At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and enhance reporting for a growing recruitment business.
- Company: Dynamic private equity-backed recruitment firm in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working days, and hybrid work options.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior stakeholders and drive financial improvements.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial governance and strategic decision-making.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA with experience in PE-backed businesses.
Cedar is partnered with a private equity-backed recruitment business in Central London to appoint a Fractional Finance Director.
This is an initial 6-month contract, 2-4 days per week, offering a day rate of £800-1,000 per day.
The Company
This PE-backed recruitment business has established a strong position within specialist technical markets and is entering the next phase of its growth journey.
With ambitious expansion plans and a potential transaction anticipated within the next 12-18 months, the business is focused on strengthening its finance function, improving reporting and enhancing commercial decision-making.
Operational finance is outsourced, creating an opportunity for an experienced finance leader to build greater financial rigour, partner with investors and founders, and prepare the business for its next stage of value creation.
The Role
Reporting directly to the founders, the Fractional Finance Director will lead the commercial finance agenda, acting as the primary finance contact for both the Board and private equity investor.
The initial priorities will be rebuilding cash flow forecasting, redesigning management reporting and developing meaningful operational KPIs.
Longer term, you’ll support strategic decision-making, improve financial governance and help prepare the business for an anticipated transaction.
This role would suit an experienced PE-backed Finance Director or CFO who enjoys operating autonomously, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering practical improvements within a fast-growing business.
Key responsibilities include
- Rebuilding rolling cash flow forecasts and improving working capital visibility.
- Redesigning monthly management accounts, Board packs and investor reporting.
- Developing KPI dashboards covering revenue, EBITDA, margin, consultant productivity, contractor performance and cash generation.
- Partnering closely with the founders and private equity investor, providing commercial insight and financial challenge.
- Overseeing the outsourced finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling and long-term financial planning.
- Analysing business performance, profitability and operational KPIs to support strategic decision-making.
- Improving finance processes, reporting quality, controls and governance.
- Supporting transaction readiness, including financial due diligence, Quality of Earnings preparation and investor reporting.
- Working alongside external advisers throughout the exit preparation process.
Your Profile
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.
- Previous Finance Director or CFO experience within a private equity-backed business.
- Strong commercial finance, FP&A and financial modelling experience.
- Demonstrable experience improving reporting, forecasting and cash flow management.
- Comfortable partnering directly with founders, Boards and investors.
- Experience overseeing outsourced finance providers.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to operate independently.
- Experience within recruitment, staffing, professional services or other people-led businesses would be advantageous.
- Previous experience supporting a sale process, refinancing or private equity exit would be highly desirable.
Compensation & Working Arrangements
The day rate for this Fractional Finance Director role is £800-1,000 per day.
The contract is for an initial 6 months, with an expected commitment of 2-4 days per week.
The role is based in Central London with hybrid working.
Working closely with the founders and private equity investor, you’ll play a pivotal role in strengthening the finance function, enhancing commercial performance and preparing the business for a successful transaction.
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Fractional Finance Director employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Finance Director
✨Join Financial Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Cedar. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Cedar confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Cedar.
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Cedar that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
