Are you a qualified accountant? What qualifications do you have?

We are regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). In accordance with this, the issue a Public Practice Certificate and we have to conform to their regulations as our supervisory body. In addition, Anthony Clayden who runs StrategicFD is a qualified Chartered Accountant (since 1994).

How do you keep up to date?

We keep awareness of the general economic outlook that our client faces primarily through the financial press and through our expert advisory network. In addition, we also keep abreast of developments in the broadest range of technologies and advances in science.

In terms of financial technical matters, we are responsible for considering the evolving needs of our clients and augmenting our skills with appropriate additional training and keeping up-to-date with accounting, taxation and financial modelling.

What is the difference between an interim and part-time FD?

The terminology can be confusing. We consider an interim FD to be full-time but for a defined and usually short period of time. For us, we consider a part-time FD to be working with several clients at a time (a portfolio FD) and for the medium- to long-term with each client. We work on part-time FD basis.

What is the average length of engagement?

Our average client length of engagement is approximately 2 years.

What outcomes can I expect?

This may lead to the appointment of a full time FD as the business scales, or a trade sale of the business. Please see services pages for specific examples and results.

How much does it cost?

It varies from client to client depending on their needs. There is usually a period at the start which is slightly more intense as we get things in order. After that, it settles down to a more regular and routine levels of activity, perhaps with exceptions around year ends or transactions.

A full time FD of suitable seniority and experience for growth companies or AIM quoted companies would have an all in cost in the range £200,000 to £300,000 per annum, .

Our typical fee range is between £1,000 and £5,000 per month.

What locations do you cover?

Our geographic coverage encompasses a number of key locations for technology and life sciences companies and is focused on the Thames Valley, Cambridge and London.

Where a more remote approach is feasible, the location of our clients can be further afield. We have worked at locations ranging from Salisbury to Bury St Edmonds and overseas in Slovenia.

Are you remote / hybrid?

Most clients prefer to work remotely and enjoy the flexibility and availability of using this arrangement.

These days, accounting systems are online and finance functions are a combination of external accountants and internal or external book-keepers, financial controllers and other administrative staff.

This means that the majority of delivery can be done efficiently on a remote basis.

This enables us to have allocated client time but to be able to deal with ad hoc questions from clients as they arise rather than having to wait until the next “onsite” visit.

That being said, some clients value a hybrid approach with a periodic in-person visit or Board meeting.

How does it work?

We typically have some introductory discussions to identify client needs and how we can best assist you. Once we have agreed on the requirements, we issue an engagement letter to the Board of Directors which sets out an initial schedule of specific services and other services that are available should they be required in the future. We also provide our detailed terms and conditions which include arrangements regarding confidentiality, intellectual property, termination, professional indemnity and other general matters.

What is your termination policy?

Not less than 14 days’ notice in writing on either side. Termination will be without prejudice to any rights that may have accrued to either of StrategicFD or the Customer prior to termination.

How soon can you start?

Assuming all parties are available, it typically takes two weeks to sign off on the engagement documentation and complete “know your client” procedures as required by UK law and the ICAEW. However, if there is a greater urgency and cooperation by all parties it is possible to do it quicker.