The value of the FC

See, contrary to popular belief, some entrepreneurs do get it: "[John] McGuire, who set up [Phoenix Car Company] in 1993, added: 'A good financial controller can make a big difference' for a company that is just starting out."

I've met numerous entrepreneurs' FCs/FDs, and two things strike me. First, it's amazing how often they make a huge difference to growing companies. Everyone assumes a start-up has to be some cult of personality, with the visionary CEO totally unfettered by accountants. The truth is that unfettered entrepreneurialism is just ideas and energy - not a business. Second, the FC involved tends to get much faster exposure to operations. Fewer people - and certainly fewer people who have the first clue about process and systems - in a company means you have to get your hands dirty from day one. And that's great news if you want options later in your career.

Final point: note how McGuire says just starting out. Lots of smaller, growing or entrepreneurial companies make do with a book-keeper or a part-timer when they kick off because they think they can't afford a full-time expert. OK, in some little lifestyle start-ups, that's probably true. But a serious business plan requires a serious finance function - even if that's just one FC.