2010 FD of the Year Awards: FDs at front of queue for top jobs
FINANCE directors are emerging from the recession in a strong position to take the top job at organisations, according to one of the region’s leading recruitment consultants.
Cliff Sewell, chief executive of Sewell Moorhouse, believes that the tough economic times have thrown the spotlight onto the work of finance directors with strong performers now likely to be in demand to fill managing director and chief executive roles.
The contribution of finance directors across businesses from all sectors and sizes will be recognised at the 2010 Yorkshire Finance Director of the Year Awards.
Sewell Moorhouse is one of the sponsors of the event alongside financial services provider Ernst & Young, law firm Hammonds and Santander Corporate Banking. TheBusinessDesk.com is the event’s media sponsor.
Mr Sewell, who founded the firm in 1997, said: “When you get FDs out of the corporate four walls what they will say is that over the last two years they have found themselves very much in the spotlight.
“When you’re reporting good news everyone wants to be associated with it but when it turns into bad news the FD becomes the focus of attention. The pressure of constantly having to report bad news can be very challenging.”
Despite the pressures, there has not been a rush of FDs heading for the door.
“Over the last 18 months a lot of FDs have taken themselves off the market because they have been saying they are too involved with what has been happening with their companies to leave,” said Mr Sewell.
“I don’t know if it’s a trait of people who become FDs or one they acquire but they are loyal, they take responsibility.”
Mr Sewell has seen clients looking for FDs reconsidering the qualities they are looking for in the light of the challenges facing companies over the last two years and the uncertain economic outlook.
“Clients looking to recruit FDs are now looking for a bit more maturity, more experience. They are saying they want people with broad shoulders – people who have been there and done it.
“The job market at the senior level is coming back now and while the economy is improving the issues that FDs deal with are going to be the focus of companies for some time so there are a lot of good opportunities out there at the moment.
“FDs who have found themselves at centre stage have shown they have the ability to be at centre stage and I think you will find them heading towards MD and chief executive roles although FDs are also being offered good money at the moment to stay as FDs.”
Awards will be presented in categories including Best Finance Director of a plc; Best Finance Director of a Ltd Company; Best Finance Director of an SME (up to £15m turnover); and Young Finance Director of the Year (up to 40 years of age).
There will also be Outstanding Achievement and Best Finance Director Private Equity awards.
For further information about the awards email Lucinda Wood at lucinda.wood@sewellm.co.uk.
