At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and exit readiness for a PE-backed consulting business.
- Company: Dynamic professional services firm with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and exposure to high-stakes transactions.
- Other info: 6-9 month contract with significant career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in shaping financial narratives and driving successful exits.
- Qualifications: Proven Interim CFO experience in private equity-backed environments.
Cedar is partnered with a PE-backed professional services business to appoint an Interim Chief Financial Officer. This is a 6-9 month contract offering £1,750-£2,250 per day, based in Central London with hybrid working (3‑4 days per week in the office). The role sits at Board level and focuses on exit readiness, financial leadership and transaction delivery across a mid‑market, investor‑backed consulting business, with close interaction with the CEO, Board and private equity sponsor.
The organisation is a PE‑backed professional services platform with revenues of c.£100M, operating across multiple service lines and a diversified client base. The business has grown significantly under private equity ownership, supported by a combination of organic expansion and targeted acquisitions. It is now entering a critical phase as it prepares for a near‑term exit, with a focus on enhancing financial visibility, strengthening reporting quality and presenting a compelling equity story to the market. Finance plays a central role in this phase, underpinning both operational performance and transaction readiness.
The Interim CFO will lead the business through the final stages of exit preparation and transaction execution, ensuring a robust, credible and investor‑ready finance function. The role requires a balance of strategic oversight and hands‑on delivery, with responsibility for shaping the financial narrative, managing diligence processes and supporting valuation discussions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading all aspects of exit readiness, including vendor due diligence, financial modelling and preparation of investor materials.
- Owning the financial narrative, ensuring consistency across forecasts, data room outputs and management presentations.
- Partnering with the CEO and private equity sponsor to shape exit strategy and support buyer engagement.
- Ensuring high‑quality financial reporting, with full audit readiness and robustness of historical financials.
- Overseeing forecasting, budgeting and long‑range planning processes to support valuation and transaction discussions.
- Driving working capital optimisation and cash management ahead of exit.
- Managing external advisors including diligence providers, auditors and corporate finance teams.
- Leading and stabilising the finance function through a high‑pressure transaction period.
- Supporting any final integration, carve‑out or restructuring activity to enhance exit positioning.
Your Profile
- Proven Interim CFO with a track record of delivering exits within private equity‑backed businesses.
- Experience operating within mid‑market, investor‑backed environments, ideally within professional services or consulting.
- Strong experience leading vendor due diligence processes and engaging directly with investors and buyers.
- Deep technical grounding across financial reporting, consolidation and audit processes.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to articulate a clear and compelling equity story.
- Hands‑on, delivery‑focused and comfortable operating at pace in a high‑stakes environment.
- Strong stakeholder management experience across Board, investors and external advisors.
Compensation & Working Arrangements
The day rate for this Interim CFO role is £1,750-£2,250 per day. The role is based in Central London with hybrid working (typically 3‑4 days per week in the office). This is a 6‑9 month assignment offering direct exposure to a near‑term exit within a PE‑backed professional services business.
CFO - City Of London England employer: Cedar
Cedar offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in a dynamic, PE-backed environment. With a focus on exit readiness and financial leadership, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values strategic insight and hands-on delivery. The Central London location provides not only a vibrant professional atmosphere but also the chance to engage directly with senior stakeholders, enhancing career growth and exposure in the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO - City Of London England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and private equity sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know of opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent activities. Understand their financial position and any challenges they might be facing. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in helping them succeed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Interim CFO. Focus on your track record with exits and financial leadership, and be ready to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Let’s get you that CFO position!
We think you need these skills to ace CFO - City Of London England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience as an Interim CFO, especially in private equity-backed environments. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in exit readiness and financial leadership, and don’t forget to mention your hands-on approach!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves close interaction with the CEO and Board, make sure to highlight your experience in managing stakeholders effectively. We love to see how you’ve navigated high-pressure situations in the past.
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. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved financial visibility and reporting quality in previous roles. Prepare specific examples that showcase your experience with vendor due diligence and financial modelling.
✨Master the Exit Strategy
Understand the exit readiness process inside out. Be prepared to articulate how you would lead the business through this critical phase. Think about your past experiences with exits and be ready to share insights on shaping exit strategies and engaging with investors.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong stakeholder management skills. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully partnered with CEOs and private equity sponsors in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including Board members and external advisors.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Approach
The role demands a balance of strategic oversight and hands-on delivery. Be ready to provide examples of how you've stabilised finance functions during high-pressure situations. Discuss your approach to driving working capital optimisation and cash management ahead of an exit.
