Superyacht Finance Team Controller shortlisted for “Top Award”

Voly Group is delighted to announce that our very own Financial Controller – Matt Denman has been

shortlisted for “Financial Controller of the Year 2022”

The 2022 Finance Awards North West is an event that shines a spotlight on the superb work carried out by finance teams.

The shortlist is a reflection of the outstanding achievements and dedication of finance professionals and businesses across the North West. Matt and his team have delivered excellence in financial delivery through a challenging year and have supported the organisation to growth.

Here’s what it takes to create a dynamic finance team in a fintech company…

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER OF THE YEAR

MATT DENMAN - FINALIST

Voly Group

Awarded to the Financial Controller with a demonstrable legacy of delivery in financial performance, leadership, management and development.

“Someone recently said to me…I wish I had met you 10 years ago, I would have made a lot fewer mistakes. That was really good to hear and shows the impact that a good finance team can have on a business.”

Tell us a little bit about your background, how did you get into finance?

It could be said that accountancy is in my blood being a 3rd generation Accountant. However, it was either Accountancy or Ski Instructor. Accountancy won…. I started my career in London’s Financial Services market working for Neville Russell (now Mazars) within the Corporate Recovery sector. I spent several years in London, working for a number of well known financial institutions which include; Lloyds Insurance Cathedral Capital Ltd, Ascot Underwriting Ltd. 

After this I relocated to the North West and have enjoyed several years working for Paymentshield, Co Op Bank, RSA and MD Insurance Ltd. In April 2021 I joined Voly……  

Tell us about your role at Voly Group?

As Financial Controller I am responsible for all aspects of operational finance, whilst also providing strategic support for the Board of Directors. On a monthly basis, I am responsible for preparing the financial reports and KPIs for the Board of Directors and ensuring new client SaS agreements are completed. I am responsible for the preparation of the Group forecasts and budgets and ensuring we maintain levels of liquidity. 

What’s it like to work in a fintech company as a financial controller?

I have worked in a fintech company before and they are very fast-paced and agile. What sets Voly apart is the entrepreneurial nature, the drive and passion that is apparent in all levels of the business. Voly is also a relatively small company that is growing at a significantly fast rate, which leads to a number of challenges both financially but also structurally. Those challenges are one of the key reasons why I enjoy working for Voly, it is never the same task or project from one day to the next. 

What motivates you?

Driving financial performance, improving processes and developing people. Finance can have a significant positive impact on a business. We set the budgets, support the Sales team, work with the Operations team, and provide timely KPIs to the CEO to improve business decision making. Processes can always be improved and efficiencies can always be made in both Finance and across a business. Initially, these can be significant but it is over time that benefit starts to flatten out and it is here when you have to keep driving forwards always looking to improve. 

I get great satisfaction when a colleague passes a finance exam or improves the way they work and the impact they have on a business. As a strong supporter of the apprenticeship process, I feel a sense of responsibility to pass on my knowledge and experience to new comers in finance, it’s extremely rewarding to see inexperienced team members learn, grow and flourish into a fully-fledged accountants.

How do you feel about being shortlisted for Financial Controller of the Year?

Surprised and honoured. I just see it as doing what I do and it is nothing to shout about. However, someone recently said to me “I wish I had met you 10 years ago, I would have made a lot fewer mistakes". That was really good to hear and shows the impact that a good finance team can have on a business. 

Tell us about your team?

Motivated and enthusiastic. Believe it or not, we try to enjoy our time at work, I know it is a lot of spreadsheets and sometimes mundane work but we try to help and support each other to achieve a collective goal. A motivated team is always a good place to start as they are always willing to help out and learn new skills and processes. If a team is not motivated it is very difficult in improve and become more effective for the Company. The team is relatively small but I would expect us to grow in the coming years as the Group continues to grow and the demands increase.

If you won, how would you celebrate?

Any award is not about me, it’s a reflection of the team and the support I have from my family…but we’ll definitely crack open a bottle of champagne and sip on a few limoncellos. The day after, I would probably start a new spreadsheet!

CRAIG HOPWOOD

CFO - VOLY GROUP

“Being CFO in Voly is exciting and unpredictable, every week is often very different and there are always new challenges to solve.”

You nominated your colleague Matt for Financial Controller of the Year. Tell us a little but about why you entered Matt and why you feel he deserves the recognition of FC of the year?

The finance team was effectively one person when Matt joined and he has played a really important part in recruiting and helping build that team to a much larger size. Matt’s team management and mentoring skills in particular have been invaluable in helping build an effective team alongside putting in place improved financial controls and reporting systems.  

What’s it like to be CFO in a fintech company? 

Being CFO in Voly is exciting and unpredictable, every week is often very different and there are always new challenges to solve.

What motivates you? 

Helping smaller fast growing businesses to develop and achieve their potential.  

If Matt won the award, how would the team celebrate? 

Pub lunch or beers after work!

DEBI BAILEY

Head of Finance - Voly Group

“I love the fresh, fast pace environment at Voly. Voly has a vibrant culture and there are a lot of opportunities to grow with the company. Every day is different, and that makes my working life interesting and at times exciting.”

Tell us a little bit about why you feel Matt deserves the recognition of FC of the year?

Matt has helped Finance take on more challenges, and provided structure and direction to the department. His ‘can-do attitude is infectious. He is also a true believer in “a good work life balance”.

Tell us a little bit about your background?

I knew that I didn’t want to go to university so I went straight to work whilst gaining qualifications on top. Maths comes naturally to me so I almost fell into finance. I feel lucky that my chosen career has brought me opportunities and experiences spanning from working for BMW, Manchester United and going to Brazil to work in the world cup.

What do you like most about your role and working for Voly?

I love the fresh, fast pace environment at Voly. Voly has a vibrant culture and there are a lot of opportunities to grow with the company. Every day is different, and that makes my working life interesting and at times exciting.

What motivates you?

Seeing results motivates me. Knowing the importance of a small task within the finance team and knowing the impact it can make on the business.

Tell us about your team?

We are currently a team of four. Everyone has their own role, we get stuck in and work really hard to go above and beyond for the business. The finance team has a good environment to work, it's buzzing with activity and there’s a truly great team spirit within. Go team Finance!

JAI WALTON

Finance Assistant - Voly Group

“I get great satisfaction from working in the finance team because I feel the work that I’m doing as part of the team has a direct impact on the company, it feels as if we are making a real difference.”

Tell us a little bit about why you feel Matt deserves the recognition of FC of the year?

As an apprentice myself, Matt has a great approach when it comes to explaining what he requires from me and has a lot of patience. He makes a positive impact on the team by being supportive and understanding of everyone's strengths. He has provided me with a lot of encouragement, which has motivated me towards sitting my exams and progress in my finance career. Matt is such a character to work with too, there is never a dull moment and he has a great sense of humour.

How did you get into finance?

I got into finance when I completed a module on accounting in college. To my surprise I really enjoyed it and figured a career in accounting would be good. Voly is my very first corporate job. Prior to joining Voly, I had a part-time job in hospitality working at a pub whilst I studied at college.

What do you like most about your role and working for Voly?

What I like most about my role is that I get to see all elements of the finance team and it is a great experience. I get great satisfaction from working in the finance team because I feel that the work that I’m doing as part of the team has a direct impact on the organisation, it feels as if we are making a real difference. I am involved in providing finance support when new clients signup to Voly, I work with the Operations team at this stage and it is great to have that teamwork.

What motivates you?

I love to travel and see new places abroad, I am motivated to work towards activities I enjoy, and I’m always working towards my next trip. Improving my situation and having financial security motivates me towards becoming a qualified accountant.

What’s the team dynamic like?

It’s fun, we’re all motivated and enthusiastic about what we do, it’s a team effort and it’s great when we reach our targets as a team.

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