😀. #recruitment #personalityvsabilities #personspec

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Too many treasury folks make career decisions based purely on a title without understanding the way the treasury market operates...    Its not realistic to get a Treasurer job on $400k when you on $220k! You don’t need to jump from a Senior Treasury Manager role in a cash oriented business to a Treasury Director title if you don’t have DCM or international experience! Don’t rush to get a Manager title when you can get broader experience in a STA with a larger or more complex business...    I am not going to tell anyone the career path they need to take, we don’t make career decisions we just provide options, but we can help you navigate to your end goal using logical career steps. There are building blocks needed to progress in a competitive and niche sector like treasury. 

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The 2024 UK Budget: What could it mean for Interim Finance Professionals? With the announcement of the 2024 UK Budget, we’re entering a period of challenge and opportunity for businesses and finance professionals alike. From tax reforms to spending shifts, these policies will likely reshape the UK's demand for interim finance talent. As a senior interim finance recruiter, here are some thoughts: 1️⃣ Increased demand for agility: Businesses are navigating tighter budgets and an uncertain economic landscape. This often translates to a preference for interim professionals who can deliver results without long-term commitments. Interim CFOs, financial controllers, and project specialists will play a pivotal role in cost management, M&A, and compliance reviews. 2️⃣ Public Sector Opportunities: With increased public spending in certain areas (or cuts in others), we’ll see a knock-on effect in the interim market. Public sector finance teams may lean on interim hires to manage spending reviews, audit requirements, and new funding allocations. 📈 What this means for interim professionals: The next 12 months are an excellent time to position yourself as a solution provider. Clients will seek candidates who can step in with expertise, adaptability, and a focus on delivering measurable impact. 💼 For businesses: Interim recruitment is more than a stopgap—it's a strategic tool. In an unpredictable landscape, access to on-demand expertise can be the key to unlocking resilience and driving success. As we look to 2025, interim professionals could be at the forefront of helping organisations adapt to the budget’s implications. #interim #finance #budget2024

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The volume of CFO vacancies on-market or off-market is gradually increasing. Executive churn is on the rise. CFOs are moving - why? - In some cases, equity may be under water. - They may being replaced (CFOs often are those who suffer if a PE asset isn't performing) - Growth / Optimism: deal flow has seen a slight up tick, resulting in new positions being created. - Restructuring: CFOs with restructuring skills are in demand within struggling assets. I was speaking to an experienced CFO today about the PE market. They said it's a tricky dynamic. When selecting a role, you're putting all your eggs in one basket, hoping the business you choose reaches the exit they desire. Whilst an experienced CFO with multiple exits under their belt can afford to take a risk or for one cycle to not reach the successful conclusion throughout a challenging market, it's so important to make the right choice if you're looking at your first CFO role... As a CFO, it's important to really build your personal scorecard and that first CFO position carries a lot of weight when you look at your next role. Do... - Get to know the team really well. This is so critical. Are they good people? - Dive deep into the realism of the investment thesis. - Move laterally on comp. This first CFO role shouldn't be about cash. - Explore opportunities in a less glamorous / less preferential industry to prove yourself in the CFO seat. Don't... - Take a hugely risky role just to become a CFO. Patience is key! - Work with leaders you don't rate just because of the CFO title. - Believe figures without seeing the numbers yourselves. - Take a role because it is the best paying position you can find. Any thoughts? Camino Search

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I have spent the past decade or so working with interim professionals and have seen first hand the value they can add to the businesses they support. It remains an incredibly effective model for businesses to consume expertise, allowing them to rapidly acquire the precise skills and experiences they need to accelerate business performance on an as-needed basis.

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UK accounting industry revenue dipped 2.2% in June 2024, following three months of decline, attributed to seasonal fluctuations and broader economic pressures. While year-on-year figures show slight growth, inconsistent monthly performance raises concerns. Broader uncertainty, including election impacts and economic challenges, continues to weigh on the sector despite hopes for improvement following recent interest rate cuts. Long-term stability remains uncertain, prompting firms to carefully manage costs and risks. https://lnkd.in/eWdtn--E

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Why Hire an Interim CFO: Ensuring Financial Clarity for Shareholders No matter how prosperous a joint venture appears, if the financials don't align, there's a problem. We were confidentially approached by the majority shareholder of a business to bring clarity and accuracy to their financial reporting and cash management amidst a potentially challenging management team. We brought in a CFO who not only had experience in handling tough professional scenarios but also possessed a calming and approachable demeanor to review the numbers quietly. It quickly became evident that, despite being a promising business, the existing processes, controls, and cash management practices were inadequate. To rectify this, the team required better training and education to enhance their performance. #ceo #leadership #business #entrepreneur #management #strategy #innovation #startup #executive #success #finance #founder #businessowner #corporate #visionary #strategicplanning #businessmindset #leadershipdevelopment #businessgrowth #ceolife #interimcfo #interimFD #privateequity #venturecapital

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Stand Out in Your Fund Accounting Interview 🏆 Preparing for a fund accounting role within a private equity company? Here's how to make a lasting impression. First, know your stuff. 📚 Private equity is a niche field, so demonstrate your understanding of the industry. Be ready to discuss recent trends and how they impact fund accounting. For instance, the UK saw a 15% increase in private equity investments last year (source: British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association). Show that you're not just aware of these stats but understand their implications. Next, tailor your experience to the role. 🎯 Highlight specific examples from your past roles that align with the job description. If you've managed complex fund structures or streamlined accounting processes, share those stories. Use metrics to quantify your achievements, like "reduced reconciliation time by 30%." Finally, ask insightful questions. 🤔 This shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework. Inquire about the company's growth plans or how they handle regulatory changes. It demonstrates that you're thinking ahead and considering how you can contribute to their success. What strategies have you used to stand out in interviews? Share your tips below! 👇 https://cameronkennedy.com #JobInterview #PrivateEquity #FundAccounting

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Finance and accounting professionals are more likely to leave their roles due to a lack of learning opportunities than the average UK worker. As we move towards 2025, such insights are invaluable for financial institutions aiming to attract the very best talent.    Tiger Finance’s latest Salary and Benefits Review reveals what finance professionals truly value, including trends in compensation, flexible working, and benefits beyond the paycheck.    Link to the full report is in the comments below. 

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Recruiting an interim finance professional can be a strategic move for several reasons: ➡ Immediate Expertise: interim professionals bring a wealth of experience and can quickly integrate into your team, providing immediate value without the lengthy onboarding process of permanent hires. ➡ Flexibility: Hiring an interim allows you to scale your workforce up or down based on current needs, giving you the flexibility to manage peak workloads or specific projects without long-term commitments. ➡ Specialised Skills: Interim professionals often possess specialised skills or expertise that may be required for short-term projects, such as mergers, acquisitions, or financial system implementations. ➡ Cost-Effective: While the daily rate for an interim may seem higher, the overall cost can be lower as you avoid expenses related to benefits, long-term salaries, and the recruitment process for a permanent hire. ➡ Continuity: Having an interim in place ensures that your finance team continues to function smoothly, maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines while you search for the perfect permanent candidate. 💁‍♀️ Can anyone use the skills of this candidate? Immediately Available.

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Interesting article here..... What do accountants within my network this about this article?

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📊 Finance Network – Could you use some Interim Financial Accounting Support in your team? Whether you’ve had someone leave, need extra help with year-end, or have projects that have stretched the team, we’re working with 4 CAANZ-qualified professionals who’ve just arrived in London and are immediately available for contract work. Drop me a message if you would like to see their profiles 😁 #ACA #CAANZ #Audit #interimfinance

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We’ve hired a number of Controllers recently, and it’s clear there’s a massive shortage of talent in this space. So, if you’re a CFO, how can you make your position and firm stand out to attract that A-star ⭐ Controller in today’s competitive market? 🔍 Focus on Culture: Talented Controllers want to work in environments where they feel valued and can make a real impact. Showcase your company’s culture, values, and commitment to professional development. 💼 Offer Growth Opportunities: Highlight clear career advancement paths within your organization. Controllers are looking for roles where they can grow into leadership positions. 💡 Expand Their Remit: Of course, Controllers know what they are good at and what you need them for—strong accounting expertise. But can you expose them to something new? Consider offering them opportunities in finance, M&A, international GAAP, fundraising, etc. Expanding their remit can make your role more attractive and foster their professional growth. 🏆 Competitive Compensation: In a tight market, top talent will gravitate toward firms that recognize their value with competitive salaries and benefits. In today’s market, attracting top Controller talent requires more than just a job offer—it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive, grow, and expand their expertise! #CFO #Controller #FinanceLeadership #TalentAttraction

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The Private Equity recovery. Its been a challenging year in PE but it looks like we are starting to see the signs of a recovery of the UK market as well as in Europe. The number of deals has increased rapidly through September and October, alongside fundraising, and MBOs and exits. During 2023 and the first half of 2024 vendors had been holding onto assets for longer in order to achieve optimal valuations, while the economy and the mismatch in pricing expectations between buyers and sellers had put a brake on exits. This has led to huge pressure on GPs to deploy dry powder, and now with inflation and interest rates down, lending capacity from banks has increased and pricing appears to be becoming more attractive. #privateequity. #leadership. #cfo

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Finance leaders in SaaS often tell me that their best hires are those who can thrive in ambiguity and rapid change. Building a resilient team for a fast-moving industry is crucial. What qualities are you prioritizing in your finance hires today?

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Is your current contract coming to an end? I know a lot of accountants are finishing their training contracts at the end of this month. If you’re in this situation and are looking for insights on the current market, tips on refining your CV, or advice on how to prepare for interviews, feel free to get in touch! The market is competitive so small changes can make all the difference!

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A really interested perspective in this article, although most GFCs would expect to add value, in addition to ensuring appropriate governance and control procedures are in place. It is an enormously valuable role at the group centre of a corporate and often critical on the journey towards the attainment of the CFO role. The more opportunity it has to add value the more attractive it will become, not always the case for some.

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When it comes to becoming an FD, the size of the organisation matters. My advice to anyone starting their finance career: Accumulate the broadest set of skills, as quickly as possible. Day-to-day corporate accounting, financial control, reporting, technical knowledge, FP&A, fund control, regulation, and system/data ecosystems form the core foundation. Then, add business partnering, automation, leadership, process/system development, and change management. You’ll find it easier to tick these boxes in SMEs, where roles are broader. But larger firms may argue they lack the resources for a best-in-class function. They have a point—SME quality can be more variable. Do your due diligence. Find a great SME, and there’s a lot of upside. If you're set on joining a major firm, you must proactively manage your career. What you want to avoid is becoming a narrow specialist in a large firm by mid-career. Why? - It's harder to transition to an SME, where roles are broader. - Competition for the FD role will be fierce, both internal and from external. - Lateral moves into other functions at senior levels are rare. Many smart people get blindsided by this reality. It's not something most expect—or are warned about. It’s not a dead end, but it will take a lot of effort to move beyond. So: Accumulate the broadest set of skills, as quickly as possible. Think carefully about the size of the organisation and how it will shape your career—and how proactive you’ll need to be in managing it.

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Reason to hire an Interim CFO – Confidential management diligence by shareholder. No matter how successful a joint venture, when the numbers don’t add up, they just don’t add up. We were confidentially introduced to a business via the majority shareholder to help provide some diligence and transparency on reporting and cash management, within a potentially hostile management team. We introduced a CFO with experience of working within difficult professional situations, but with a disarming personality to run the numbers discreetly. It became apparent very quickly that it was a good business however basic process, controls, and cash management weren’t robust enough and that education and training for the team was necessary to improve the situation. #ceo #leadership #business #entrepreneur #management #strategy #innovation #startup #executive #success #finance #founder #businessowner #corporate #visionary #strategicplanning #businessmindset #leadershipdevelopment #businessgrowth #ceolife #interimcfo #interimFD #privateequity #venturecapital #privatecapital #familyoffice #CFO

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