At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategies for portfolio companies, driving performance and value creation.
- Company: A top European Private Equity firm with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international travel, and the chance to influence multiple businesses.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact and career advancement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of diverse companies while collaborating with top executives.
- Qualifications: Extensive finance leadership experience, preferably as a CFO in a Private Equity setting.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 180000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading European Private Equity firm, is looking for an experienced Finance leader to support the Funds portfolio companies (revenues typically €20m–€600m). This role will work closely with portfolio company leadership teams to drive performance across the Finance function, strengthen financial operating models, and unlock value creation levers throughout the investment lifecycle.
Key Aspects to the Role:
- Partner with portfolio company CEOs and CFOs to define and execute the Finance value creation roadmap, anchored in the equity story and translated into EBITDA, its underlying drivers, and measurable transformation outcomes.
- Assess and upgrade the Finance operating model, organisation, processes, systems and talent across portfolio companies.
- Drive performance management discipline: KPIs, dashboards, budgeting, forecasting, and monthly business reviews to enable data-driven decision-making.
- Strengthen cash management, working capital optimisation, capital allocation and debt monitoring in coordination with the PE Fund.
- Lead Finance readiness for value-creating events: 100-day plans post-acquisition, bolt-on M&A integration, refinancings, and exit preparation (vendor due diligence, audit readiness, equity story).
- Identify and implement automation and operational insight opportunities in Finance to improve speed, accuracy and insight.
- Deploy cross-portfolio initiatives, leveraging best practices, playbooks and benchmarks, and measuring impact with clear ROI.
About You:
- Significant Finance leadership experience, including significant time as a CFO within a Private Equity-backed environment.
- Proven track record delivering value creation through a full investment cycle to successful exit.
- Comfortable scaling Finance functions across multiple geographies.
- Solid grounding in M&A, refinancing and exit processes.
- Credibility with ERP/FP&A systems and Finance automation or AI tooling.
- Background spanning Big 4, investment banking or Transaction Services alongside operational CFO experience is a strong plus.
- Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, DEC or equivalent).
- Sharp commercial judgement, with the discretion, resilience and interpersonal skill to build trust quickly with portfolio leadership and deal teams.
What's On Offer:
This is a rare opportunity to influence the performance trajectory of multiple businesses across Europe, partnering directly with CEOs, CFOs and investment professionals on the topics that most drive enterprise value – within one of Europe's leading Private Equity firms. The role is based on a European office (Paris or London), with international travel across the portfolio.
Chief Financial Officer in London employer: Alex Partners
At Alex Partners, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a leading private equity firm in the UK, we offer exceptional growth opportunities for professionals looking to make a significant impact in product strategy and AI integration. Our commitment to mentorship and collaboration ensures that every team member can develop their skills while contributing to the success of our portfolio companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Alex Partners. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Alex Partners.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Alex Partners's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alex Partners
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Alex Partners.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Alex Partners will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Alex Partners employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
