Board-Level Finance Director, CFO & NED Services In Guildford

Board-level advisors who bring clarity to strategy, discipline to performance and confidence to the decisions ahead

Secantor works with owner-managed businesses in Guildford, Godalming, Woking and Farnham, and across Surrey and North Hampshire. Our Finance Directors, CFOs, Non-Executive Directors, Operations Directors and Management Accountants work part time as members of your management team. They take responsibility for delivering and stay to see decisions through, so the business gains experienced board-level judgement at a fraction of the commitment of a full-time executive.

Plans the board can steer by. A budget and strategy supported by a three to five year financial forecast model covering profit and loss, balance sheet and cashflow.
Cash and lenders. Close control of cash flow and a confident working relationship with the bank and other funders.
Figures that explain performance. Prompt management accounts and a short set of KPIs that show how the business is really trading.
A team that delivers. Clear roles, targets and reviews, so managers are accountable for results the board has agreed.
Independent perspective. An outside view, a sounding board and mentoring for owners and directors.
Building value. Making the business worth more to a future buyer, whenever a sale or investment comes into view.

Choosing The Right Board-Level Advisor For A Guildford Business

Guildford businesses can draw on Fractional Finance Directors, CFOs, Non-Executive Directors, Operations Directors and Management Accountants through Secantor, and for many owners a single advisor brings the breadth of commercial and board-level experience the business needs.

Every advisor has a core discipline and the wider Secantor team and our network behind them. We match on experience and personality, and we introduce the advisor who suits you, or more than one if you would like to choose. All of our advisors have held senior board roles themselves, and each is accredited by our directors.

Taking control: a Part-Time Finance Director sorts out reporting, forecasting and cash, and a Part-Time Operations Director builds the routines and ownership that turn plans into delivery.
Choosing the destination: a Part-Time CFO leads on funding, strategy and getting the business ready for investment or sale.
An independent voice: a Non-Executive Director challenges the board and mentors the directors.
Reliable reporting: a Part-Time Management Accountant produces the monthly figures the other advisors depend on.

If a Finance Director departs or a deal arrives at short notice, an Interim Finance Director or Interim CFO can step in quickly.

The first stage is to take stock: what the business has built, where it is under strain and what you want to achieve next. Your advisor then gets to know the people, reviews systems, processes, reporting, organisation structure and how the business operates, agrees an improvement action plan with you and helps put it into effect.

From then on the advisor is part of the management team. They take responsibility for delivering and stay until the work is done. The days are agreed in advance and you have full flexibility to increase or decrease them to suit your business needs.

Where a decision calls for a specialist, we can introduce banks, lawyers and accountants we know across Surrey.

✅ Expert Advice You Can Rely On: You’ll work with qualified, experienced advisors who are focused on results.

✅ A Trusted Working Relationship: We select advisors who fit your culture, team and goals.

✅ Tailored Support for Your Business: No templates, just relevant, practical, hands-on input.

✅ Dependable, Consistent Delivery: We meet deadlines, keep promises and deliver lasting impact.

✅ Clear, Proactive Communication: No jargon. Just senior-level expertise, clearly delivered.

Do you support businesses beyond Guildford town?

Yes. Secantor works with owner-managed businesses in Godalming, Woking, Farnham and the surrounding villages, and in nearby counties.

What does board-level support cost in Guildford?

Finance Director, CFO and Non-Executive Director support is charged at £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses. Our cost guide sets out what that includes.

How do we choose between a Finance Director, a CFO and a Non-Executive Director?

Begin with the gap that is costing the business the highest price: tighter control, a clearer direction or independent challenge. A Finance Director steadies reporting, cash and the finance function, a CFO leads on funding, strategy and value, and a Non-Executive Director questions the board from outside. Once we have met you and understood the business, we recommend the role that fits.

Is this the same as hiring a consultant?

No. A consultant advises and leaves. A Secantor advisor works part time inside your management team, takes responsibility for the outcome and stays to see it delivered.

Will the advisor take over from our accountant?

No. Your accountant continues to prepare the accounts, tax return and compliance filings, and the advisor adds senior strategic and financial judgement at board level. Bookkeeping and outsourced accounts are not part of what we provide.

What should we expect from the first meeting?

An easy, open conversation about how the business got here and where you would like it to go. We then give you our independent view and a suggested next step, with no obligation.

Not quite found the answer you need? Contact our team and we will get back to you personally. For a particular role, see Non-Executive Directors, Finance Directors and CFOs.

Talk To Paul About Your Business Goals

Book a Free 30-Minute Business Review

Paul Gibbins

Use the calendar to book a free 30-minute call with Paul and get clarity on your next steps

On the call, you’ll:

Identify what’s holding back your profit and growth
Gain clearer direction on your business priorities
Understand how to improve cashflow and performance
Explore practical steps to move your business forward

No obligation

30-minute call

Expert advice

Want to Boost Your Business Profits?

Profitability is the heartbeat of any successful business. Ready to take your business to the next level? Download your free guide and discover 10 powerful strategies to increase your business profits today!

Inside this guide, you'll discover how to:

✓ Create a budget that works for you

✓ Identify profit hotspots (and tackle any losses)

✓ Maximise sales while keeping costs in check

✓ Master the difference between 'Mark-up' and 'Margin'

…and so much more!

Click the button below to get instant access to your free guide and start growing your profits now!

How Secantor Helped a £30m Recruitment Business at a Critical Time

“Secantor provided the senior business & financial support my fellow director & I needed at a very critical time for our company. I cannot recommend the incredible service we received highly enough”

CEO Of A £30m Turnover Recruitment Company

The image shows a wooden surface with a row of six round, bite-sized chocolate truffles, each coated in various toppings like chocolate, nuts, and sprinkles. The background is blurred with hints of greenery.

Achieving the Dream Business Exit

The Value of an Interim Finance Director