Meet our CFO – Richard Jarvis
Ola Polczynski
16 November - 4 min read
Earlier this month we were fortunate enough to have a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) join our team. As a fast-growing fintech company, bolstering our financial capabilities was a necessary milestone as we head into the next key stage of growth.
You might have read our recent ASX announcement* regarding his appointment, but now it’s time to dig a little deeper and really get to know the man who will play a strategic role in our Company’s future – our new CFO, Richard Jarvis.
On the business front, Richard is a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant with over 20 years experience in professional accountancy and finance leadership roles. Having worked across the UK and Australia, he has held many senior leadership positions across many different private and publicly listed companies. We sat down with the man himself to learn more about what drives him professionally and what he likes to do once he leaves the ‘office’.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m 47 years old, and I’m married with two children (a girl, 20 and a boy, 16). I was actually born in Wales but emigrated to Australia in 2003 so I definitely consider myself to be an Aussie.
When possible, I love to travel and experience new cultures. I actually spent a few years backpacking when I was 18 and it was definitely one of my biggest life highlights – I’d recommend it to anyone. My passion for rugby runs deep. In Wales, rugby is almost like a religion, and as I’m sure you guessed by now I’m a die-hard Wales supporter. I also love martial arts and motorbikes.
In a nutshell, I guess you could say I’m not your typical “bean counting” Accountant!
What’s your favourite part of being a CFO?
As a CFO you have exposure to and work across all facets of a business, acting as a Business Partner to shape strategy and facilitate growth. I just love the challenges that come with the position, the projects you work on and the people you meet along the way – there’s never a dull day in the office!
What made you want to join our team?
Since leaving Public Practice in 2006, I have consciously worked with entrepreneurial business owners across a number of industry sectors. Spenda* fits that mould and the suite of products and software solutions that the Company offers its customers is very unique. Spenda* is also in such an amazing stage of growth which really excites me. Here, I know I can be a part of something great and make a big impact to help drive the business forward and deliver on our growth plans.
Cultural fit was also a key consideration for me joining. The Company promotes transparency, ownership and innovation and this is something which I really value. Having gone through an extensive process speaking with some Board Members and meeting some of the team prior to joining, I felt this was the right place for me.
What’s your biggest piece of advice to all aspiring CFO’s out there?
Be true to yourself and look for a good work culture. In my early career I worked in some large corporate environments but personally I always felt like a small cog in a big wheel. For the past 20 years I have been very fortunate to work for some very exciting and innovative companies, where the culture that was established from the top allowed me to grow personally and develop my skills.
Business aside, what do you love to get up to in your spare time?
My spare time usually involves spending time with my family, a session at the gym, watching a good film or cheering on Wales as they beat England in rugby 😉
Favourite place you’ve visited?
I’ve actually got two:
- Cyprus – where I got married
- Bintan Island, Indonesia – a place to totally relax and unwind
What are 3 words that best describe you?
Honest, down-to-earth and reliable.
And there you have it folks. We’re so thrilled to have Richard on our team.
Think you’ve got what it takes to join the Spenda team? We’re always on the lookout for amazing talent to join our growing team, so hop on over to our Careers page and get in touch with us.
*Spenda is a product of ASX listed company, Cirralto Limited
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