Arma Partners - Investment Banking

Size, type & sector

Arma Partners is an independent investment banking firm focused exclusively on corporate finance advisory services to technology companies. Arma provides clients with advice on public and private mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, equity capital raising, as well as a range of other advisory services.

Arma Partners is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial and strategic objectives. The sole focus on the technology sector gives Arma an unparalleled understanding of, and experience in, global transactions within this industry.

Arma has a turnover of £5M, with a staff of 18, including 5 partners operating from 2 offices, London and California

Why was The FD Centre called in?

The partners were finding it a distraction getting involved with the finances of the partnership when they needed to be focusing on closing deals and raising revenue for the firm. However, they recognized that the firm was not big enough to justify a full time Finance Director on the payroll, nor did they believe they could employ someone on a full time basis and keep them occupied and motivated at a senior level. The FD Centre was an ideal compromise.

Who called The FD Centre in?

Adam de Courcy Ling, a partner in the firm contacted the FD Centre and negotiated a contract with the FD Centre for the provision of a part-time Finance Director for 2 days a week.

What has the FD Centre done?

• Compiled a budget for the current financial year
• Implemented a process of monthly re-forecasting which analyses the current deal status and the impact on profitability
• Used this budget to measure against monthly performance
• Implemented a monthly management accounts package which is now discussed at partner meetings
• Reviewed current banking relationship with the outcome of negotiating better terms
• Implemented a Service Level Agreement between the UK and the US to comply with international tax requirements, something that had been on the agenda for 2 years
• Created Global consolidated accounts
• Transferred the US Finance function to report to the UK
• Created controls and processes within the Finance function to ensure best practice
• Instigated a compliance health check to ensure all regulatory issues were up to date and adhered to.

All of the above tasks were completed within 3 months based on a 2 day a week contract.  Full telephone and e-mail support is provided outside of these 2 days.

What have been the benefits?

The partners have been able to relinquish all of their tasks in relation to the Finance function to a senior, professional finance person without having the requirement to manage the resource. The Part Time FD has also been able to provide objective independent advice to the partners in relation to strategic issues.

What is the current role?

The current role is to manage the Finance function on a day to day basis, also with involvement in HR and Compliance together with getting involved in strategic projects in the business as they arise.

Testimonials/Endorsements

"Thanks to The FD Centre, our Finance Function has turned from a problem area to a useful management tool that helps us run our business."

Paul-Noel Guely - Arma Partners Partner