Derek Grant
Virtual finance? Instant data? MTD? Jonathan has got you covered. As the MMG team continues to grow, we’re exploring what exactly happens behind the curtain of an accountancy firm. It’s not all spreadsheets and statements. We are collaborators that help our client’s businesses to achieve real results. As the digitisation of accountancy is rapidly developing, we are delighted to welcome Jonathan to our team to oversee our new virtual finance division. Jonathan shares more about his role and what his departments’ goals are for the future.
Why team MMG?
“My recent appointment isn’t my first flurry into the MMG team. After completing an honours degree in mathematics and IT at Queens University in Belfast, I trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with MMG between 2004 – 2008. I then went to work with SSE for 13 years. I worked in several divisions of the business, including distribution, transmission and group finance and I most formerly held the position of Lead Finance Systems Manager. It feels good to be back at MMG! It’s a reliable, reputable company, and I believe I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our team and how we carry out work for our clients.”
As Head of Virtual Finance, what does your role entail?
“I suppose I’m still finding my feet. The virtual finance department is new to MMG, and the prospect of developing this is exciting. Since taking on the position, I’ve been focused on developing and supporting my team while monitoring performance and ad-hoc project work. I’m looking to automate our internal processes using the technology at our disposal, and I’ll be promoting its use among our team and the wider organisation. No two days are quite the same, but I’ve certainly got an interesting challenge on my hands!”
What does the virtual finance team offer?
“There’s still some way to go before we can crown ourselves a fully fledge virtual finance team, but we’re on the right path. In essence, a virtual finance team can oversee every area of a client’s finances, from payroll to projections and everything in between. It’s a comprehensive package of support that goes beyond the books to provide long-term planning and expert advisory support while utilising digital tools to automate processes and provide instant data and analysis. We’ll offer everything you need to keep your finances in tip-top shape.”
When you’re not crunching numbers or supporting your team, what do you like to do outside of work?
“I’ve recently become a Dad, so when I’m not at work, I’m playing with our son Matthew! I’m lucky enough to live near the coast, so I enjoy coastal walks with our dog and the very occasional run.”
To learn more about our team and how we delivered a tailored approach to accounting powered by technology, click here.