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Catherine Young

FD/CFO

Inspired by entrepreneurs and their ambition, I enjoy working with SMEs as a trusted business partner, bringing 30+ years’ experience as a CFO, COO and Big 4 consulting partner. I combine deep financial expertise with a commercial, pragmatic approach, helping ambitious businesses navigate challenges, improve performance, strengthen cash flow and achieve lasting success.

Catherine Young

Track record highlights

  • Drove an international banks regional strategic change project for the financial control group delivering headcount savings, improved reporting times, control and process consistency in financial and regulatory reporting.
  • Advised major international banks facing regulatory investigations and breaches, helping mitigate significant financial and reputational risk through improved systems, processes, controls and governance, with progress reported directly to Boards and regulators.
  • Designed an end-to-end ‘Know Your Client’ process, including a fully digital managed service and supporting technology, replacing the work of ~400 FTE at a major global bank.
  • Designed and delivered business partnering programmes for finance teams, helping them build stronger relationships with business leaders and become more effective strategic partners.
  • Established a bank’s finance function, including systems, people and processes, to support the successful opening of its first branches in Taipei and Shanghai, and led projects supporting the launch of new banking products.
  • Supported SMEs and charities as a Board Advisor, Trustee and fractional FD, helping them professionalise their operations, navigate setbacks, develop strategy and build plans for long-term growth.

Sector Experience

  • Financial Services
  • Professional Services
  • Not for Profit

Catherine's specialist skills

Business Planning

Developing plans to help businesses grow, overcome challenges and achieve their definition of success, linking strategy to profitability and performance.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Building budgets, forecasts and financial models to provide clarity on performance, cash and future scenarios and support data-led decision making.

Financial Operations

Building effective processes, systems and controls that deliver accurate and timely reporting, giving businesses the information they need to make better decisions.

Leadership

Developing and leading finance teams, building cross-functional collaboration and partnering with CEOs and key stakeholders to support business performance.

Managing Risk

Identifying and managing financial, operational and regulatory risks, strengthening controls and helping businesses navigate complex challenges.

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