Interim CFO

Our CFO Advisory team seeks an experienced fractional CFO/COO to support a high-growth client transforming the UK’s digital landscape. This 3-5 day per week interim role will be pivotal in guiding the organization through a period of major change and growth. The Group CFO/COO will lead the strategic and financial trajectory of the EXCO Group, ensuring sustainable financial health and operational excellence. This dual role drives both the high-level strategy and day-to-day operational efficiencies, fostering an innovative, high-performance culture and executing on the Group's strategic vision.

Tasked with developing a robust organizational strategy, the Group CFO/COO is responsible for evaluating and steering its success, crafting supportive policies and procedures that align with organizational goals. As a vital member of the Group Executive Team, this role involves leading the creation and execution of the Group's annual operating plan, with budget alignment stemming from the five-year strategic roadmap, as agreed upon by the Board.

Responsibilities:

• Shape finance strategy and prepare the finance function for future expansion, starting with the 2025 budget.
• Drive finance and people transformation initiatives, enterprise risk assessment, and governance improvements.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, supporting all finance, operational, and HR matters to ready the organization for anticipated growth over the next 12-24 months.

The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in steering the Group towards long-term strategic objectives and financial resilience, while managing the day-to-day operational excellence of the organization. This executive role partners closely with the CEO of our Client to craft and drive a cohesive corporate vision and operational strategy rooted in our purpose and values. As a strategic leader and key change agent, this Group CFO/COO is expected to mobilize internal leaders and their teams to align with the organization's strategic direction, ensuring effective execution of objectives and nurturing a culture of innovation and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic and Operational Leadership: Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement a visionary corporate strategy and ensure alignment across all operational facets. Lead the Board's strategy through empowering leadership teams to achieve targeted objectives. Drive organizational programs and initiatives that support emerging priorities, including transformative people and culture initiatives. Delegate ownership across teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and successful project execution.
• Financial Stewardship and Governance: Provide strategic oversight of Group finance, legal, HR, IT, facilities, and member operations, ensuring each function supports the organizational vision. Deliver an effective financial management service across Group and subsidiaries, serving as a principal advisor on financial and governance matters to the Board, CEO, and other senior executives. Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, maintaining compliance and integrity in all financial and regulatory matters.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Accountability: Serve as a key contact for the Board, Group Risk, Audit, and Finance Committee, ensuring that all governance responsibilities are effectively met. Represent the Group on Boards of subsidiary companies and act as Company Secretary, working closely with the Chair of the Board. Provide clear and insightful financial reports to the Board, ensuring alignment with the Group's financial policy framework.
• Risk and Compliance: Oversee the development of risk management practices, internal controls, and governance frameworks across the organization and its subsidiaries. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, proactively addressing risks and advising the CEO on regulatory implications and industry best practices. Lead the integration of ESG initiatives and reporting, supporting the Board's commitment to responsible and ethical governance.
• Performance Management and Operational Excellence: Monitor performance across all operational domains, advising on improvements and overseeing the implementation of key metrics and controls. Oversee the development of annual budgets, managing fiscal responsibility to align with strategic priorities and long-term goals. Cultivate strong stakeholder relationships and uphold the Group's reputation with all internal and external groups.
• Employee Development and Leadership Support: Manage and coach teams within the functional remit, fostering professional growth and ensuring high standards of performance. Support the CEO on matters related to executive remuneration and organizational benchmarking.
• Additional Executive Responsibilities: Act as the Deputy CEO in the CEO's absence, representing EXCO Group as a spokesperson as needed. Maintain flexibility to adapt to evolving organizational needs and actively seek opportunities for improvement in systems and processes.

Person Specification: The ideal candidate will possess a strong strategic vision, a background in financial and operational leadership, and a commitment to supporting the Board's purpose and values. This role requires a professional adept at managing change, fostering innovation, and ensuring organizational sustainability and growth.

Special Conditions: Given the complexity of the Group's operations, encompassing multiple subsidiary companies, diverse Boards and Committees, and a unique blend of employees and volunteers, the post holder must possess strong political acumen and diplomacy.

Travel Requirements: Regular travel within the UK, including visits to other Group offices and vendor locations, is integral to this role. Frequent presence at the HQ is essential for effective engagement. Attendance: Occasional overnight stays may be required, along with attendance at official Group events, external meetings, and Board sessions. Flexibility: The role requires flexibility to support critical business functions and organizational objectives.