How this story started

Through a combination of inheritance and prudent decision-making, our client Mary had built a substantial property portfolio across Sydney and Melbourne, generating a healthy income. As the portfolio grew, however, so too did the demands of managing it. Landlord responsibilities were becoming increasingly time-consuming, while fluctuations in cash flow made it difficult to plan with confidence.

At the same time, Mary had a long-held ambition to become an author. Increasingly, she found that the demands of managing her financial affairs were taking time and attention away from the writing she wanted to pursue.

She needed greater structure, visibility and predictability, and a trusted adviser who could take a more active role in managing the financial complexity.

Helping Mary create the freedom to pursue her ambitions

Together, Mary and King & Whittle agreed that the firm would take a more active role in her financial affairs, effectively acting as her Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Having already managed Mary’s annual income tax returns, the King & Whittle team had a strong understanding of her circumstances and property portfolio. This provided a solid foundation for a more proactive approach.

Working closely with Mary, we developed a detailed income and expenditure forecast across each property, providing greater visibility of expected cash flows from month to month. Expenses that had previously seemed unexpected could now be anticipated and planned for. Funds could be set aside to meet future commitments while maintaining a more predictable level of personal income. Using robust forecasting and contingency planning, we were also able to prepare for potential vacancies, market changes and evolving government regulations.

With greater financial clarity and a trusted team managing the detail in Australia, Mary was free to pursue the next chapter of her life.

Mary’s new life as an author

Now based in the UK, Mary has been able to dedicate herself to the extensive research and factual writing she loves. The results speak for themselves: one well-received book has already been published, with another now in development.

From Australia, King & Whittle continues to work closely with Mary, providing regular financial updates, identifying matters that require her attention and seeking her input when decisions need to be made. The greater predictability of her income and confidence that her Australian financial affairs are being carefully managed has enabled Mary to focus on her writing, and enjoy everything her new life in London has to offer.

What King & Whittle’s CFO service has meant for Mary

“I am glad that King & Whittle are so proactive, they are my eyes and ears in Australia. Their reports tell me how I am going financially. I’ve found them to be honest and proactive. With them on my team, I can focus on my book projects from the other side of the world.”