--- title: Finance outsourcing – How does it work? description: A qualified FD may be beneficial. But the reality is not every business is in a position to bring one in. This is where outsourcing comes in to play. image: https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/outsourced-finance-director.jpg --- [![Shorts_logo_White](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/New%20Site%202018/Shorts_logo_White.svg "Shorts_logo_White")](https://www.shorts.uk.com/) [Blogs & News](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/) > [GENUS Management Accounts](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/genus-management-accounts) # Finance outsourcing – How does it work? Alicia Williams - 10 November 2022 ###### Select topic - Please Select - [ Audit ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/audit) [ Business Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/business-taxes) [ Radius – R&D Tax Relief & Patent Box ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/radius-rd-tax-relief-patent-box) [ Corporate Finance ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/corporate-finance) [ GENUS Management Accounts ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/genus-management-accounts) [ VAT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/vat) [ Private Client ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/private-client) [ Payroll ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/payroll) [ EOT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/eot) [ International Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/international-taxes) ![featured image](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/outsourced-finance-director.jpg) **A robust finance function is essential for growth, sustainability, and compliance for businesses.** The finance function takes care of business finances. It aims to boost profitability and keep the [financial records](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/why-is-business-reporting-so-important) of a business accurate and up to date. There are challenges that prevent some businesses from optimising their existing finance function. These challenges typically affect smaller, owner-managed businesses – they include: - Insufficient time to manage financial records alongside day-to-day running of the business - A lack of qualified finance personnel - Insufficient need for a dedicated hire in this area A qualified Finance Director (FD) or other financial support figures may be beneficial. But the reality is not every business is in a position to bring one in. This is where finance outsourcing comes into play. ## What is an outsourced FD (Finance Director)? A business can outsource its finance function just like customer services or marketing. A proven way to do this is through an outsourced Finance Director (FD). An FD is a significant figure in a business. The FD takes responsibility for financial strategy, [efficiency](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/10-ways-to-improve-business-efficiency), growth, and even fundraising. ### What does an outsourced FD do? By outsourcing finance to an experienced client FD, a business benefits in many areas. These include: - Considering broader company strategy and how to get there - Long-term growth planning - Applying qualified financial knowledge to your business - Producing robust, timely financial reporting - Helping businesses[ optimise their finance systems/processes](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/essential-business-finance-software-in-2022) - Generating accurate forecasts and creating budgets - Serving as a reliable sounding board for business ideas and providing a different perspective - [Setting well-defined KPIs.](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/business-kpis-measuring-what-matters) - Overseeing capital-raising strategies An outsourced FD is usually cheaper than an in-house FD with equal talent and experience. They will also bring a breadth of wider industry knowledge with them. [The Genus team at Shorts Chartered Accountants can function as your FD to help you drive efficiencies and deliver success in a multitude of areas.](https://www.shorts.uk.com/genus/tailored-financial-support/) ## Do you need an FD? When deciding whether or not an outsourced Finance Director is a good choice for you, we recommend considering the following questions: - Do you find it difficult to trust the numbers in your accounting system? - Are you struggling to get timely information out of your systems that you can base decisions on? - Do you know where you want to get to with the business, but not how to get there? - Does the finance team struggle to understand some of the numbers? - Are you looking just looking at historic data in your management information? - Do you struggle to find someone that can provide constructive challenge and financial insight? If you have answered yes to any of these options, it might be time to consider an FD. ## Outsourced finance – other areas There are other finance duties that a business can outsource to let leaders focus on business activities. These include: - Credit control - [Bookkeeping and accounts](https://www.shorts.uk.com/accountancy/) - Company secretarial - [Payroll](https://www.shorts.uk.com/payroll/) - [Tax Compliance](https://www.shorts.uk.com/business-taxes/) ## Is it time to outsource your finance function? The Genus team at Shorts brings together years of accounting expertise. We use cutting-edge cloud software to design and build a business a bespoke finance solution. If you want a better understanding of your business numbers and finance operations, [book a free consultation with us today.](https://www.shorts.uk.com/genus/) ![author](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/Alicia%20williams-1.jpg) #### Alicia Williams I am Partner of the Genus team at Shorts, a chartered certified accountant and Xero specialist. I specialise in cloud-based accounting solutions, particularly Xero and add-on software, helping clients streamline processes and improve efficiency. As a Client FD, I work closely with businesses to give them a clear understanding of their current position and support their long-term planning and growth. [View my articles](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/author/alicia-williams) Tags: [GENUS Management Accounts](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/genus-management-accounts) Share this on - - - [Questions? Get in touch with us](https://www.shorts.uk.com/contact/) ###### Tax Saving Guide 2026-27 Written especially for entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses, this guide is full of planning ideas and tax risks to avoid. [ Download now ](https://info.shorts.uk.com/en-gb/tax-saving-guide) ![Tax saving guide 2026-27](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg?width=375&height=465&name=Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg) ###### Related articles ##### [Xero for small business – Essential tips](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/xero-for-small-business-essential-tips) ##### [How to pay bills directly from Xero - New](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/how-to-pay-bills-directly-from-xero-new) ##### [KPIs vs OKRs: What’s the difference?](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/kpis-vs-okrs-whats-the-difference) ##### [Let's Make Finances Operational](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/lets-make-finances-operational) ###### Latest articles [Should UK business owners reconsider exit timing?](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/uk-business-owners-reconsider-exit-timing) [Xerocon 2026: Innovation, inspiration and a look at the future](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/xerocon-2026-innovation-inspiration-and-a-look-at-the-future) [Salary sacrifice pension changes 2029: what you need to know](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/salary-sacrifice-pension-changes-2029) [How to separate a business through a demerger](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/how-to-separate-a-business-through-a-demerger) [A case of aggressive tax avoidance: Glasgow Rangers Football Club](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/aggressive-tax-avoidance-affect-you) [What is VAT? - Complete Guide (Updated for 2025/26)](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/what-is-vat) [Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/ashgate-hospice-sparkle-night-walk-2026) [Stocktaking guide for UK businesses](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/stocktaking-guide-for-uk-businesses) [Supporting the Chatsworth Cascade for future generations](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/supporting-the-chatsworth-cascade-for-future-generations) [Deal of the Year win at Insider Dealmakers Awards 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/deal-of-the-year-win-at-insider-dealmakers-awards-2026) #### About Us Use this little footer to reinforce your message about who you are and why people love working with you. 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