Project-based finance consulting for London startups navigating rapid growth, M&A, first audits, and the leap from scrappy to structured.
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I work on focused, scoped projects that solve specific problems. No retainers, no fluff — just outcomes.
I've implemented AI agents to automate reconciliations, AP processing, and variance analysis — avoiding multiple hires while scaling a group 4x. I can assess your finance function's automation potential, implement AI workflows, and train your team to build on them independently.
From due diligence review through Day 1 accounting, acquisition accounting (PPA, goodwill, intangibles), and post-deal integration — I've led the finance workstream on six acquisitions. I help you standardise revenue recognition, reporting, controls, and systems across acquired businesses.
Twice I've taken a startup finance function from manual chaos to a scalable, automated group operation. I'll review your current setup, design the right team structure, select and implement the right tools (ERP, FP&A, AP automation), and set you up for your next stage of growth.
I project-managed a complex first-time group audit with zero findings. With 5+ years as an auditor and experience on both sides of the table, I can get your balance sheet audit-ready, flag key areas of judgement early, and recommend software to bring the process in-house.
I'm Zack Topuzov — a Finance Director currently leading group finance for a multi-entity, investor-backed business that has scaled from £10–50m+ in revenue and from under 100 to 250+ employees through organic growth and acquisition.
My day job spans group reporting, FP&A, treasury, tax, audit, systems, structured finance (including managing a securitisation facility), and M&A integration. I report to the board and present monthly to investors and lenders.
I built this consulting practice because I've seen first-hand how many growing companies hit a wall when their finance function can't keep up. The problems I solve at group level — messy reporting, manual processes, post-acquisition chaos, audit anxiety — are the same ones that seed and Series A/B companies face for the first time.
I'm not here to replace your team. I'm here to help you build one that works, and to handle the complex, one-off projects that don't justify a full-time hire.
Real projects, anonymised. All from scaling a high-growth, multi-entity group through rapid expansion and acquisition.
Joined a company at £10–15m revenue with a small finance team, fully manual processes, late management accounts, and controls needing implementation. Rebuilt the function from the ground up: designed consolidated management accounts for scale, implemented flash reporting (Day 1 post month-end, ~99% accuracy), introduced ERP systems, AP automation, standardised chart of accounts across all entities, and connected management accounts to a data warehouse for decision-useful KPIs.
Led the finance workstream for 5+ acquisitions — from reviewing third-party due diligence through Day 1 accounting, acquisition accounting (purchase price allocation, goodwill, intangibles, deferred tax), and post-deal integration. Standardised revenue recognition policies across acquired businesses to align with accounting standards (a major project), migrated entities between ERP systems, and brought all acquired entities to a consistent close target with unified group reporting.
Championed AI-driven finance automation as the group scaled revenue by over 3x. Implemented AI agents for bank reconciliations (automated to weekly), AP inbox management (automated receipt and processing), and variance analysis (automated monthly identification and investigation). Created a training programme for the team covering basics through agent automation, with live examples and hands-on sessions — empowering the team to multiply the impact across the group.
Project-managed a group's first statutory audit from auditor selection through to sign-off. The audit was particularly complex: first-time application of policies for acquisition accounting, share-based payments, operating leases, and multi-business unit consolidation. Also responsible for setting up and operating a £120m+ structured finance facility, including SPV accounting and monthly reporting to lenders and investors.
Got a finance challenge? I'm happy to have a no-commitment conversation about whether I can help.