Every successful business eventually reaches a point where it needs more than bookkeeping and compliance. Day-to-day finances are important, but they don’t answer the big questions: Where is the business heading? How do we achieve growth? What risks should we prepare for? This is where a Finance Director usually comes in—but for many small and medium-sized businesses, the cost of hiring one is simply out of reach.
At GOW, we provide a solution: the Virtual Finance Director (VFD). It’s strategic financial leadership, designed for ambitious businesses, delivered at a fraction of the cost of a traditional Finance Director.
Why Businesses Need More Than Just Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping keeps you compliant and shows you what has already happened. But growth requires forward-thinking. Business owners need:
• Clear financial goals to aim for.
• Strategies for sustainable growth that balance opportunity with risk.
• Funding and investment support to seize new opportunities.
• Performance tracking to measure progress against objectives.
Without this level of insight, businesses can stagnate or make risky decisions based on gut feeling rather than data.
What a Virtual Finance Director Does
Our VFD service combines financial expertise with practical business coaching. We act as a partner in your growth, helping you:
• Set financial and strategic goals aligned with your vision.
• Forecast revenue, profit, and cashflow so you’re never caught off guard.
• Identify risks before they become problems.
• Analyse performance to highlight what’s working—and what’s not.
• Plan for investments, expansions, or even exit strategies.
With a VFD, you don’t just see the numbers—you understand what they mean and how to use them to grow.
The Cost Advantage
Hiring a full-time Finance Director typically costs between £70,000 and £110,000 per year, plus benefits. For many SMEs, that figure is unmanageable. The VFD service gives you access to the same level of expertise, but on a flexible, outsourced basis. You get all the value without the hefty price tag.
Real-World Benefits
Our clients often describe the VFD service as a turning point for their businesses. One client highlighted how working with us gave them the confidence to pursue growth opportunities they had previously dismissed. Another said that our forecasting sessions helped them prepare for seasonal dips in cashflow, avoiding the stress they once faced each year.
The common theme? Clarity, confidence, and control.
Takeaway
A Virtual Finance Director isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy, foresight, and growth. By combining financial expertise with a practical, business-focused approach, GOW helps you see the bigger picture and make decisions with confidence.
Next in the series: The GOW Tech Stack—Powering Smarter Business Finance.
Set Yourself up for Success
Did you know that we run the highest rated accountancy firm in Blackburn with Darwen?
Book your 30 minute discovery call today— enjoy a relaxed, no-obligation chat with one of our qualified accounting advisors. We can assess your situation and determine how to best serve and add value to your business.
Alternatively, you can send us a message with any queries (big or small), and one of our team members will get back to you promptly.
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