THE Big Question - Majority of FDs feel under too much pressure

This week’s Big Question, carried out for Accountancy Age by Reed Accountancy Personnel, found that 76% of FDs believed they were asked to do too much.

Gary Brookes, FD of Adullam Homes Housing Association, said: ‘With the scaling down of middle management, most FDs’ span of control is too wide.

FDs who deputise for chief executives often require different skills.’

Paresh Samat, FD of SBJ Employment & Safety Services, added: ‘There are financial, administrative and legal problems for the FD to deal with. The deadlines for everything are far tighter now.’ But one FD, who asked to remain anonymous, added: ‘We are under too much pressure, but that’s part of the job and the benefits should reflect this.’

Only 7% of respondents said FDs were not under too much pressure. Inge Kettner, of Orbit Housing Association, said: ‘It’s a matter of having the right level of support staff.’