Portfolio Finance Career Archives

Will’s Mentoring Story

Will Marr is a vfdnet Associate FC. He’s been an associate since 2019 and recently started mentoring under James Shand’s wing to learn ‘real-life’ about options for business exits with a focus to date on Employee Ownership Trusts. vfdnet are seeing a real interest in EOTs alongside MBOs and where a trade sale isn’t the […]

The deal is done, what’s your next move?

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So, you’re the Finance Director of a company that’s on the verge of a major transaction. You have been at the core of the process from due diligence, preparing all the finance documentation and working closely with the legal counsel. It’s been pressured, and your life has been overtaken by work. You’re about to complete. […]

Are you ready for a portfolio finance career?

Are you ready to break free from working full-time as an FD or FC for one employer?

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Working out if leaving your FD role in a business for a portfolio finance career is right for you or not, is a big decision. At vfdnet we want to help you make the right decision for you based on key facts and weighing up the pros and cons. Perhaps you are considering voluntary redundancy, [...]

Nick’s Onboarding Story as a Portfolio FD

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Nick was a successful CFO and Finance Director seeking a change. He contacted James at vfdnet in December, after finding us on Google, to enquire about joining as an associate. This was his first step toward a portfolio finance career. After working as a Finance Director for several years it was time for a change. [...]

Top five mistakes to avoid as a new portfolio FD or FC

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James Shand is an experienced Virtual Finance Director and owns vfdnet, here he shares mistakes he wishes he’d been told to avoid when starting his portfolio finance career 18 years ago. What I wished I’d known when I stepped into the portfolio FD world The variety and independence of being a portfolio FD are great, […]

“Peter is a first rate virtual finance director with excellent people skill and an ability to quickly see what is and isn,t working within the finance function and
the business generally and to help put it right. He is hands on and efficient in the projects he undertakes and always delivers on what has been agreed.
I would wholeheartedly recommend him to you.”

Steve Z – MD

“When I was Chairman I worked with our experienced Virtual Finance Director, David between 2012 and 2015, in one of the most difficult business environments for a software business. David was a key member of the team keeping everyone focused on delivering business and driving cashflow. Without David’s clear understanding of the issues, strategic thinking, willingness to address opportunities and problems head on, I believe the outcome would have been very different. David was the cornerstone of the management team.”

James W – Chairman

“I am delighted to say that the Business Sale process ran smoothly and efficiently. Our Buyer actually complimented us on our DD readiness and the ease of the transaction. I am very aware that this transaction would not have been possible without the significant groundwork and system development put in place by Peter & his team. The deal was signed in July 2015. AIthough the acquirer run a centralised finance function based in the USA I understand they have asked Peter to stay on as a consultant to help with the transition to the buyers systems. This sale could not have made without Peter’s substantial efforts. We owe Peter a substantial debt of gratitude.”

Christopher W – Chief Executive