Joanna O'Neill - Founder & Chartered Accountant
I haven't had the most traditional journey to becoming a Fractional Finance Director. I started training to be a Chartered Accountant in 2000 at the age of 18 and exam qualified as one of the youngest in the UK in 2003. After being admitted to the ICAEW in 2005 I stayed in audit for another 5 years and then made my move into working in industry.
Over the next 15 years I worked across a wide range of industries I have worked across a wide range of industries, including FMCG, retail, technology, professional services, and manufacturing. My expertise spans financial strategy, commercial finance, risk management, and operational efficiencies, helping businesses enhance profitability and navigate periods of growth and change.
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A CHANGE IN DIRECTION
It was in 2018 after graduating with a Masters in Business Administration that I decided to take a career break and go back to university to get my undergraduate degree as I hadn't followed the traditional higher education route. In a total departure from my career experience I graduated with a First in Ancient History (that's where the inspiration for Pallas Athena Consulting comes from!) in January 2021, working my summer breaks in Finance roles.
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I went on to win a scholarship at the University of Leicester to study and MA in Museum Studies which I graduated with a distinction in January 2025. Throughout this period I worked as interim Finance support for a number of businesses and developed my Fractional Finance Director offering and during this period fell in love with working with businesses to help founders, directors get to grip with the numbers and help them sleep at night!
​As a Chartered Accountant (FCA), I have held senior finance roles across businesses of all sizes, from high-growth start-up's to multinational corporations. My experience includes leading financial transformations, optimizing revenue strategies, and ensuring financial compliance. I take a hands-on approach, ensuring that businesses have the right financial structures and insights to make informed, strategic decisions.
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Whether it's improving cash flow, driving commercial performance, or supporting business expansion, I provide tailored financial expertise that enables businesses to grow with confidence—without the cost of a full-time finance director.
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