What I do
I work as a part-time finance director or on single projects, and I usually sit alongside the owner rather than behind a desk.
Business plans
Full plans for banks, investors and grant bodies, from the executive summary to five-year financials.
Feasibility studies
A clear answer on whether a project can be built, will attract customers, and will pay back.
Financial modelling
Interactive models that let owners change prices, volumes and wages and see the effect on profit and cash straight away.
Part-time finance director
Management accounts, cash flow, budgets, forecasts, VAT, PAYE and CIS, plus the working relationship with banks, auditors and tax advisers.
Project and contract costing
Systems that show what each job really costs and earns, including tender pricing for contracting businesses.
Systems and automation
Management information, accounting controls and Microsoft 365 / Power Platform automation that take the manual work out of reporting.
Monthly management accounts at Thistle Generators, with the MD given live access to sales, debtors and cash.
I designed a modelling system at Dand Carnegie & Co that produced grant-accredited business plans in hours.
I provided the management information that supported the 2014 sale of Scotherbs to Langmead Group.
I implemented Sarbanes-Oxley controls for Bio-Rad's UK manufacturing unit, reporting to its US corporate office.
Experience
My career covers group finance, contract businesses and international corporate reporting, and much of it has been part-time work across several companies at once.
| 2015 – now | Group Financial Controller · AIM Developments, Computer Links Limited, Aspire Membranes LimitedRoofing, property, network cabling and licensed premises. Project costing, management information, tendering and MBO support. |
| 2014 – 2015 | Financial Controller · MacDonald Energy GroupOil and gas manpower services. Business plans, forecasts and refinancing. |
| 2014 | Financial Controller (contract) · Scotherbs Limited£7.5m food business. Profit improvement plan and support for the company sale. |
| 2009 – 2013 | Group Accountant · Toprowan GroupProperty construction and management. Invoice financing and a property management system. |
| 2002 – 2014 | Financial Controller · Bio-Rad Laboratories EuropeUK manufacturing unit of a NYSE-listed group. IFRS, UK GAAP, SOX and transfer pricing. |
| 2004 – 2008 | Finance Director · Thistle Generators Limited£5m bespoke emergency generator contractor. Contract costing and integrated reporting. |
| 2000 – 2003 | Financial Controller & IT Manager · Riverside BioSciencesLife science manufacturing, reporting to equity investors. |
| 1997 – 2000 | Consultancy Services & IT Manager · Dand Carnegie & Co, CABusiness plans, grant applications and product costing for clients. |
| 1995 – 1997 | Group Accountant & joint Mill Manager · J & F Spinners GroupTextile mills in Dundee and Gourdon with a workforce of 250. |
| 1988 – 1995 | Trainee CA, then Audit & IT Manager · Miller McIntyre & Gellatly; Bell & Co |
Qualifications
- Chartered AccountantInstitute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), 1990, passed first time
- BSc Joint Honours, Accountancy & MathematicsUniversity of Dundee, 1988
Beyond the numbers
I'm a former world champion Scottish Highland dancer, and since 2004 I've run toeandheelGOLD, a specialist Highland dance supplier.
I also build iOS apps, including a results and scrutineering tool for Highland dancing competitions.
Let's talk about your project
Whether it's a new venture or a business that needs better numbers, a short call is usually the best place to start.
- garethmitchelson@mac.com
- Mobile
- 07764 857 983
- 07764 857 983 @gareth.mitchelson