Damian Guishard

Accomplished finance professional with expertise in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Budgeting & Forecasting, and KPI Reporting & Board Pack Preparation. Demonstrates proficiency in Cash Flow Management, Multi-currency Consolidation, and IFRS & UK GAAP Compliance, ensuring accurate Statutory Reporting & Audit Coordination. Skilled in developing Valuation Models such as NAV, FCF, DCF, and PE, alongside Process Improvement & Controls. Proven track record in Team Leadership & Development and adept at utilising Cloud Accounting tools like Xero for accounting automation. Utilises advanced Excel for Data Modelling and AI Finance Tools to streamline reporting processes. Committed to driving financial excellence through innovative solutions and strategic insights.

Highly-motivated individual uses flexible, adaptable work ethic to thrive in fast-paced financial environments. Plans and prioritises well to deliver projects to quality and timeframe targets. Analytical problem-solver with excellent reporting and evaluation abilities.

Management Buyout (MBO) Execution: 

Played a key finance role in the successful execution of a Management Buyout, supporting all financial workstreams including due diligence, modelling, lender negotiations, and legal coordination. Ensured a seamless transition post-transaction, maintaining operational control, compliance, and reporting continuity., 

Group Restructuring & Divestiture: 

Led the liquidation and divestiture of a loss-making UK subsidiary as part of a wider group restructuring strategy. Oversaw legal, operational, and financial elements, resulting in a measurable improvement in group performance — including a reduction in liabilities by £1.5m and EBITDA uplift of £1m.

International Expansion & Entity Set-Up: 

Supported the strategic international growth of group companies by leading the financial setup of new operations in Dubai, Europe, and Asia. Responsibilities included banking and tax registrations, local accounting frameworks, and establishing compliance with IFRS/UK GAAP group reporting.

Debt & Equity Fundraising: 

Built financial models and investor packs to support the successful raising of over £25m in debt for acquisition financing, plus a further £5m across overseas entities. Negotiated and secured a £1m facility and contributed to the arrangement of a £1.5m trade finance facility for a high-growth company.,

Advanced Forecasting & Financial Modelling: 

Delivered robust ARR, IRR, and ROI forecasting as part of monthly close and strategic planning cycles. Built out residual income models to assess divisional performance and investment return, providing a deeper commercial lens on group performance.

Investor & Board Reporting: 

Designed and delivered insightful monthly board packs for founders, investors, and senior leadership. Included financial KPIs, commentary, and variance analysis to support informed decision-making in fast-moving, VC-backed environments.

Lender & HMRC Liaison: 

Acted as the main finance point of contact for senior global bank managers and HMRC, overseeing covenant reporting, funding compliance, and tax discussions including VAT, PAYE, and Time to Pay arrangements.