Hello, I’m Tessa

I’m an independent financial consultant based in Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands.

I help small businesses and purpose-led organisations understand what their numbers are telling them, make confident decisions and turn financial analysis into practical action.

My work sits at the point where finance, strategy and delivery meet.

From investment banking to independent finance

I’ve worked with Barclays Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank and Fidelity Investments, as well as smaller businesses, privately owned companies and community organisations in the US and UK. My experience ranges from forecasting, valuations and financial modelling to business sales, strategic planning and board-level decision-making.

I now work with business owners, leadership teams and trustees who need experienced financial thinking, but may not need—or be ready for—a full-time finance director.

Alongside my independent consulting work, I have held board and treasurer roles with local charities, cultural organisations and education. This experience keeps my work grounded in the realities smaller organisations face: limited time, competing priorities, imperfect information and decisions that can’t always wait for a perfect answer.

What it’s like to work with me

You can expect clear communication, thoughtful analysis and honest recommendations.

I won’t produce an impressive-looking report and leave you to work out what it means. My job is to identify what matters, explain it without unnecessary jargon and help you see the next step.

The result is senior financial thinking, focused capacity and an answer you can actually use.