Although formed only six months previously, the company already employed over 100 people.
However, the UK shareholders had become aware that the accounting information available, such as it was, could not be trusted.
The annual audit was about to start and the shareholders were restless. Accounts needed to be up to date and profit or loss by site identified.
The accounts were a disaster, which was compounded, in my opinion, by general management problems. Two weeks after I started the Managing Director resigned and the accountant went on depression leave, never to return.
I had to examine and in many cases correct the transactions since the start of trading, prepare annual accounts for audit and then get the accounting up to date. Following this arduous task I set up simple systems to ensure that all work was invoiced to customers and to identify profit and loss by site. The results being somewhat below expectations, I then reconciled them to budget.
Additionally, certain administrative requirements had not been met. I corrected these oversights and ensured that they did not recur. I also gave staff basic training in accounting principles.
Until a new MD was recruited I represented stability and was a reference point within the company. Finally, I recruited two people to replace me, one full time and one 3 days per week.
PrintView client feedbackInterim Manager (Managing Director or Financial Director) since April 1997, based Madrid working both in France and Spain.
British national speaking perfect French and excellent Spanish.
Hands-on, pragmatic, natural leader.