At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial strategy and support growth as a fractional CFO in a dynamic consultancy.
- Company: Join Apotech, a leading Life Science Management Consultancy with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to coach a finance team and support international expansion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decisions and help shape the future of a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership and consulting.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Apotech is a Life Science Management Consultancy, delivering outsourced services in Quality and Regulatory. We are now looking for a fractional CFO to drive our finance function forward. You will partner with the co-founders and work alongside our Finance Manager, who owns the day to day running of the finance function, providing strategic direction, oversight, and challenge as we scale.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Act as a strategic finance partner to the co-founders and leadership team, providing insight and challenge on all commercial and financial decisions.
- Set the financial strategy and lead long range planning to support Apotech’s growth.
- Own the board reporting narrative and KPI framework, reviewing the monthly management accounts prepared by the Finance Manager and translating them into decisions for the leadership team.
- Lead budgeting and forecasting across revenue, cost, headcount, and cash flow, working with sales and delivery leaders to build a reliable pipeline view.
- Provide oversight of cash flow, working capital, and treasury across multi currency operations, ensuring the business is well funded through its growth phase.
- Set the framework for best financial practice across the UK and French entities, including consolidated reporting and compliance with local statutory requirements.
- Advise on pricing strategy across the business and provide commercial input on client and supplier contracts.
- Re-design and refine the commission structure for the sales team to ensure it drives the right behaviours and remains commercially sustainable.
- Lead financial planning for US expansion, whether through acquisition or setting up a local office, including entity setup, tax structuring, and transfer pricing.
- Oversee tax and statutory audit across jurisdictions, working with external partners as required.
- Advise on finance systems (Xero) and controls to ensure they scale with the business.
- Coach and develop the Finance Manager and wider future finance team, building capability and succession as the function grows.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with a proven track record as a CFO, Finance Director, or Fractional CFO.
- Experience leading finance for a consulting or professional services firm, with a strong understanding of different pricing models including project based, time and materials arrangements.
- Track record of working through and coaching an in-house Finance Manager or small finance team, rather than owning the day-to-day operational work directly.
- Working knowledge of UK accounting, with experience of French GAAP and ideally US GAAP.
- Experience of multi entity, multi currency consolidation and reporting.
- Track record of supporting international expansion, whether by setting up new offices, entering new markets, or executing acquisitions.
- Familiarity with Xero or comparable cloud accounting systems, and strong financial modelling and Excel skills.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to translate financial insight into clear recommendations for a non-finance leadership team.
- Excellent communication skills, comfortable engaging directly with founders, clients, auditors, and external advisors.
- Comfortable operating at a strategic level in a small, fast moving business, while rolling up sleeves where needed.
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience of the life sciences, pharma services, or regulated industries sector.
- Prior experience of M&A due diligence, deal structuring, or post acquisition integration.
- Experience implementing or administering EMI share option schemes.
Fractional Chief Financial Officer employer: Apotech
At Apotech, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture that feels like family, where every team member is encouraged to thrive and contribute to our ambitious goals. As a rapidly growing start-up in the heart of London, we offer unique opportunities for career advancement, including a 4-day work week, international development prospects, and comprehensive health benefits, all while ensuring our employees enjoy a fulfilling and engaging workplace. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values hard work, creativity, and social responsibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Chief Financial Officer
✨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 Apotech. 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 Fractional Chief Financial Officer
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 Apotech.
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 Apotech'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 Apotech
✨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 Apotech.
✨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 Apotech 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 Apotech 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.
