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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations in a high-growth business environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic, ambitious company backed by Sir Richard Harpin.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth equity package, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on rapid growth.
- Why this job: Shape the financial function and drive significant growth.
- Qualifications: Proven CFO experience in scale-ups with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE BUSINESS
We are a commercially driven, high-growth business that combines a media organisation, a growth programme for ambitious UK founders and CEOs, and - in the near future - a marketplace. We are tracking £5m in revenue this year and have a clear, credible plan to scale to £70m+ over the next three years.
The business is owned and fully funded by Sir Richard Harpin - founder of HomeServe, which he built from a kitchen-table idea into a FTSE-listed home services business before its sale to Brookfield in 2024 for £4.1bn. Sir Richard is now deploying his operating experience and personal capital behind a single, ambitious mission: to double the number of large companies in the UK. This business sits at the heart of that mission, equipping the founders and leadership teams who will build them.
Because the business is fully funded by Sir Richard there is no requirement to raise external capital, meaning leadership focus stays on commercial execution, operational discipline, and value creation rather than fundraising cycles. Having established early product-market and a growing commercial pipeline, we are building the leadership infrastructure to deliver the next phase of growth at pace. The CFO is a key partner to the CEO and carries a meaningful growth equity package, providing direct alignment with the long-term value being built.
ROLE PURPOSE
The CFO will serve as the commercial and financial engine of the business. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for a commercially minded finance leader who has navigated the complexities of scale-up growth - from managing day-to-day financial operations through to board-level strategic reporting.
You will be as comfortable completing the month-end close and a 12-week cash forecast as you are presenting financial performance and the strategic plan to the Board and shareholder, or rigorously challenging commercial deal margins with the sales team. We are looking for a professional level of delivery from an experienced, hands-on operator who thrives in ambiguity, moves seamlessly between detail and strategy, and applies strong commercial judgement to every financial decision.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategy & Commercial Planning
- Commercial Focus
- Daily Financial Operations & Control
- Financial Reporting & Control
- Monthly Reporting Against Budget
- Annual Budget & Monthly Reforecast
- Cash Flow Management, Treasury & Forecasting
- Partner to the CEO on People & Organisation
Essential Experience
- Proven, hands-on CFO or senior finance leadership experience within a UK-based scale-up, with a track record of taking a business from early stage through to £50m+ in revenue.
- Direct experience reporting to and managing the relationship with a sole shareholder, founder-investor, or institutional investor in a growth-stage business environment.
- Demonstrable M&A experience, including hands-on involvement in deal origination, financial due diligence, valuation, deal structuring and negotiation across either buy-side or sell-side transactions.
- Track record of building and maintaining 12-week rolling cash forecasts with high accuracy and clear variance discipline.
- Commercial finance background with demonstrable experience influencing deal structures, partnership margins, and commercial decision-making.
- Hands-on operator who has personally owned the monthly close process and management accounts, not solely managed a team to deliver them.
- Experience of Board-level reporting, including presenting to non-executive directors, investors, or an advisory board.
- Strong Excel and financial modelling skills; experience with cloud-based accounting systems (Xero, NetSuite, or similar).
Highly Desirable
- Experience working across the full startup-to-scale-up journey - ideally having joined a business at an early stage and scaled it through significant growth.
- Exposure to commercial partnership models, SaaS, professional services, or similarly margin-sensitive business structures.
- Experience operating within a membership or subscription business model, with a strong commercial grasp of recurring revenue dynamics - MRR/ARR, retention and churn, lifetime value, and the unit economics of acquisition and renewal.
- Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) - though we will consider exceptional candidates who are by experience.
- Experience of post-merger integration, sell-side readiness, or preparation for exit (vendor due diligence, data room build-out, equity story development).
ON OFFER
A rare opportunity to join the leadership team of a commercially ambitious, high-growth business at a pivotal moment. Direct reporting line to the CEO with a seat at the table for every key strategic decision. A genuine opportunity to shape the financial function from the ground up and build a team around you. Competitive salary commensurate with experience, supported by a meaningful growth equity package providing direct alignment with the long-term value being built. Hybrid working model - minimum 3 days per week in London, with flexibility around personal commitments. A culture that values pace, commercial thinking, and straight-talking collaboration.
For further details, contact Howard Green - Business Director.
Finance Director in London employer: Business Leader
Contact Detail:
Business Leader Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Finance Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s financials and growth plans. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their mission and can contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with scale-ups and how you’ve navigated financial complexities. Tailor your stories to highlight your hands-on approach and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Financial Savvy: When you're crafting your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in finance. We want to see how you've navigated the complexities of scale-up growth and managed financial operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial judgement and strategic thinking.
Tailor Your CV: Don't just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the key responsibilities and essential experience outlined in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their skills with what we're looking for, especially in areas like cash flow management and board-level reporting.
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and keep your language simple. Make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to understand and directly relevant to the role of Finance Director.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Business Leader
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key metrics like cash flow forecasts and budget variances. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in past roles, as well as any specific tools or systems you've used.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a blend of detail-oriented execution and high-level strategy. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex financial landscapes while also contributing to broader business strategies. Think about times when your financial insights influenced major decisions.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the company's unique business model and revenue dynamics. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their growth ambitions, especially in terms of scaling from early-stage to significant revenue milestones. Show them you get their vision!
✨Prepare for Board-Level Discussions
Since you'll be presenting to the Board and shareholders, practice articulating financial performance and strategic plans clearly and confidently. Use concise language and be ready to answer tough questions about your financial strategies and past experiences.