Part-Time Finance Director Services In Oxford

A finance function that keeps pace with growth, and numbers the owner can trust

Secantor provides part-time Finance Directors to owner-managed businesses in Oxford and Oxfordshire, giving you the reporting, forecasting and cash control of a full-time Finance Director without a full-time salary. Your Finance Director joins the management team, takes responsibility for the finance function and helps the directors run the business on figures they can rely on.

Our guide to the Fractional Finance Director role covers the model nationally, and our Oxford support page shows the other board-level roles.

BOOK A CALL WITH AN EXPERT

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

A Secantor part-time Finance Director gives an Oxford business a finance function it can depend on, working as a member of the management team. The areas of support typically include:

  • Month-end discipline: a fixed timetable and reconciled accounts, so the monthly figures can be trusted.
  • Cash and working capital: a rolling forecast that shows what the business needs and when.
  • Budget and model: a plan to measure against and a three to five year forecast of profit, balance sheet and cash to test growth.
  • Funding readiness: reliable information and projections lenders look for.
  • Team and process: documented processes, trained staff and, where needed, help hiring a finance manager or controller.

We also provide a Part-Time Management Accountant in Oxford to prepare the monthly reporting that the Finance Director interprets. Fractional, outsourced and virtual Finance Director are other names for the same part-time service.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

When Does An Oxford Business Need A Part-Time Finance Director?

An Oxford business is ready for Secantor's part-time Finance Director when its finance function has not kept pace with its growth and a full-time hire is not yet justified. The signs are an owner who still manages the cash, monthly accounts that are late or unreliable, no budget or cash forecast, or finance managers who keep leaving. Our blog on the first 90 days of a Fractional Finance Director engagement shows how the work typically begins.

How Secantor Helped A Founder-Led Business Build A Finance Function

A founder had built a motor trade business to around £14m turnover in a few years, yet he was still managing its cash himself. The finance function had not grown with the business. A succession of finance managers had left, nobody senior remained to lead finance, the monthly accounts could not be relied on, and there was no budget or dependable cash forecast. The business also wanted new funding, and lenders expect reliable figures and projections.

Secantor began with a health check across the finance team, the sales and operations colleagues and the external accountants. It found that growth had arrived faster than the structures to support it. Another finance manager would probably have repeated the pattern, so Secantor brought in an Interim CFO for six months, with a clear job: stabilise the numbers, secure the funding and build the team that would take over.

The Interim CFO reconciled the key balance sheet accounts, set a month-end timetable and gave the founder dependable monthly information. A structured cash flow forecast looked ahead at working capital, especially the cash tied up in vehicle stock, and the stronger information helped secure additional funding. Key processes between sales, administration and finance were documented, existing staff were trained, and a Financial Controller was brought in and mentored for three months before a permanent Finance Director was appointed to lead the function.

After six months the Interim CFO handed over to the permanent Finance Director. The business had kept growing throughout, and the founder no longer had to oversee daily cash management. Read the full case study.

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

How A Part-Time Finance Director Works With You

A Secantor part-time Finance Director starts by looking closely at the numbers, the processes and the people. The first weeks are a diagnostic phase: the Finance Director meets the owner and the finance staff, follows month end from ledger to report, and reviews systems, processes, reporting and organisation structure. A plan for improvement is agreed with you and put in place together, after which the work settles into a steady monthly rhythm, always with the same person, who stays in contact between sessions.

We propose the advisor who suits your business, 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. The Finance Director is a working member of your management team, answers for the finance function and has a senior Secantor director behind them.

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

In Oxford, a Secantor part-time Finance Director costs £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses. The days are agreed in advance and you have full flexibility to increase or decrease them to suit your business needs. Our cost guide has the full figures.

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

Deciding Which Senior Role Should Come First

Secantor's part-time Finance Director suits an Oxford business that needs dependable reporting, forecasting and cash control on an ongoing basis. Other situations point elsewhere.

Developing The Team You Already Have

Secantor's part-time Finance Directors lead the finance function of an Oxford business without displacing the bookkeeper, accountants or finance staff, and they develop the team through mentoring and practical training. Bookkeeping and outsourced accounts sit outside what we offer. For a picture of good reporting, read how to use management accounts effectively.

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

Starting With A Free Business Review

Secantor's Free Business Review lets an Oxford owner who suspects the finance function is holding the business back find out, with no obligation. We start with a conversation, then come to you and follow how the numbers are produced and who produces them, and you leave with an independent view and our recommendation. See the Free Business Review.

Our 5-Point Commitment to You

✅ 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.

Next Steps

The practical first step for an Oxford business is a Free Business Review, with no strings attached, or a call with a Secantor Director if you would rather speak first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Part-Time Finance Directors In Oxford

How many days a month will an Oxford business need a part-time Finance Director?

You set the level at the outset, based on the work the business needs, and can raise or lower it as things change.

Should we recruit a finance manager or use a part-time Finance Director?

If the problems are wider than a vacancy, such as unreliable reporting, informal cash management and a need for funding, a part-time Finance Director gives senior leadership straight away and can help build the permanent team.

Can a part-time Finance Director help us secure funding?

Yes. They prepare the reliable management information and cash forecasts lenders look for, and can join your conversations with funders.

Is a part-time Finance Director a consultant?

No. A consultant reports back and leaves. A Secantor Finance Director becomes part of your management team, answers for the finance function, develops your finance staff and stays until the numbers can be relied on.

Do you provide bookkeeping?

No. Bookkeeping and outsourced accounts sit outside our service. Your bookkeeper or accountant continues to keep the records, and the Finance Director builds reporting and forecasts on top of them.

Can a Finance Director work with us if we are outside Oxford itself?

Yes. Our Finance Directors support businesses around Kidlington, Abingdon, Witney, Bicester and Banbury, and throughout Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Not quite found the answer you need? Contact our team and we will get back to you personally.

For questions beyond finance, see our Part-Time CFO and Non-Executive Director services in Oxford.

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

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!

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