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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and decision-making for a global whisky business.
- Company: Join a dynamic private client business in the heart of Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Flexible working options and the chance to shape a high-performing finance team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing industry while leading financial innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with senior finance experience in a high-growth environment.
- Other info: Ideal for hands-on leaders ready for a new challenge.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment have been exclusively engaged by a global private client business who specialise in rare whisky, to recruit an experienced finance professional into the role of Chief Financial Officer. Working from a desirable West of Edinburgh office location, the successful candidate will be a well-rounded finance professional who is a strategic thinker, commercially strong and operationally savvy. You will have the gravitas to gain respect and will be confident in dealings with key stakeholders, industry peers and key client contacts. Very importantly, you will be an exceptional leader of people with the ability to direct, counsel and support, as necessary.
Role Summary: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior, strategic finance leadership role, responsible for all major finance decisions as well as informing and supporting all other areas of the organisation as required. You will act on your own authority, or as delegated by the wider Board of Directors and the successful individual must be confident in both making and justifying decisions taken. You will ensure the integrity of the company’s financial reporting, financial control environment, and compliance obligations across the Group. This includes managing all areas of strategic risk, providing constructive challenges to the operational and commercial teams to support the development of new strategies and initiatives to deliver the ambition of the company.
Key role responsibilities:
- Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance frameworks are in place
- Manage statutory reporting, audits, and tax compliance
- Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures
- Provide clear, insightful reporting to the Board and senior stakeholders
- Own cash flow forecasting and liquidity management
- Optimise working capital, including management of receivables, payables, and inventory
- Ensure effective treasury management and banking relationships
- Support funding requirements and short-term financing strategies
- Lead capital structuring, fundraising, and equity release initiatives
- Support M&A activity, due diligence, and investment appraisals
- Develop long-term financial strategies aligned to business growth
- Provide financial modelling and scenario planning for key decisions
- Manage relationships with investors and external financial partners
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance team
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team
- Lead from the front during periods of growth and transformation
- Ensure strong succession planning and capability development within the team
- Partner with operational leaders to drive performance and profitability
- Provide actionable insights to support strategic and commercial decisions
- Support pricing, cost management, and margin improvement initiatives
- Challenge and influence key stakeholders to improve business outcomes
- Deliver KPI reporting and performance analysis across the organisation
Key person specifications:
- Qualified Accountant holding a CA, ACCA or CIMA designation
- Proven track record of delivering in a senior finance role in a dynamic, high growth SME environment with both UK and International operations
- A commercial mindset with the ability to liaise across the business with Senior Management, Investors, Operations and Legal
- Strong financial control experience with the ability to improve process, procedure and the control environment
- Act as main point of contact with financial institutions including banking and private investors
- Strong communication, presentation and leadership skills are vital
- Breadth of experience across finance disciplines including statutory reporting, management reporting and Board reporting
- Previous Due Diligence and/or M&A experience would be beneficial
- Private Equity/Venture capital experience would be advantageous
- Suits an experienced, hands-on Finance Director/CFO looking for a new challenge
- Previous experience in the drinks industry would be highly advantageous
- Must be a ‘builder’ not a ‘maintainer’
This role can be performed on a full-time or part-time basis.
How to Apply: This search is being conducted confidentially on behalf of our client. If you’re a dynamic finance leader seeking a role where you can make a real impact — we’d love to hear from you. Apply via LinkedIn or reach out directly at craig.sinclair@cooperparry.com for a confidential conversation.
Chief Financial Officer in Edinburgh employer: Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry peers, attend finance events, and engage on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CFO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in building and leading high-performing teams. They want to see that you can inspire and direct others.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss strategic thinking! Prepare examples of how you've tackled financial challenges and contributed to business growth. This will show you're not just about numbers but also about driving success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers. Don’t miss out on opportunities by sticking to traditional methods—let’s get you noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the CFO role. Highlight your strategic thinking, financial control experience, and leadership abilities to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how your background in high-growth environments makes you a strong candidate.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles, especially in areas like financial reporting and team leadership.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment
✨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 used them to drive business decisions in the past. This shows you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic thinker.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or growth. Highlight your ability to mentor and develop talent within your finance team. This role requires exceptional leadership, so be ready to share your vision for building a high-performing team.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the whisky industry and the specific challenges it faces. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with the company's goals and help navigate these challenges. This will show that you’re not just focused on finance but also understand the broader business context.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach key stakeholders, including investors and operational leaders. Prepare to discuss your communication style and how you build relationships. This is crucial for a CFO, as you’ll need to influence and challenge effectively.