When the finance manager at a staffing firm left, the continuity of the financial processes was at risk. In such situations, it’s crucial to respond quickly and effectively with the right expertise to keep the organization running smoothly. The company needed an experienced financial specialist who could not only take over day-to-day operations but also drive strategic improvements. Anne de Bruijn stepped in from Asqin as Financial Consultant.
Direct deployment of experience
Anne is a financial specialist with an accountancy background. As finance manager, she was responsible for monthly closings, management reports, and reviewing the financial administration. She worked closely with a colleague handling the daily bookings, and together they ensured that all figures were delivered accurately and on time.
Focus on the future: Working together to increase margins.
One of the key challenges was improving the company’s profit margin. Management aimed to achieve higher margins, as the actual results were lower than expected. Anne worked with the management team to explore how rates for external staff could be adjusted without compromising the quality of service.
“By improving efficiency and making smart choices in how resources are used, we can reduce costs without sacrificing quality,” Anne explains.
Guided collaboration and lasting impact
During her assignment, Anne worked closely not only with the management team to improve the company’s margins, but also with her mentor at Asqin. This support made her feel confident and well-guided throughout the process.
“It was reassuring to know I always had someone to turn to whenever I faced a challenge. The guidance was practical, and I received the right tools and insights to do my job well. That support enabled me to contribute more effectively to the company’s strategic decisions and to the solutions for improving its margins,” says Anne.
Anne applied Asqin’s core values by asking the right questions and focusing on the company’s future.
“I encouraged the people there to think about what they really wanted — and whether that aligned with what the numbers showed. What do you want in three years? Do you want to expand that department? Improve your rates?” she explains. “It’s fascinating to see where a company wants to go and how you can help them get there.”
“It felt great to make a real impact in such a short time. In the end, I was able to deliver the year-end file in a way that required minimal work from the external accountant. For me, that was proof that my efforts truly made a difference,” Anne adds.
A temporary role, a lasting impact!
Anne’s contribution ensured that the financial processes ran smoothly. She delivered the year-end file on time and in full, enabling the external accountant to review it more efficiently. The file was fully prepared and ready for audit, which simplified the process and gave the organization quick insight into its financial results.
“That was a real moment of satisfaction for me,” Anne says.
Anne’s expertise, combined with Asqin’s support, made the assignment a success. With her curiosity, sharp analysis, and the guidance she received from Asqin, she was able not only to manage the daily financial processes but also to contribute to the company’s strategic decisions for the future.
“It felt great to make a real impact in such a short time. In the end, I was able to deliver the year-end file in a way that required minimal work from the accountant. For me, that was proof that my efforts truly made a difference,” Anne explains.
“When you understand what a company aims for, you also understand where the focus lies and why certain decisions are made. That kind of insight only comes from curiosity and asking the right questions,” she adds.
Does your organization need temporary support in finance? Asq us! We’re happy to help.
