Control vs Clarity

Founders thrive on control. It’s how you survived the early years – making sure every pound and every move went through you. But finance people work differently. They shine a light into all the corners, build processes, and insist on clarity.

To a founder, this can feel like losing your grip. To finance, it’s just doing the job. Neither is wrong – but if you don’t acknowledge the tension, you’ll end up in conflict.

Gut vs Data

Let’s be honest – most owner-managers run heavily on gut instinct. You know your customers, your industry, and your market better than anyone. That instinct is what’s kept you ahead of the curve.

Finance people? They’re wired for data. They’ll look for trends, forecasts, and KPIs to back every decision. The problem is when you pit gut and data against each other. The truth is they’re both valuable – gut gives speed, data gives certainty. The real win is learning how to use them together.

The CFO Isn’t Your Therapist

This one’s blunt, but it needs saying. Your finance lead is not there to carry the weight of your late-night stresses or play therapist when you’re doubting yourself. Their role is to provide you with the facts, highlight risks, and give options.

If you need someone to help you untangle the emotional rollercoaster of running a business, you need a mentor, a coach, or a peer group. Expecting your CFO or finance manager to double up in that space will burn them out and leave you frustrated.

Misalignment of Pace and Perspective

Founders love pace. Quick decisions, fast growth, “let’s just get it done.” But finance people are trained to think long-term. They slow things down, ask the awkward questions, and play devil’s advocate.

To you, it might feel like they’re blocking progress. To them, it’s about protecting sustainability. The tension here is actually useful – your urgency pushes the business forward, while their caution keeps it from tipping over the edge. Respecting both is what makes the balance work.

How to Hire Finance the Right Way (For You)

The biggest mistake founders make is hiring finance without first being honest about what they actually need. Do you just want peace of mind and clean books? Someone to tighten up the processes? Or a strategic partner to challenge you and help scale the business?

Once you’re clear on this, you can hire the right person. And here’s the kicker – don’t look for someone who thinks just like you. Look for someone who complements you. But then give them space to actually do the job. That might mean letting go of a bit of control, leaning into discomfort, and sometimes letting data prove your gut wrong.

Because the best finance people aren’t there to keep you comfortable. They’re there to make your business stronger.

Conclusion

Bringing finance into your business isn’t about filling a role – it’s about recognising that there will always be a push and pull between founder and finance. Control vs clarity. Gut vs data. Pace vs sustainability.

If you can embrace those tensions rather than fight them, you’ll end up with more than numbers on a spreadsheet. You’ll gain a partner who can help you build a business that lasts.

If you’re ready to hire finance in a way that works for you and for your business, let’s have a conversation. Together, we’ll build a finance function that gives you clarity, confidence, and the freedom to focus on leading your business.

be bold | be brave | be outside the bubble