Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a fractional finance and operations director?
A fractional finance and operations director provides part-time strategic leadership and hands-on management across both financial and operational areas. This role unites expert financial oversight (cash flow, forecasting, compliance) with operational improvement (system optimisation, process automation, team development), enabling ambitious businesses to scale efficiently without the commitment of a full-time director.
2. What industries benefit most from a fractional finance and operations director?
SMEs in construction, manufacturing, retail, energy, and professional services commonly benefit from fractional finance directors. These sectors require finance leaders who understand complex operations, regulatory challenges, and industry-specific growth strategies
3. Why hire a fractional finance and operations director instead of a traditional accountant or financial controller?
You benefit from strategic vision, hands-on process improvements, team mentoring, change management, and operational controls, not just financial reporting. This holistic support builds business resilience and unlocks faster, sustainable growth.
4. Are you a licensed practicing accountant
Yes, I am a fully qualified Chartered Accountant and a proud member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which is recognized globally for its rigorous professional standards. In addition, I am AAT qualified and licensed as a practicing accountant, authorized to provide a wide range of professional accountancy services. My practice is also registered for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervision, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices. These credentials underpin my commitment to delivering trustworthy, professional financial leadership and compliance expertise as your fractional finance and operations director.
5. What services do you offer?
At Lock & Ledger, we provide expert fractional finance and operations director services designed to boost profitability, improve cash flow, and drive sustainable growth for ambitious SMEs across the UK. Our comprehensive offerings include: Strategic Financial Leadership: Budgeting, forecasting, KPI development, scenario planning, and financial strategy aligned to your growth ambitions. Cash Flow & Working Capital Optimization: Identifying bottlenecks, improving liquidity, and managing working capital to free up resources for reinvestment. Finance Operations & Controls: Enhancing financial systems, implementing robust controls, streamlining reporting, and automating processes to improve accuracy and efficiency. Operational Excellence & Process Development: Developing and optimizing end-to-end business processes, improving operational workflows, and mentoring teams to deliver scalable performance. Compliance, Risk & Governance Support: Ensuring financial and operational compliance with regulatory requirements, managing risks, and building strong governance frameworks. Business Planning & Investment Support: Crafting business plans, preparing financial models, supporting investment readiness, and facilitating due diligence processes. Year-End Accounts & Audit Support: Coordinating with accountants and auditors to ensure timely and compliant statutory reporting and audit preparation. Interim & Project-Based Leadership: Flexible fractional finance and operations leadership for critical periods such as restructuring, mergers, system implementations, or rapid scale-up. Our approach delivers clarity, control, and confidence with the Lock & Ledger Method — a proven framework to help you unlock your company’s true potential without the cost or complexity of a full-time director.
7. How much does a fractional finance and operations director cost in the UK?
A fractional finance and operations director typically charges a day rate starting at £500 for senior-level engagement. Monthly retainers usually range between £2,000 and £8,000, depending on the level of involvement, business complexity, and operational scope. This flexible approach allows businesses to access expert financial and operational leadership without the significant fixed costs of a full-time hire. For comparison, the average full-time Finance Director salary in the UK ranges from £100,000 to £140,000 annually, excluding additional employment costs such as benefits, bonuses, and recruitment fees. Hiring fractional expertise can therefore save businesses 50% to 70% in costs while providing immediate impact from day one.
8. When do I need a Fractional Finance Director?
You should consider hiring a fractional finance director when your business is: Growing rapidly and needs --strategic financial guidance Preparing for funding rounds or investment Managing complex cash flow challenges Planning for exit or acquisition Implementing new financial systems or processes Requiring financial forecasting and business modelling Seeking to improve profitability and operational efficiency Too small to justify a full-time FD but needs senior financial expertise
9. How does a fractional finance and operations director differ from a fractional CFO or finance director?
While a fractional CFO focuses solely on financial strategy, a finance and operations director enhances both financial performance and operational processes. This dual approach ensures your business has clarity on both the numbers and how you work, driving profit, cash, and efficiency in tandem.
12. How many days per month does a Fractional Finance Director work?
The number of days a fractional finance and operations director works typically varies by business needs but commonly ranges from 2 to 4 days per month for SMEs. Some engagements may require more frequent involvement, up to 3 or more days per week during periods of rapid growth or transformation. This flexible working pattern allows businesses to scale financial and operational oversight efficiently without the cost burden of a full-time director. Many fractional directors structure their time to balance client work, strategic planning, and operational improvements effectively while leaving room for business development and other priorities
13. What size business needs a Fractional Finance Director?
Fractional finance directors are ideal for SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) typically with: Annual turnover between £1 million - £20 million 10-250 employees Businesses experiencing growth or transformation Companies preparing for investment, acquisition, or exit Organisations with complex financial requirements but insufficient scale for a full-time FD Start-ups and scale-ups needing senior financial guidance At Lock & Ledger Ltd, we work with businesses across various sizes and sectors throughout the UK.
14. What is the typical Engagement duration and is there ongoing partnership included?
Engagements range from 3–12 months, depending on scope: rapid turnarounds for urgent cashflow/process fixes; longer partnerships for cultural, team, or system change. We can then offer ongoing support which covers both regular finance oversight and operational improvement - e.g. monthly reporting, action plan updates, process reviews, team mentoring, compliance.
15. How does a fractional finance and operations director differ from a fractional CFO or finance director?
While a fractional CFO focuses solely on financial strategy, a finance and operations director enhances both financial performance and operational processes. This dual approach ensures your business has clarity on both the numbers and how you work, driving profit, cash, and efficiency in tandem.
16. What is the Lock & Ledger Method?
It’s a three-step framework: rapid health check of finances and operations, bespoke KPI and action plan (covering finance and operations), then ongoing partnership to oversee implementation and results. It’s designed to deliver confident, data-driven growth and measurable improvements in margin, cash, and efficiency.
17. What does a finance director actually do for an SME?
This role improves financial controls, reporting, budgeting, and cash flow; optimises operations through process redesign, team development, technology implementation, and cultural transformation. The dual focus supports high growth, efficiency, and compliance.
20. Should I bring in a fractional finance and operations director if I already have an accountant and ops manager?
A fractional director can bridge finance and operations for strategic impact, introducing systems, driving team change, breaking down silos, and aligning operational performance to financial goals.