Fractional CFO

AtkinsClarke are delighted to be supporting the search for a Fractional CFO to work directly with the founder of a hyper-growth e-commerce business. This is a genuinely strategic advisory appointment. The turnover/sales have scaled fast, the group structure has grown and evolved alongside it, and the finance function hasn’t yet caught up. The founder is looking for a heavyweight finance leader, a truly strategic business partner, who can come in on a fractional basis, bring strategic clarity and direction to a complex structure and whilst influencing key decisions.

Our client is a fast-scaling, entrepreneurially led e-commerce business that has grown rapidly and as is often the case at this stage, has outpaced the sophistication of its underlying group structure and finance capability. The founder remains highly hands-on and commercially sharp but recognises the business now needs proper strategic financial input: someone who can bring structure, tax efficiency and rigour whilst driving top and bottom line performance.

Working directly with the business owner, the Fractional CFO will provide senior strategic finance input on a flexible, advisory basis, typically 3–6 days per month depending on the demands of the business. Key areas of focus include:

• Advising the founder directly on financial strategy and key commercial decisions
• Developing and advising on the efficiency of the current financial and group structure
• Partnering with banks, advisors and auditors for business benefit
• Reviewing and maximising the group’s overall tax position
• Providing hands-on strategic direction to an underdeveloped internal finance team
• Improving financial visibility, controls and reporting at pace
• Supporting cash flow, funding and investment decisions as the business scales
• Acting as a credible, senior sounding board for the founder at board level

This is a role for an experienced, commercially astute finance leader who is comfortable operating in ambiguity and thrives on bringing structure to fast-moving, founder-led businesses. You will ideally demonstrate:

• Proven experience as CFO or senior finance leader within high-growth, entrepreneurial businesses
• Direct experience untangling complex or immature group structures
• A strong track record of maximising tax efficiency across group entities
• Experience building and upskilling underdeveloped finance teams
• Comfort operating in a fractional, advisory or portfolio capacity
• The gravitas and communication skills to advise a strong-minded founder directly
• E-commerce or high-growth consumer experience is essential!

A rare opportunity to bring genuine strategic value to a business at a pivotal point in its growth:

• Up to £1,500 per day for the right candidate
• 3–10 days per month, flexible around the needs of the business
• Direct access to and opportunity to influence the founder
• A genuinely advisory, high-impact remit rather than a BAU finance role
• Significant scope to shape the future financial structure of a hyper-growth business

To apply for this position, please click on the apply now button and your CV will be sent directly to the responsible recruiter. We will respond to successful applicants within 7 days, however, please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information about your application.

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