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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy, M&A initiatives, and project accounting for a fast-growing SME.
- Company: Join a dynamic, expanding company in the professional services sector with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, ownership, and the chance to build a world-class finance function.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation and collaborate with a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with CFO experience in high-growth SMEs and proven M&A execution.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape financial strategy and support aggressive growth plans.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client is a fast-growing SME in the services industry, poised for rapid expansion through strategic acquisitions and organic scaling. As they navigate an ambitious growth trajectory—aiming to double turnover year-on-year—we are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and humble Chief Financial Officer to lead their financial strategy, operational scalability, and M&A initiatives.
The CFO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing financial strategy to support the company's aggressive growth plans. You will bring a balance of strategic vision and operational discipline, with proven experience in M&A, project accounting, team building, and exit readiness.
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting to support business growth. Drive the financial strategy and M&A roadmap (build and buy), ensuring value creation. Work closely with the CEO and executive team to align financial goals with business objectives.
- M&A and Exit Strategy: Lead due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition financial performance. Prepare the business for potential exit scenarios (trade sale, PE investment, etc.). Ensure robust financial controls and processes are in place for investor readiness.
- Project Accounting & Operational Finance: Oversee project-based accounting and revenue recognition across large-scale service projects. Implement performance tracking frameworks aligned with project lifecycles and profitability. Develop robust financial systems and controls for a scalable, multi-entity structure.
- Leadership & Team Building: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team in a non-hierarchical, collaborative culture. Act as a partner to business units, ensuring finance is embedded in operational decision-making.
Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Demonstrable experience as CFO or senior financial leader in a high-growth SME. Proven M&A execution experience, including due diligence, integration, and strategic alignment. Background in the services industry with exposure to project accounting and large-scale contracts. Experience in private equity-backed or founder-led businesses. Opportunity to lead a high-growth business through an exciting transformation. Autonomy, ownership, and room to build a world-class finance function from the ground up.
Contact Detail:
AUSTIN MATLEY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial services CFO
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial services and project-based industries. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the CFO role and the specific challenges faced by SMEs.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in M&A and financial strategy within the services sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in building and leading finance teams. Highlight specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and mentorship in previous roles, as this aligns with the company's emphasis on a non-hierarchical culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent acquisitions and growth strategies. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their business model and how you can contribute to their financial strategy will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial services CFO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial leadership, M&A, and project accounting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic vision and operational discipline, particularly in high-growth environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company’s growth ambitions. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially your experience in leading financial strategies and building high-performing teams.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to drive financial strategy and operational scalability. Mention any successful M&A initiatives you've led and the impact they had on previous organisations.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership style and experience in mentoring finance teams. Provide examples of how you have fostered a collaborative culture and embedded finance into operational decision-making in past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at AUSTIN MATLEY
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to shape and execute financial strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully aligned financial goals with business objectives in previous roles, especially in high-growth environments.
✨Highlight M&A Experience
Given the emphasis on M&A in this role, be ready to discuss your past experiences with due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition performance. Share specific instances where your contributions led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This position requires building and leading a high-performing finance team. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style, how you mentor team members, and how you foster a collaborative culture within your team.
✨Understand Project Accounting
Since the role involves overseeing project-based accounting, brush up on your knowledge of revenue recognition and performance tracking frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects to drive profitability.
