At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and prepare a high-growth business for its next chapter.
- Company: Fast-growing, internationally focused supply business in the cruise industry.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence commercial strategy and long-term value creation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a central role in business transformation.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience at Finance Director or CFO level.
- Other info: Significant autonomy and partnership with an ambitious CEO.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead Financial Strategy and Prepare a High-Growth Business for its Next Chapter.
Our client is a fast-growing, internationally focused supply business that has experienced significant expansion and continues on a strong upward growth trajectory. The company delivers essential non-food consumables to some of the largest names in the global cruise industry, supplying a broad portfolio including hygiene products, hospitality consumables, PPE, safety equipment, workwear, and uniforms.
As the business scales, the focus now turns to future-proofing the organisation, strengthening infrastructure, professionalising systems and processes, and preparing for a successful business exit in the medium term. To support this next phase, the company is seeking an accomplished and commercially astute Chief Financial Officer.
The Role:
- Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as a key member of the Senior Management Team, the CFO will assume full responsibility for all financial aspects of the organisation.
- This is a pivotal leadership role combining strategic direction, operational control, transformation, and exit preparation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic financial leadership to the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team.
- Shape and deliver a financial strategy aligned to continued growth and long-term value creation.
- Lead the future-proofing of the business, ensuring systems, processes, and controls are scalable and investor-ready.
- Oversee systems optimisation and process improvements to support operational efficiency.
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Strengthen financial governance, reporting accuracy, and data integrity.
- Maintain strong working capital control and cashflow visibility.
- Deliver robust monthly management accounts and performance analysis.
- Lead preparation for a future business transaction, ensuring financial readiness and clean, defensible reporting.
- Support corporate finance matters including capital structure, debt, taxation, and strategic investment.
- Act as a key interface with advisors, auditors, and potential investors.
- Develop and lead the finance team to operate at a high-performance, transaction-ready standard.
The CFO will operate with significant autonomy while partnering closely with the CEO on strategic growth, transformation, and exit planning.
About You:
- You will be a fully qualified finance leader with the credibility, commercial insight, and transactional awareness to operate at executive level in a scaling organisation.
Essential Requirements:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Proven experience operating at Finance Director or CFO level.
- Strong technical accounting and financial governance expertise.
- Demonstrable experience improving systems, controls, and finance processes.
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence at Board level.
- Advanced analytical and financial modelling capability.
- Strong ERP and systems experience.
Highly Desirable:
- Experience preparing a business for sale, investment, or transaction.
- Understanding of M&A processes, due diligence, and exit readiness.
- Experience in B2B, distribution, FMCG, or international supply businesses.
- Exposure to growth-phase or investor-backed environments.
Leadership & Personal Attributes:
- Strategic and forward-looking thinker.
- High integrity and professional credibility.
- Confident communicator with gravitas at Board and investor level.
- Hands-on and pragmatic, able to balance detail with big-picture thinking.
- Resilient and adaptable within a high-growth environment.
- Strong organisational and execution capability.
Why Join?
- Join a business on a strong and sustained growth curve.
- Lead the transformation and professionalisation of the finance function.
- Play a central role in preparing the business for a future exit.
- Partner closely with an ambitious CEO and leadership team.
- Influence commercial strategy and long-term value creation.
Finance Director | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) employer: CMA Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
CMA Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director | Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for CFO roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial strategy knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you would lead a high-growth business and future-proof its operations. Show them you’re the strategic thinker they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills. Tailor your approach to each company’s unique needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share a brief insight or idea related to the discussion to show your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director | Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really grasp what the CFO role entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how your experience aligns with them. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, highlight your relevant experience in finance leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to improve systems and processes, as well as your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who not only has the right qualifications but also fits well with our culture. Don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and approach to challenges.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at CMA Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the company and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in the past.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations, especially in the cruise industry. Be prepared to discuss how you can enhance their financial strategy to support growth and prepare for potential exits.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully led teams through change or transformation, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios related to financial governance, M&A processes, or operational efficiency improvements, and outline your approach to tackling these challenges.