Jo
Waddicker

Virtual Finance Function Director

LinkedIn

Jo Waddicker Virtual Finance Director

Who I help

Owner-managed businesses. Construction. Service industries. Charities. Manufacturing. Solicitors.

How I help

Management information. Budgeting and forecasting. System implementation.

“I’ll always go the extra mile to get the right result”

Jo Waddicker is a Virtual Finance Function Director based in our Bolton office. She supports a wide range of clients by providing a specialist virtual finance service that ensures they have the right information when they need it and the best systems to support their journey. Her aim? To help businesses enhance efficiency and gain clearer financial insights and she helps them to achieve this by ensuring they have short-term cash flow forecasting to manage day-to-day operations and long-term forecasting to support funding decisions.

Beyond her technical expertise, Jo is dedicated to developing her team, supporting their career progression, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Her client-focused approach, problem-solving mindset, and ability to tailor financial solutions make her a trusted advisor to businesses looking for more than just numbers—they look to Jo for strategic guidance and long-term success.

More than just numbers

“For me, helping my clients isn’t just about the finances- it’s about building relationships. I get to know my clients, not just their businesses but their ambitions, challenges, and even what’s going on in their lives beyond their roles. It’s that personal connection that makes the difference. When I work with a client, I’m genuinely invested in their success. The numbers might be black and white, but the relationships behind them are what truly matter. My clients trust me because they know I’ll always have their best interests at heart—I won’t let them down.”

It’s one of the most satisfying aspects of my role- seeing clients achieve something they never thought possible. Whether it’s expanding their business, hitting a key financial milestone, or simply gaining confidence in their numbers, being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding. Every business is different, and I thrive on the challenge of tailoring my approach to what works best for each one.”

The power of a strong team

“Accounting isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession, and that’s what makes working within a team so valuable. Everyone has their own strengths, and together we create a united force. Where one person might excel at something, another will likely have strengths in something completely different- but that’s why collaboration is so important. Having access to a collective skillset means we can offer our clients a level of expertise that wouldn’t be possible alone. It’s not just about work, either. I believe in the importance of a strong team dynamic, supporting each other, celebrating wins together, and creating a work environment where we genuinely care about one another.”

Embracing the virtual world

“I love how technology has changed the way we work. I absolutely value in-person relationships, however, I have such an appreciation for the fact that we don’t always have to be in the same room to build a strong connection. Virtual working has opened up so many opportunities—it means clients can work with the right people for them, not just the closest. I make a point of meeting up with clients for social events or charity initiatives because that personal connection is important, but I also see the huge advantages of being able to connect anytime, anywhere. It’s all about balance, and embracing a mixed approach has been a game-changer for work-life balance.”

Excited for the future

“Being part of a larger company is an exciting opportunity for me. It means access to more resources, more learning, and more opportunities to develop my own skills. There are aspects of my experience that I haven’t fully utilised before, and now I get to put them into practice. I love a challenge, and I thrive on problem-solving—being able to step in, fix things, and put processes in place that make a real difference is where I excel. Moving into the Virtual Finance Function (VFF) side of things is particularly exciting. It’s such a flexible and tailored service, giving businesses exactly what they need, when they need it. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about providing high-quality support in a way that works for them.”

Passionate about clients

“For me, clients aren’t just customers—they’re at the heart of everything we do. I don’t just ‘do the work’ and move on. I become immersed in their business, invested in their success, and committed to helping them thrive. I’m not someone who gives up easily—I’ll always go the extra mile to get the right result. My own standards are high, and I make sure that’s reflected in the service I provide. Clients can see that passion, and that’s what builds trust.”

Strengths that set me apart

“If I had to sum up what makes me good at what I do, I’d say: resilience, communication, passion, and problem-solving. I genuinely enjoy my work, and that makes a difference. My clients like working with me because they know I’m reliable, approachable, and always willing to put in the effort to help them succeed. I also embrace technology and the opportunities it brings—I don’t shy away from change, I adapt and use it to my clients’ advantage. And, most importantly, I like to be challenged—because that’s how we grow.”

Changing perceptions

“There’s still an outdated view of what accountants do. Too often, people think it’s just about processing numbers, but the reality is so much more than that. The value we bring to businesses isn’t just in looking back at the figures—it’s in offering real-time advice and strategic insights that help them move forward. We’re partners in their success, working alongside them to make sure they have the information and support they need, when they need it. It’s not just about the past—it’s about shaping the future.”