Client Overview
Croci Collective Limited is a creative agency known for their boundary-pushing designs and innovative branding strategies. As a growing team with a dynamic approach to business, they prioritise fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. Croci Collective reached a critical juncture when their long-standing finance manager exited, creating both an opportunity and a challenge in maintaining team stability and financial continuity.
The Challenge
With their finance manager departing, Croci Collective saw a chance to promote an existing team member returning from maternity leave into the role. However, transitioning someone into a high-responsibility position after an extended leave brought its own challenges. They needed to ensure that their new finance manager had both the updated skills and support to lead confidently and effectively. Additionally, the team faced an urgent need to redefine key financial processes to empower the new leader and align with Croci Collective’s growth goals.
Our Solution
To support Croci Collective’s vision for a smooth and empowering transition, Chickp. developed a bespoke re-onboarding program tailored to the needs of their returning employee. The program focused on building soft skills and leadership capabilities, ensuring she could step confidently into her new role as Finance Manager. Key components included:
- Quarterly Planning Routines: We established structured planning sessions to drive alignment, foster proactive strategy, and instil a culture of forward-thinking within the finance team.
- Technical Training and AAT Support: Recognising the importance of both strategic and technical expertise, we provided dedicated training and mentorship, including support for the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification to bolster her confidence and competence in managing finances.
- Finance Team Strategy Days: To unify the team around shared goals, we led strategy days focused on refining workflows, enhancing collaboration, and aligning on key financial priorities.
By combining leadership development with hands-on technical training, we equipped Croci Collective’s new finance manager to lead with clarity and impact.
The Results
Our tailored approach yielded immediate and positive outcomes for Croci Collective:
- Increased Confidence and Capability: The new Finance Manager felt supported and empowered, with a clear path forward in her role.
- Enhanced Team Alignment: Quarterly planning routines created a shared vision, helping the team work more cohesively and respond strategically to evolving business needs.
- Process Improvements: Strategy days led to streamlined processes that saved time and reduced manual work, enhancing productivity across the finance function.
- A Commitment to Growth: With AAT support and a structured development path, Croci Collective demonstrated its commitment to employee growth, boosting retention and morale.
This solution helped Croci Collective not only transition smoothly but also lay a solid foundation for future growth, with a finance team ready to support and drive the agency’s success.