Why the Traditional In-House Accountant Model No Longer Works
Running a manufacturing or engineering business is complex from supply chain logistics to managing rising costs.
But there’s one department that too often holds companies back from profitable growth: “finance”.
If you’re still relying on a traditional in-house accountant (or worse, juggling it yourself), it’s time to rethink the model.
In this blog, we explore why forward-thinking manufacturers are switching to a Virtual Finance Office (VFO) and how it’s transforming the way they grow.
Virtual Finance Office – Skynet Accounting – Accountants For Manufacturing & Engineering
What is a Virtual Finance Office?
A Virtual Finance Office is more than outsourced bookkeeping.
It’s a fully integrated finance team delivering everything from day-to-day transactions to board-level financial strategy remotely and on-demand.
What’s included in a VFO for manufacturing:
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- VAT, payroll, and taxation compliance
- Monthly management accounts & KPI dashboards
- Strategic financial planning
- Working capital and cash flow management
- Product costing and margin analysis
- Finance Director and CFO-level advisory support
Why Manufacturers Are Making the Switch
- Complex Finances Need More Than Bookkeepers
Manufacturing involves inventory, job costing, supplier terms, fluctuating demand and often thin margins.
You need more than basic compliance, you need insight and forecasting.
Accountants For Manufacturing & Engineering Business Owners
- Scalable Support Without Hiring In-House
Hiring a finance team is expensive.
A VFO gives you FD and CFO-level thinking, without the full-time cost and the flexibility to scale support as your business grows.
- Real-Time Reporting & Decision-Making
No more waiting until year-end to understand your numbers.
With a VFO, you get real-time dashboards, KPIs, and forecasting, helping you make smarter, faster decisions.
- Focus on Production, Not Paperwork
You didn’t start your business to be buried in spreadsheets.
A VFO takes the entire finance function off your plate so you can focus on quality, innovation, and delivery.
The Strategic Advantage of a VFO
With CFO-level support, manufacturers gain:
- Financial strategy aligned to production cycles
- Support with funding and investment
- Efficiency tracking and margin improvement
- Better working capital management
- Systems setup for scaling operations
In short: a finance partner who understands operations and growth.
Is It Time to Go Virtual?
If you’re facing:
- Unpredictable cash flow
- Delayed or inaccurate reporting
- Lack of financial insight
- No time to plan or strategise
…then it’s time to consider a Virtual Finance Office.
It’s not just about outsourcing, it’s about upgrading your financial function to drive profitable, sustainable growth.
Call to Action
Ready to build a finance function that actually helps your business grow?
Let’s talk about how our Virtual Finance Office can support your manufacturing and engineering business.
Apply For a Call – Skynet Accounting – Accountants For Manufacturing & Engineering
Written by Yesim Tilley Founder of Skynet Accounting
Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/skynet-yesim-tilley
Download your copy now: 7 Quick Wins to Protect Profit & Cash in Manufacturing
Download your copy now: Boost Margins in Manufacturing with 7 Strategic Steps
Download your copy now: Making Money in Engineering