Fractional Finance Director Services
High-level financial expertise - when you need it, for as long as you need it
Most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can neither afford nor require a full-time Finance Director - yet the need for strategic financial guidance has never been greater. A Fractional Finance Director gives you access to senior expertise without the full-time cost, helping your business make confident decisions, improve performance and prepare for the future.
Nick Lankester, Director at Jackdaw Four, can act as your part-time Finance Director providing the insight, experience and skills you need, when you need them - an ideal solution for ambitious SMEs. Throughout his career, Nick has held Managing Director, Non-Executive Director and commercial leadership roles, meaning you get more than just finance expertise - you gain a trusted sounding board for the wider challenges of running and growing a business.
What we offer
- Fractional health check and ongoing guidance - a clear view of where your business stands today, and the steps needed to strengthen it.
- Growth plan review - testing the completeness, feasibility and funding requirements of your plans before you commit resources.
- Bespoke forecasting models - integrated Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow models built around your revenue and cost drivers.
- Management accounts and budgets - preparation and review to ensure you always have reliable, timely data to work from.
- Funding advice and support - guidance on equity or debt finance, and introductions to options through our partnership with Swoop.
- Process, systems and governance improvements - scalable solutions to keep your finance function effective as your business grows.
- Exit planning and sale support - helping you create a plan and, when the time comes, guiding you through the sale process.
What we do
We work alongside you, as part of your senior leadership team. That can mean:
- Leading and overseeing your in-house finance team
- Providing commercial insights on cost savings, margin improvement and growth opportunities
- Helping you secure funding for expansion or working capital
- Implementing financial systems that improve accuracy, efficiency and control
- Acting as an independent voice in strategic discussions, bringing both financial and operational experience.
Our approach is always tailored - from one-off projects to ongoing, retained support. Book a short call to discuss your business and requirements, to see how we could work together.
“I consider Nick Lankester an excellent finance specialist and finance business partner. During our time working together I have found Nick to be an outstanding professional. Nick is a loyal, trustworthy and dedicated individual and I would thoroughly recommend him as an outsourced Finance Director.”
Services provided: Finance Director; Accounting; Tax; Bookkeeping
Eline Beun, Managing Director & Owner
“Over the past 4 years Nick has worked as our Non-Executive Director, Managing Director and now Finance Director, and has helped us all grow. His knowledge is extensive and incredibly practical, allowing him to provide valuable insights and guidance to the board and management team.
Furthermore, Nick is hardworking and diligent, ensuring that he is always well-prepared and focused on achieving the company's and individual's goals. His keen eye for detail and ability to identify potential issues before they arise is a testament to his foresight, experience and strategic thinking.
Nick is an asset to any organisation, bringing a wealth of experience, practicality, and dedication to the table. It is a privilege to work with him and learn from his expertise, and I would therefore highly recommend him.”
Services provided: Non-Executive Director; Finance Director
Thomas Schilling, CEO & Owner