Part-Time Finance Director Services In Reading

Senior financial leadership for Reading businesses, a few days a month

A part-time Finance Director gives an owner-managed Reading business the reporting, forecasting and financial control of a full-time appointment, for the days you need. Secantor's advisors work alongside you as part of your management team, and we visit you in Reading to start.

This page covers the local service. Our national guide to the Fractional Finance Director role explains the model in full, and you can also see our wider board-level support in Reading.

BOOK A CALL WITH AN EXPERT

What Does A Part-Time Finance Director Do For A Reading Business?

Secantor's part-time Finance Directors help Reading businesses turn their numbers into decisions. They produce timely monthly reporting, set budgets and cash forecasts, show where the business makes and loses money, and prepare the figures and commentary your bank expects.

  • Reporting and control. Monthly management accounts you can trust, with the key figures explained.
  • Planning. Budgets, forecasts and a rolling cash view.
  • Profitability. Margin analysis by customer, product or project, and action on what it shows.
  • Funding. Support with lenders and the information they need.

Reporting is built by a Management Accountant; the Finance Director interprets it and embeds it into how you run the business.

You may also search for this role as a fractional, outsourced or virtual Finance Director. All three names describe the same service: a commercially experienced Finance Director who works with you for the days you need.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

When Does A Reading Business Need A Part-Time Finance Director?

Secantor's part-time Finance Director service suits a Reading business that has outgrown the finance function it has but cannot justify a full-time hire. Typical signs include late or unreliable monthly figures, strong sales with weak profit, a bank asking for more than you can produce, or an owner still doing the forecasting. Our blog on what a Fractional Finance Director does in the first 90 days shows how the work typically starts.

How Has A Part-Time Finance Director Helped A Reading Business?

A Reading commercial property business with £12m turnover lost its Finance Director to resignation shortly after its MD had also resigned, forcing the owners to step back into the business. Growth had masked a problem: the push for sales had eroded project margins without anyone noticing.

Secantor placed a fractional Finance Director for four days a month. The first task was a review of gross margin on every project, with project managers made accountable for delivering the margins set when the work was quoted. The owners now see where the business makes money and where it does not, an improvment plan in place and have a finance function they can rely on again.

A part-time Finance Director discussing strategy with a business owner

How Does A Part-Time Finance Director Work With You?

Secantor starts every Reading engagement with a visit to your premises, to hear how the business works and where it is under pressure, and then proposes the advisor we think fits you and your people. Most engagements begin with a diagnostic month, then settle into a regular rhythm of days each month, with the same advisor each time and contact between visits when you need it.

What Does A Part-Time Finance Director Cost In Reading?

Secantor charges £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses for a part-time Finance Director in Reading. Many Reading businesses start with two to four days a month, and the commitment can be adjusted as the business needs change. Our cost guide sets out the figures in more detail.

A part-time Finance Director meeting with an SME management team
BOOK A CALL WITH AN EXPERT

Which Arrangement Suits A Reading Business?

Secantor's part-time Finance Director suits a Reading business that needs ongoing financial leadership. If growth, funding or a sale is the main question, a Part-Time CFO may suit better. If the board needs an independent voice, consider a Non-Executive Director. If your Finance Director has left and you need cover quickly, an Interim Finance Director can start at short notice. Read Fractional vs Part-Time vs Interim CFO for the national picture.

How Does A Part-Time Finance Director Work With Your Existing Team?

Secantor's part-time Finance Directors work alongside the accountants, bookkeeper and finance staff of a Reading business and do not replace them. They provide the senior layer above that team. We do not provide bookkeeping or outsourced accounts. Read how to use management accounts effectively.

A part-time Finance Director reviewing financial information with an SME business owner

What Is The Free Business Review?

Secantor's Free Business Review is our no obligation starting point for Reading business owners. We begin with a chat, then a couple of our team visit you in Reading to hear the story of your business. You leave with an independent view and our recommendation of the right support. See the Free Business Review.

Next Steps

Start with a visit. Our Free Business Review begins with a conversation, then we come to your Reading premises to hear how the business works. You leave with an independent view and no obligation. Prefer to talk first? Book a discovery call with a Secantor Director.

What Do Reading Business Owners Ask About A Part-Time Finance Director?

Do you work with businesses outside Reading town centre?

Yes. We visit businesses in Caversham, Tilehurst and along the M4 corridor, and across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

How many days a month will we need?

Many businesses start with two to four days a month. We agree the level with you at the first meeting and adjust it as things change.

How is a part-time Finance Director different from a CFO?

A Finance Director runs reporting, forecasting and controls. A CFO adds funding, strategy and board leadership. In businesses of our clients' size one person usually covers both, and we agree the emphasis with you.

Can a part-time Finance Director help with our bank?

Yes. They prepare the reporting and commentary lenders expect and can support conversations about funding.

Do you provide bookkeeping?

No. We provide the senior finance layer: Finance Director, CFO, Non-Executive Director and Management Accountant. Your existing accountants or bookkeeper carry on with the day to day.

Not quite found the answer you need?    Contact our team – we’ll get back to you personally.

Interested in how senior support could help in other areas too? Learn more about our Non-Executive Directors and Outsourced Operations Directors.

Talk To Paul About Your Business Goals

Book a Free 30-Minute Business Review

Paul (colour)

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

“We will never forget your huge contribution to Montezuma’s and your constant support, encouragement and all the board room laughs. Thank you for everything!”
Helen Pattinson, MD and Co-founder of Montezuma’s Chocolates

BOOK A FREE BUSINESS REVIEW

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!

Ways Secantor Will Help You

4 Develop a Plan
Develop & Implement A Successful Plan
5 Optimise Finances
Optimise Your Finances
6 Develop a Team
Develop A Strong Accountable Team
7 Build Value in Your Business
Build Value In Your Business
8 Improve Operational Efficiency
Improve Operational Efficiency
9 Exit Your Business Successfully
Exit Your Business Successfully

Read Our Latest Case Studies

View All
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

Read More

Achieving the Dream Business Exit
Interim Finance Director Case Study

The Value of an Interim Finance Director

Read More

The Value of an Interim Finance Director
Resolving Board Conflict

Resolving Boardroom Conflict

Read More

Resolving Boardroom Conflict

What Does It Take to Build a Successful SME?

This guide is designed for ambitious SME owners who want to:

  • Focus on what actually drives growth
  • Spot where profit is being lost
  • Improve margins with smarter decisions
  • Strengthen cash flow and financial control
  • Build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth
  • Take practical action that moves the business forward
Secantor Guide Mock up

Read Our Latest Blog Posts

View Our Blog Posts
Peter Laurie Joins Secantor As Regional Director
Peter Laurie Regional Director at Secantor Business Services
News

Peter Laurie Joins Secantor As Regional Director

Experienced entrepreneur and Non-Executive Director to support SME owners across London and the South East Secantor Business Services is delighted to welcome Peter Laurie as Regional Director for London and the South East, bringing several decades of expe…

Oct 2, 2026, 10:10:09 AM
What Financial Support Does A Business Need At Each Stage Of Growth?
Business owner and finance director walking through a workshop discussing growth plans
Finance Director

What Financial Support Does A Business Need At Each Stage Of Growth?

How does financial support change as a business grows? The financial support a business needs changes as it grows, but the change is driven less by turnover than by the complexity and consequence of the decisions the owner is facing. A start-up needs a cr…

Sep 14, 2026, 9:00:00 AM
Fractional Vs Part-Time Vs Interim CFO: Which Does Your Business Need?
SME business owner discussing strategy with a fractional CFO in a modern office
CFO

Fractional Vs Part-Time Vs Interim CFO: Which Does Your Business Need?

A Fractional CFO and a Part-Time CFO are, in practice, the same arrangement: senior financial leadership for an agreed number of days each month, with no fixed end date. An Interim CFO is different. They join temporarily, usually for more days, to cover a…

Aug 18, 2026, 9:00:00 AM

Our Services

We help you make strategic decisions

Secantor provides expert financial and management support to SME owners and directors. Our commercially experienced team covers the following roles.

1 Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Strategic support and experience to guide you as you make decisions and build value in your business. A NED acts as a sounding board for your ideas, improves business performance, holds you and your team to account and helps you achieve a successful exit.

Responsibilities

✓ Strategic business planning

✓ Support strategic decision-making

✓ Set business goals and objectives

✓ Rejuvenate struggling businesses

✓ Manage growth effectively

✓ Implement best practice

✓ Sounding board for your ideas

✓ Set and communicate vision

✓ Hold you & your team to account

✓ Build an effective management team

Learn More
2 Finance Director

Finance Director

Expert financial leadership from a commercially experienced, qualified accountant. An FD will create financial plans, report your monthly performance against budget and interpret the figures to help you make sound decisions & improve profitability.

Responsibilities

✓ Expert financial advice

✓ Interpret financial results a support decisions

✓ Develop & oversee your finance team

✓ Improve profitability & control costs

✓ Prepare management accounts

✓ Create 3-5 year financial plan

✓ Budget setting

✓ Source appropriate funding

✓ Cashflow forecasting & management

✓ Prepare reports & commentaries for your bank

Learn More
3 Operations Director

Operations Director

Strategic operational leadership to transform your people and business processes to improve efficiency and profitability. An Operations Director helps you build a strong management team, delegate operational actions and improve business performance.

Responsibilities

✓ Develop strength in your management team

✓ Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)

✓ Hold people accountable to achieve results

✓ Process and quality improvement

✓ Help you delegate effectively

✓ Create clear job descriptions

✓ Identify and recruit talent

✓ Implement robust operational systems

✓ Establish clear goals and expectations

✓ Enable your team to achieve excellence

Learn More

Free Business Review

Discover tailored insights for your business with our simple 3-step process: a quick chat, an onsite visit, and expert advice.
Book your free consultation today!