The Office of Problem Solving

Running a business comes with inevitable financial and operational challenges, but if you're stuck firefighting the same issues week after week, I can help.
 
With a hands-on approach, I help business owners and senior leaders solve ongoing or new, complex or time-critical business problems by making sense of the facts and figures, working closely with key people, and implementing realistic and usable solutions, designed to be understood, adopted, and sustained by the people who need them.
 
Common problems I help solve include:

• Turning incomplete or inconsistent records into a full financial picture.

• Compiling financial or operational data to support investigations, audits, or inspections.

• Clearing messy backlogs, resolving longstanding issues or unpaid debts.

• Uncovering and correcting financial errors, duplications, or inaccurate transactions.

• Restarting stalled projects by identifying and removing blockers, and rebuilding momentum.

• Designing financial and operational processes, systems, and automation to remove waste, improve productivity and team collaboration for ongoing business success.

 
Each problem needs a tailored solution that considers the situation, the urgency, the people involved, and the information available, but my overall approach is simple - understand what’s really happening with data and people, then create workable, lasting, and accepted solutions.

Identifying the problem
The first step is to gather facts and assess available data.  I use this to reconcile, rebuild, and uncover gaps, errors, or hidden issues that need to be addressed.

Creating practical solutions
Once we understand the root causes, I collaborate closely with you and your team to develop tailored, realistic solutions, such as an urgent plan to resolve a time-sensitive issue, methodically clearing a backlog, or reviewing companywide processes to prevent ongoing and damaging operational gaps.

Making changes that stick
A solution is only as good as its implementation and acceptance.  By involving key people at the right time during the entire ‘problem to solution’ process, I help individuals and teams adjust to essential and desired improvements or changes, making sure solutions stick.  By measuring results along the way, you can confidently see the improvements as they progress.

Strengthening your team
True success isn’t just about solving current problems, it’s about equipping your team with the skills, mindset, and tools to handle future challenges.  Through customised training, coaching, mentoring, or working alongside people on real problems as they arise, the goal is to leave your business and your team stronger than at the start.

Why speak to me?
Throughout my career, I’ve naturally gravitated toward solving problems.  With 25 years of end-to-end financial management experience, I’ve expanded into business operations over the last decade, bringing business analysis, change leadership, coaching, mentoring, and project management expertise to every challenge.
 
I’ve helped businesses significantly improve their turnover, cashflow, productivity, and team engagement, often in life-changing ways.  My approach is data-driven, people first, and always focused on long-term, practical success.

“Ruth has transformed my business of 30 employees.  She has the ability to understand complex financial problems, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge of systems, processes and most importantly people. Ruth quickly identified areas where we desperately needed to change and fully resolved historical financial challenges.  She has since helped us to continually improve through her deep understanding of what an SME business needs in order to thrive.  The results are spectacular - we have a healthier, better-run, less stressful and more successful business.” (Howard Fearn, MD, Avian Ecology Ltd)

If something in your business isn’t quite right, or you’re ready to turn known challenges into progress, let’s talk.  There’s no-obligation, no pressure, we’ll simply explore how to move your business forward.