Interview with Stephen - Optalis Optalis Finance Director

Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I began my career as a chartered accountant, working at a medium-sized firm in London. It was a generalist role, so I got exposure to a bit of everything. Over time, I realised I was more interested in forward-looking work than the retrospective nature of auditing.
I then moved into finance roles within IT and legal recruitment, holding Finance Director positions. Over the years, I worked with both large and small companies, including startups and owner-managed firms, at times helping to build or restructure finance functions.

After decades in profit-driven environments, I began seeking a role with more social purpose—something that felt more meaningful. That search led me to Optalis. I can honestly say I don’t regret making the move to Optalis.

What does your role at Optalis involve?
At its core, my role is about managing the finances—ensuring accurate reporting for both internal and external stakeholders. We set budgets at the start of the year and track performance against them. If things move away from where we expect them, we investigate whether it’s due to operational issues or increased service delivery, which can justify higher costs if matched by income.
It’s also about delivering value for money to our council partners. We need to be efficient, but also responsive to real-world needs.

What sets Optalis apart from other organisations?
The biggest difference is the motivation behind the work. 

In the commercial world, if something isn’t profitable, you stop doing it. Here, the focus is on need. If there’s a need for a service, we aim to deliver it and make the finances work.
It’s a more human-centered approach.

I’ve noticed a different attitude toward staff as well—there’s more care and consideration. It’s early days for me, but I’m keen to get to know the teams better and understand their work on the ground.

What do you see as the future direction for Optalis?
Growth seems to be the direction of travel, supported by both boroughs. That brings challenges, especially for back-office functions like finance. My goal is to streamline processes so they’re efficient and accurate. This will enable us to forecast and give everyone confidence in the figures, without overburdening the team. It’s about building a sustainable, supportive environment.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
My wife and I enjoy browsing antique fairs and stores—she’s into glass and haberdashery, while I’m more eclectic and spontaneous in my finds. We also have two grandchildren now, which is a joy.