At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance in a dynamic, PE-backed healthcare business during a pivotal transition.
- Company: Mid-market healthcare services firm with strong growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and direct exposure to private equity stakeholders.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for immediate impact and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategy and value creation in a transformative role.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with CFO experience in private equity environments.
Job Description
Cedar is currently partnered with a mid-market, PE-backed healthcare services business to help them secure an Interim CFO. This London-based role is for 6 months, outside IR35, paying £1000-1500 per day, aiming at around 3 days per week in the office.
The Company
This business has recently been acquired by a respected private equity firm and is now entering a critical phase of transition. With a strong position in its market and a clear mandate for growth, the focus is on upgrading finance to investor-grade standards, building forward-looking capability, and ensuring the business is well-placed to deliver on its value creation plan.
The Role
The Interim CFO will take full ownership of the finance function, bringing structure, clarity, and insight in line with private equity requirements. This is a hands-on leadership position that combines technical delivery with strategic preparation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Full ownership of financial reporting, management accounts, statutory submissions, and cashflow forecasting.
- Strengthening financial controls, processes, and governance to meet the standards expected by a private equity sponsor.
- Upgrading board packs and KPI reporting to ensure transparency and credibility at investor level.
- Building out FP&A capability to deliver robust forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis.
- Partnering with the CEO, board, and sponsor on post-deal priorities and early value creation initiatives.
- Leading, mentoring, and stabilising the finance team through a period of change.
Your Profile
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with proven CFO-level experience in private equity-backed environments.
- Strong technical grounding across financial reporting, compliance, and audit, combined with FP&A and commercial finance skills.
- Experience of leading finance through post-acquisition transition or similar periods of transformation.
- Hands-on, delivery-focused leader who can create immediate impact.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, credible at board and sponsor level.
Compensation & Benefits
This Interim CFO assignment offers a highly competitive day rate of £1000-1500 per day, outside IR35, with hybrid working from London (c. 3 days per week in the office).
In addition to the day rate, you will benefit from:
- Leading finance in a newly acquired, PE-backed business during a pivotal stage.
- Direct exposure to private equity stakeholders and early value creation planning.
- The opportunity to put in place robust reporting, controls, and FP&A capability.
- A high-impact role where your leadership will directly influence business performance and value creation.
Interim CFO employer: Cedar
Contact Detail:
Cedar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim CFO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and private equity sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in finance and private equity. Be ready to discuss how you can bring structure and clarity to their finance function. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and check out the roles we have. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, as it shows your enthusiasm for the company and the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that can set you apart from other candidates. Reiterate your interest in the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit for their interim CFO position!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim CFO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim CFO role. Highlight your experience in private equity-backed environments and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead finance through transitions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story. Explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, focusing on your hands-on leadership style and how you've successfully managed financial reporting and governance in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your technical grounding in financial reporting, compliance, and FP&A. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've upgraded financial processes and controls in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to private equity. Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial processes in past roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires a hands-on leader. Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams through transitions or transformations. Highlight your mentoring skills and how you've stabilised teams during change.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the private equity environment. Be prepared to discuss how you can align financial strategies with investor expectations and value creation plans. This will show that you understand the bigger picture.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a straightforward manner. Think about how you would present financial reports to the board and ensure you can convey insights effectively.