At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and enhance operational performance at Firelink Protection.
- Company: Firelink Protection is a fast-growing fire safety services company with a strong industry reputation.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and significant impact in the fire safety sector.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering leadership team and drive strategic growth in a thriving SME environment.
- Qualifications: Must have leadership experience in finance, M&A expertise, and a hands-on approach.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to shape the finance function as the company's first CFO.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Amplifi Talent has been retained to recruit a permanent CFO for Firelink Protection, based in Cumbernauld, Scotland. Firelink, founded in 2017, specializes in comprehensive fire safety services, including fire risk assessments, fire compartmentation surveys, fire door installation and maintenance, fire stopping services, and extensive training programs. Unique to the sector, Firelink's team comprises seasoned professionals with over 500 years of combined industry experience, gained as fire protection specialists within the fire service. Fire protection expertise is embedded in the firm's DNA.
Since inception, Firelink has experienced exponential growth in customer base and revenue, primarily driven by existing customer referrals, which attests to the quality of service and trust built with a diverse UK-wide client base. Having quadrupled turnover in the last three years and secured significant PE investment, the leadership team is focused on growth and expansion to strengthen Firelink's presence and reach in key markets.
The CFO will play a key role in delivering strategic objectives, working closely with the Managing Director to create value and drive growth. Applicants should have operated at a leadership level within a high-performing SME, be hands-on, possess M&A, integration, systems, and process improvement experience, and be a first-class people manager. This role is a key hire as the company's first CFO. The successful candidate will bring vision, drive, and commitment, along with excellent operational, strategic, and commercial capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate at a leadership level, working closely with management to enhance the company's financial and operational performance.
- Oversee all financial aspects of Firelink's strategy, establishing mechanisms for effective financial information flow to the board and external parties.
- Prepare and present the monthly board pack, including financial data, commentary, KPI reports, and analysis to support business growth and performance.
- Establish a highly effective finance function with ownership of cash flow, working capital, budgeting, forecasting, P&L, balance sheet management, and financial reporting.
- Maximize the use of company's systems to support current and future business needs.
- Develop positive relationships with external parties such as suppliers, bankers, investors, and advisors.
- Implement and ensure adherence to robust financial controls, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Ambitious finance leader with an entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on approach.
- Team player capable of strategic support and partnership.
- Strong cultural fit and ability to thrive within a Scottish SME environment.
- Experience in implementing and managing financial controls and reporting frameworks.
- Proficiency in developing budgets, forecasts, and KPI tracking.
- Strong understanding of working capital management.
- Strategic outlook with the ability to deliver value-added financial reporting.
- Experience in margin optimization and commercial initiatives to create value.
- Proven M&A experience.
- Experience in post-acquisition integration and finance function optimization.
- Proficiency in ERP and relevant financial software for mid-market businesses.
- Track record of building best-in-class finance functions.
CFO employer: amplifi talent
Contact Detail:
amplifi talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Firelink Protection's unique offerings and growth trajectory. Understanding their fire safety services and recent expansion will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their strategic objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fire safety and finance sectors, particularly those with experience in SMEs. Engaging with industry contacts can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your M&A and integration experiences in detail. Given the company's focus on growth and potential acquisitions, showcasing your relevant successes will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively as their first CFO.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to build and optimise finance functions. Firelink is looking for a hands-on leader, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes and reporting frameworks in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in finance, particularly within SMEs. Emphasise your M&A experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and improve financial performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on approach. Discuss how your vision aligns with Firelink's goals and how you can contribute to their growth and expansion.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, and KPI tracking. Mention your experience in building finance functions and optimising processes, as these are crucial for the CFO role.
Showcase Cultural Fit: Demonstrate your understanding of the Scottish SME environment and how you can thrive within it. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams and built relationships with external parties in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at amplifi talent
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Before your interview, take the time to research Firelink Protection thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent achievements. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a CFO candidate, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial controls, budgeting, and forecasting. Bring specific examples of how you've improved financial performance in previous roles, especially in an SME environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing change. Discuss how you've successfully implemented financial strategies and built effective finance functions. Be ready to share examples of how you've fostered a positive team culture.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your strategic outlook and how you can contribute to Firelink's growth. Prepare to discuss your experience with M&A, integration, and how you can add value through commercial initiatives and margin optimisation.