I have enjoyed a varied and interesting career in accountancy and business management, gaining vast experience which I use to add value to both large and small businesses large.
While with Andersen I took a leading role on major corporate finance transactions, managing the due diligence on several IPOs, M&A transactions and rights issues for mid-market listed companies. I also took the lead role on major group audits, including managing the Europe-wide audit process for a global US group. In addition the firm also sponsored me to complete an Executive MBA at Manchester Business School.
My time at Andersens gave me a superb grounding in business, finance and detailed knowledge of corporate transactions.
In 2002 I set up on my own with Neil Ellis Consulting, providing the expertise I has learned in a more hands-on, added value way, while still working closely with a network of ex Andersen professionals. The projects I undertook inlcuded taking the leading role in external financial reporting within fully listed and AIM listed companies and providing technical accounting and restructuring advice to multinational groups.
As my career developed I began to take on de facto and virtual FD roles in private equity owned businesses, playing a key role at a critical stage of their development. These businesses have ranged in sector from semiconductor technology, IT service, professional services and the construction industry.
I have always had a strong interest in new technical accounting challenges and helping companies deal with them effectively. Having managed the transition to IFRS for several UK listed companies and am now conducting similar projects for the adoption of the new UK GAAP regime. I have advised a number of listed companies on challenges from the Financial Reporting Council and advised major software companies on the development of accounting software. I have been an HMRC recognised provider of iXBRL conversion services since 2011.
In summary over the past two decases I have worked for many businesses through challenging events such as the dot.com bubble, the M&A boom, the global financial crisis and subsequent recession, all of which have posed their specific challenges.
My experience is that those businesses which have been sustainably successful are those which combine entrepreneurial flair with a robust business model and sound financial planning and control.
Managing these 3Cs of Finance is crucial to all businesses, enabling them to:
We can often add more value, more effectively than either a traditional accountancy firm or a conventional Finance Director.
