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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and oversee a small finance team during a crucial transition.
- Company: Join a dynamic SME recently acquired by a Private Equity-backed international Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options after an initial on-site period in Central Manchester.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment while driving financial clarity and strategy.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/CIMA/ACCA Qualified with SME finance leadership experience.
- Other info: Private Equity experience is a plus, but not essential; hands-on approach is key.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Director @ Palatine Talent | Customer-centric recruitment solutions founded upon integrity, transparency & excellence
Our client is an SME that has been newly acquired by a Private Equity-backed international Group. During this key transitional period, my client requires a commercially sharp, hands-on CFO to take the financial reins and drive stability and insight for an initial 6-month period.
As an experienced CFO, you will:
- Own the numbers – oversee stock, debtors, board reporting and financial controls
- Lead and develop – manage a small finance tea of 4
- Assess and Optimise – review existing processes, identify improvements, and ensure financial clarity
- Advise at Board-level – work closely with the Group CFO to drive strategy
The role will require the successful candidate to be on-site in Central Manchester for an initial period – to embed into the business, understand the team, and evaluate systems. Hybrid working will be available after the initial period.
We’re looking for an experienced CFO with a track record in SME finance leadership. Stock and working capital expertise is essential for this role. Private Equity experience would be desirable but not essential. You will be commercially astute, hands-on, and strategic but someone who can ‘roll up their sleeves’ and add real value.
If you’re an ACA/CIMA/ACCA Qualified finance leader who is ready to make an impact in a transitional, PE-backed environment, we want to hear from you. To progress your interest, apply without delay.
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Interim Chief Financial Officer employer: Palatine Talent
Contact Detail:
Palatine Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing finance teams, especially in an SME environment. This role requires strong leadership skills, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the specific financial challenges that SMEs face, particularly in a Private Equity context. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these issues will demonstrate your commercial acumen and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've optimized financial processes in previous roles. The ability to assess and improve existing systems is crucial, so having concrete examples ready will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role requires on-site presence initially, be ready to discuss your flexibility and commitment to embedding into the team. Showing enthusiasm for being hands-on will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in SME finance leadership, stock management, and working capital expertise. Use specific examples that demonstrate your hands-on approach and strategic thinking.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasize your track record as a CFO and how it aligns with the needs of the company. Mention your experience in transitional environments and your ability to drive financial clarity and stability.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualifications in your application. If you have experience in Private Equity, be sure to highlight this as it is desirable for the role.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Research the company's values around integrity, transparency, and excellence. Reflect these values in your application to show that you are not only qualified but also a good cultural fit for the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Palatine Talent
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a CFO, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial metrics and controls. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed stock, debtors, and board reporting in previous roles.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since you'll be managing a small finance team, share your experiences in leading and developing teams. Discuss your approach to mentoring and how you've successfully driven performance in past positions.
✨Discuss Process Optimization
The role requires assessing and optimizing existing processes. Come ready with examples of how you've identified inefficiencies in financial operations and implemented improvements that led to greater clarity and stability.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You'll need to advise at the Board level, so be prepared to discuss strategic financial decisions you've made in the past. Think about how you can align your insights with the goals of the Group CFO and the overall business strategy.
