In late 2024, surveys revealed record-low business confidence, with only half of small firms expecting stable or rising revenues. In response, many small businesses are turning to the structure and financial clarity a controller brings. Let’s explore how controllers deliver value across the most critical areas of an SME’s financial operations.

Financial reporting is a cornerstone of any successful small business. It means keeping accurate, up-to-date records of every transaction and having a clear system to track income, expenses and profit. This involves producing regular statements (like profit-and-loss reports, balance sheets and cash flow statements) that are easy to understand. With this foundation, every pound is accounted for and the owner always knows the company’s financial position.

Growth brings complexity. As transactions pile up, what once worked, like basic bookkeeping or a part-time accountant - may no longer cut it. That’s when your finance function needs to evolve. At this point, many UK businesses start comparing options: Financial Controller vs Finance Director (FD). Both are important, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice. If you're unsure which one your company needs, or whether it’s time to invest in both, this guide breaks down the distinction, explores current UK trends shaping these roles with the latest data.

Growing a business in the UK is tough enough without the hassle of managing invoices and payments. Invoicing has gone from simply being back-office busywork to a strategic priority. This guide explains why efficient invoicing matters and shares practical steps to improve your setup, backed by UK insights and trends.

Financial controllers have evolved from number-crunchers into strategic leaders. Research shows businesses investing in their skills, cutting-edge tech, and proactive management gain efficiency, profitability, and compliance, while sidestepping costly errors, steep fines, and lost growth opportunities. The right financial controller service provides the expertise to navigate these challenges with confidence. Here’s how to choose one.

At some point, keeping track of accounting, following financial rules, and planning for the future can be too much to manage alone. That’s when hiring a financial controller can really help. Businesses have multiple options: hiring an in-house financial controller, engaging a fractional controller for part-time support, or outsourcing the function to an external provider. The right choice depends on your company's size, budget, and operational complexity. In this guide, we’ll explore these options, what to look for in a financial controller, and how to navigate the hiring process effectively.

Managing finances efficiently is crucial for any business, but as companies grow, managing cash flow, budgeting, and compliance becomes more challenging. A financial controller plays a pivotal role in ensuring a business remains financially healthy and operates smoothly. But what exactly do they do, and how can they help your business save time and money?

Handling your business's money the right way means choosing the right person to manage it. A skilled financial controller can help you navigate regulations, keep cash flow in check, and plan for long-term growth. But here’s the big question: do you hire someone in-house or outsource the role? Both options have their merits and limitations, and the best choice depends on your company’s needs. In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of in-house and outsourced financial controllers so you can decide what works best for you.

When managing the finances of your small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), the distinction between an accountant and a financial controller is often blurred. In this post, we’ll break down why having both an accountant and a financial controller can make a big difference for your business.

If you run a small-to-medium-sized (SME) business, there's a valuable ally you might want to consider bringing aboard–a financial controller. In the following extensive blog post, we're embarking on a thorough exploration of financial controllers–their vital responsibilities, their profound importance, and the tangible impact they wield within the realm of SMEs.