Episode 170: Why Numbers Count with the FD Consultant Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam

Welcome to the latest episode of The Business Awards Show, 'Why Numbers Count with the FD Consultant Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam'.

Romesh is a finance expert, podcast host and a long-time judge for the Best Business Women Awards. The conversation blends business wisdom, personal stories, and a good dose of humour about life as an accountant who once turned up to a barefoot office in a suit!

Romesh shares how, after a successful corporate career in FTSE 100 companies, he transitioned to working with start-ups and SMEs. He eventually launched The FD Consultant, which offers part-time “fractional” finance director services. His mission? To make top-level financial expertise accessible and affordable for growing businesses that can’t yet justify a full-time FD.

Romesh’s passion is helping business owners turn data into clear, simple insights that drive smarter decisions. He explains this is a much better alternative than getting lost in technical accounting jargon. As he puts it, “Numbers don’t lie—they tell your story.”

Additionally, the discussion dives into common financial pitfalls—like how SMEs can manage cash flow effectively and failing to spot profit opportunities. Throughout, Romesh manages to make numbers sound fun!

He also chats about his experience as a judge for the Best Businesswomen Awards. Initially unsure what to expect, Romesh says he was impressed by the integrity, robust process, and sense of community the awards foster. His insights illuminate the benefits of entering business awards and how to make your entry stand out.

Moving on, the conversation turns to Romesh’s own business podcast, “Strive and Thrive,” co-hosted with innovation expert Mike Oliver. The show explores all things entrepreneurship—from networking and leadership to time management and innovation—featuring guests who share lessons from their own business journeys.

It’s an inspiring, warm, and practical conversation about the realities of running and scaling a business—with plenty of laughs, and some insightful learnings for entrepreneurs looking to scale or enter awards.

About Romesh

Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam brings warmth and clarity to the often intimidating world of business finance. As the founder of The FD Consultant, a collective of part-time finance directors, Romesh has spent over 15 years transforming how growing businesses approach financial leadership. With his engaging personality and deep expertise, Romesh bridges the gap between corporate financial best practices and the practical needs of SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups. His journey from qualifying at a Top 4 accounting firm and working in senior finance roles at FTSE 100 companies to supporting high-growth ventures gives him a unique perspective that resonates with business owners seeking both financial rigour and practical, commercial guidance.

 

 

{1:45} Why Romesh started The FD Consultant five years ago.

{5:30} Essential advice to owners about their numbers.

{7:48} The difference between The FD Consultant and an accountant.

{12:15} The service that Romesh delivers to clients.

{14:42} The point clients need Romesh's help.

{19:45} Being a judge of the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{26:34} The Strive and Thrive podcast.

{30:41} Romesh's one big tip.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                       https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Romesh:  https://www.thefdconsultant.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfjconsultingservices/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefdconsultant

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefdconsultant/

X:     https://x.com/ConsultantFd

Strive and Thrive podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@StriveAndThriveSeries

                                          https://open.spotify.com/show/1aOiYxnQxaLnOWWIc2YAEE