Leadership within the finance function is demanding, fast-moving, and constantly evolving — particularly in Northern Ireland, where local dynamics meet global pressures head-on. Whether you're heading up a corporate finance team or guiding a growing accountancy practice, the demands are significant and often unpredictable.
Here are five practical reflections for finance leaders navigating the complexities of today’s environment:
1. Prioritise clear, human communication
Finance may be data-driven, but people leadership depends on more than just figures. Creating a culture of open, straightforward communication helps teams feel connected and supported. Whether it’s a quick catch-up or a wider team briefing, your tone and approach matter. Small gestures — like taking the time to ask how someone is doing — can go a long way.
2. Embrace change as part of the role
Shifts in regulation, advances in technology, and ongoing cost pressures are part and parcel of today’s finance landscape. While change can be disruptive, it also presents opportunities for forward-thinking leadership. Being transparent with your team about the rationale behind change builds confidence and ensures alignment.
3. Invest in trust before it’s tested
Strong leadership is built on consistency, fairness, and accessibility. When your team knows they can depend on you — especially in challenging moments — they’re more likely to pull together under pressure. Trust can help your team get through a crisis.
4. Share responsibility, don’t shoulder it alone
One of the most common pitfalls for finance leaders is taking on too much. Effective delegation isn’t about offloading tasks but about developing others, distributing ownership, and creating space for leadership at all levels. By doing so you ease your own burden and foster capability within your team.
5. Keep developing, no matter your level of experience
Great leaders stay curious. Whether it’s deepening your understanding of ESG reporting, exploring AI-driven tools, or simply learning from a different generational perspective — staying open to new thinking is essential. The pace of change in finance isn’t slowing, and neither should your learning.
Leadership in finance rarely involves a quiet day or a smooth week. There are late nights, difficult decisions, and moments of pressure. But there’s also the satisfaction of building high-performing teams and delivering real value — for your business and for the people in it.
Stay grounded, stay curious, and remember: leadership isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about creating the space for others to thrive, and knowing when to pause, reflect, and reset.
