Founder and Principal Consultant

Matt Clarke-Bruce

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business majoring in accounting, I commenced my career in the commercial sector prior to accepting a position with international accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY). At EY I provided a mix of audit, compliance, and management accounting services to small and medium business.

Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant, I moved back into commerce, and over the next 10 years held various senior finance executive positions with organisations ranging from large publicly listed companies to small privately owned companies.

Preferring to work directly with entrepreneurial business owners, and realising there was a gap in the market, I established my own business as MCB Consulting in 2006 (later becoming CFO For Hire).

I have since enjoyed bringing select aspects of big business financial management and control to small and medium sized businesses, and I am motivated by unlocking and interpreting information to assist business leaders to understand the financial story and the levers available to improve profit, cash flow and business valuation.

After 15+ years of providing CFO services to businesses without a CFO and recognising where the most value can be added, I am now focused on helping business leaders to better understand their numbers and optimise financial outcomes (strategic financial management).

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I achieve this using a 1-page simplified financial story report with an integrated strategic financial planning tool, which I have developed and refined over the past 20 years. By removing the noise from the financial picture, business leaders are focused on the key numbers under their control and provided with an understanding of the connection between profit and cash flow. The planning tool is then used to facilitate discussion, solidify financial understanding, coach financial leadership, and ultimately formulate a collaborative strategic financial plan. Quarterly sessions measure success and refocus the planning.

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I'd welcome the opportunity to show you this report and planning tool by taking you through a case study. Simply contact me to schedule a discovery session to see what others are doing and what you may be missing.

I am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and supported by a strong network of trusted professionals who are specialists in their field.