The scoreboard, honestly: the hard targets, how often each one is actually looked at,
and the quiet human signals that never make it onto a dashboard.
Unqualified Audit Opinion
Achieving and maintaining an unqualified (clean) audit opinion from our external auditors, with zero material weaknesses identified.
Target · Zero material weaknesses; unqualified opinion annuallyDelivered an unqualified audit opinion for FY2024 with no significant control deficiencies noted by the external auditors, ensuring investor confidence.
Timeliness of Regulatory Filings
Meeting all statutory and regulatory financial reporting deadlines (e.g., Companies House, stock exchange filings, tax returns) without extensions.
Target · 100% on-time filing rateSuccessfully filed Q3 financial statements with the regulator two days ahead of schedule, demonstrating robust internal processes and controls.
Cost of Finance Function (as % of Revenue)
Optimising the efficiency of the entire accounting and financial reporting function relative to the company's revenue.
Target · <1.5% of annual revenue (or a 10% year-on-year reduction)Reduced the cost of the global accounting function from 1.8% to 1.6% of revenue in FY2024 through process automation and strategic team restructuring, saving £2M.
Accuracy of Financial Forecasts
The precision of enterprise-level financial forecasts (revenue, profit, cash flow) compared to actual results, informing investor guidance.
Target · Within ±2% variance for key P&L and cash flow itemsQ2 revenue forecast was £125M, actual was £124.5M, a 0.4% variance, providing reliable guidance to the market.
Board and Investor Confidence
The level of trust and confidence the Board Audit Committee, CEO, and external investors place in the financial reporting and accounting leadership.
- Regularly sought out for counsel on complex accounting matters
- positive feedback from investor calls regarding financial transparency
- active participation and influence in Board Audit Committee meetings
- no surprises in financial disclosures.
Regulatory Relationship Management
Maintaining a proactive, transparent, and constructive relationship with key financial regulatory bodies.
- No regulatory penalties or public reprimands
- positive outcomes from regulatory inquiries
- early engagement on proposed accounting standard changes
- recognised as a thought leader in industry forums.
Talent Development & Succession Planning
Building and nurturing a high-performing accounting organisation with clear succession plans for critical leadership roles.
- Retention rates for top accounting talent
- internal promotions to senior accounting roles
- positive feedback from team on career development opportunities
- robust succession plans for direct reports presented to the CEO.
Strategic Business Partnership
Acting as a strategic partner to the CEO and other C-suite executives, providing financial insights that drive business strategy, not just reporting historical data.
- Invited to strategic planning sessions
- financial insights directly influencing major business decisions (e.g., M&A, market entry)
- proactive identification of financial risks and opportunities
- seen as a 'go-to' for complex business problems with financial implications.