Spotlight On: Adam Stannard, Financial Reporting Manager

Adam Stannard, Financial Reporting Manager at Dennis Eagle

1. Hi Adam, Happy New Year! Thanks so much for taking the time to have a chat. Could you tell us how long you’ve been at Dennis Eagle and what your role is? 

Happy New Year! I’ve been at Dennis Eagle for two and half years as the business’ Financial Reporting Manager. That’s excluding the two-week work experience I did here when I was 14 years old back in 2006!   

2. How would you describe your role in three words? 

Insightful, collaborative, and analytical. If I had to pick just one, it would be 'collaborative.' In Finance, we love working with numbers, but we can’t keep them to ourselves! 

3. What are some of your key responsibilities? 

My core role is the production of the monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements (P&Ls), balance sheets, cashflows, and sales margin analysis. I’m also responsible for the budgeting and forecasting process that enables the company to lay out their strategy through a financial lens. 

4. Describe a typical day in the life of a Financial Reporting Manager.    

In Finance, no two days are the same – except for month-end, where we typically have the same reports due by the same deadline. In the week before and after month-end you will find me preparing reports that measure the performance of the business and comparing it to the budget or the forecast for the management team.  

Outside of the month-end weeks my time is instead spent completing project-based work such as investment appraisal or ensuring new operations are set up from a financial systems perspective. 

5. What did you do before joining Dennis Eagle? 

Previously, I worked at Nippon Seiki, a Japanese company manufacturing Head-Up Displays (HUDs) for the automotive industry. This role gave me valuable experience in accounting and finance within a multinational manufacturing environment and helped me become a chartered accountant. 

A highlight of this role was helping to set up a new manufacturing site in Poland, where I established and managed the Finance department from scratch, growing it to a £50m turnover entity. 

6. Why did you decide to join Dennis Eagle and what makes you want to stay?  

My early work experience here left a lasting impression. I knew Dennis Eagle was a reputable local company, and I still get excited seeing our vehicles on the road, whether I’m visiting Cornwall, the Lake District, or London. I’m proud to contribute to a company that produces such visible, impressive products from our humble industrial estate. 

7. What is your favourite thing about working at Dennis Eagle?  

My favourite thing about working at Dennis Eagle is getting to engage with such a wide variety of people and departments. I feel like I get to play a small part in each function, be it Operations, Sales, or Aftermarket; hardly a day goes by without some form of cross-functional work. I also enjoyed a recent trip to The Netherlands for our annual group Finance conference. Finance managers from all around the Royal Terberg Group including Colombia, Singapore, and UAE attended. I thought it was amazing being involved in something at such a global level. 

8. What is your proudest achievement so far?  

While there isn’t one overriding achievement that sticks out, I’m proud of embedding myself in the organisation and supporting key decisions, especially when delivering detailed budgets and forecasts under tight deadlines with limited resources. I’ve also conducted financial viability analysis for a make-or-buy decision which helped improve production volumes and contributed to our operational success. 

9. Do you have any specific goals or ambitions for the future of your role? 

I’m currently recruiting an Assistant Management Accountant to help meet the growing demand for financial information. My goal is to strengthen the Finance department so we can continue to provide the support Dennis Eagle needs to make informed business decisions. 

10.  Final question: who are you outside of work?  

When I’m not injured, I’m a keen rugby player and weightlifter, so you’ve probably seen me struggling up and down the stairs! Since joining Dennis Eagle, I’ve broken an ankle and torn an ACL. Maybe it’s my body’s way of telling me to slow down, but I’ve never been great at taking sensible advice. 

Outside of rugby season, I love hiking with my partner and our Romanian rescue dog, Meeko. I truly appreciate the peace and quiet of nature, especially after a busy week in the office!