How We’re Partnering with a Growing Business to Build a High-Performing Finance Team

Growth creates opportunity. It also exposes gaps.

We are currently working with a scaling business who recognised early that if they wanted to grow properly, their finance function had to evolve with them.

Importantly, this organisation has chosen to work exclusively with Downey Osborne as their recruitment partner. That exclusivity has allowed us to take a long-term, strategic approach rather than a transactional one.

The First Step, an In-House Financial Controller

The journey began with the appointment of their first in-house Financial Controller.

This was a significant milestone for the business. Moving from external support to a dedicated internal finance lead brought ownership, accountability and structure to the function.

The role was positioned as an opportunity for an ambitious, up-and-coming FC ready to step into a broader remit and grow with the organisation.

From One Hire to a Structured Team

As growth accelerated, it became clear that building a high-performing team required more than one key appointment.

What started as a single FC hire has now developed into a defined structure:

• A Management Accountant to strengthen reporting and analysis

• A Financial Controller overseeing controls and operational finance

• A Finance Director providing strategic leadership and board-level insight

This evolution was not reactive. It was planned.

Building for Scale

Through close partnership with leadership, we have focused on:

• Creating clear lines of responsibility

• Strengthening financial reporting and forecasting

• Supporting better commercial decision making

• Ensuring progression pathways within the team

High-performing finance teams are built with intention. Structure comes before speed.

By working exclusively together, we have been able to align recruitment decisions directly with business strategy, ensuring each hire complements the next.

If your business is entering a new phase of growth, now may be the time to consider whether your finance structure is built for where you are going, not just where you are today.

At Downey Osborne, we partner with ambitious organisations to build finance teams that drive performance.