The Strategic CFO: How Financial Leadership Drives Growth in SMEs

Trace Co-Founder Gareth Cowan recently spoke to AB magazine on the vital – and ever evolving – role of a CFO in an SME.  

Working across Financial Services, Commerce and NFP, at Trace we also support some of the UK’s leading Private Equity and Venture Capital funds with permanent and fractional CFO and FD hires within their portfolio companies. 

Taking a business through growth is usually the common denominator and as a result, CEO’s and MDs are looking for finance leaders who can evidence a growth mindset, commerciality, natural leadership, and communication skills to die for! 

The article highlights how CFOs need to be “strong negotiators, with the confidence to fight for strategies, flag risks and convince often cost-concerned owners of the value of a fully engaged CFO and their team.” 

Proactive CFOs navigate SMEs through economic trends, market shifts and product competition, by aligning financial strategy with company goals, identifying new revenue opportunities, and supporting innovation throughout the business. By prioritising sustainable, scalable growth and investing in areas such as technology, talent, and customer experience, CFOs are now essential business partners who will drive the transformation needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. 

“You should be able to think strategically for every department within the business and make the right decisions at the right time”, advises Gareth. “Having a long-term strategic plan that you, your CEO and managing director share is essential.” 

We know that this mix of responsiveness, clarity, and strategic foresight is essential for SME leaders to thrive. With over 10 years’ experience, Gareth and his team have supported countless SMEs and PE-backed businesses to secure CFOs and FDs with these exact skills. 

Whether you are seeking to hire a CFO, build out a complete finance team, or bring in interim or fractional expertise to navigate a critical transition, we have the toolkit to help at Trace. 

Our searches are always delivered by a director, who works on one brief at a time – so you always get the full attention of an expert who cares. 

If you’re looking to build your accountancy and finance team, or hire specific roles and talent - such as a FD or CFO, contact Gareth and his team directly.

For the full article, visit AB Magazine.