At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a global brand portfolio.
- Company: Join a reputable group company with a strong market presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous perks.
- Why this job: Drive profitable growth and make impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified Chartered Accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 170000 £ per year.
Location: Watford, Hertfordshire (with frequent weekly travel to the London office)
Salary: £150,000 – £170,000 per annum plus Executive Benefits
Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
Start Date: ASAP
Fairmont Crest Executive Recruitment has been appointed to search for candidates for the position of Chief Financial Officer on behalf of a Group Company operating a portfolio of highly reputable global brands.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Chief Financial Officer will lead the company’s financial strategy, governance, compliance, and commercial decision-making across UK and EU entities. Reporting to the CEO and Board, the CFO will provide strategic leadership to the finance function and play a critical role in driving profitable growth while ensuring the highest standards of financial control and regulatory compliance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic & Commercial Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy aligned with short-, medium-, and long-term objectives.
- Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team on strategic initiatives including market expansion, licensing, and commercial negotiations.
- Lead financial modelling to support decisions relating to new territories, licences, retailer partnerships, and investment cases.
- Build and maintain medium- to long-term financial plans aligned with the Group’s vision.
- Evaluate the financial implications of retail agreements, marketplace structures, discount frameworks, and distributor arrangements.
Financial Management
- Oversee full P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow performance.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario-planning processes.
- Manage royalty reporting, payments, and internal controls.
- Oversee FX exposure and hedging strategies.
- Deliver structured Board packs including KPIs and variance analysis.
- Maintain robust financial controls and approval workflows.
- Mitigate financial risks across AR, AP, inventory, and transactional processes.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with UK and EU accounting standards, tax regulations, and statutory reporting.
- Maintain audit-ready internal controls.
- Manage VAT, cross-border compliance, and transfer pricing frameworks.
- Monitor compliance with licensing agreements.
- Provide transparent reporting to the Board, shareholders, and licensors.
Operational Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
- Establish and refine finance processes and controls.
- Implement and oversee financial systems integrated with ERP and B2B/B2C platforms.
- Supervise credit control activities.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and advisors.
Risk Management & Growth Enablement
- Identify and mitigate financial and commercial risks.
- Stress-test business plans against downside scenarios.
- Lead financial evaluation of M&A and licence acquisition opportunities.
- Drive operational efficiency while safeguarding brand investment.
Communication & Influence
- Provide clear financial insight to non-finance stakeholders.
- Manage shareholder expectations transparently.
- Collaborate across Commercial, Operations, Creative, and Marketing teams.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience.
- At least 2 years in a senior finance leadership role or Board-facing position.
- Experience in branded consumer products is highly advantageous.
- UK-based with flexibility to travel within Europe.
REWARD & BENEFITS
Salary: £150,000 – £170,000 per annum.
Benefits (after six-month probation):
- Private medical insurance for employee and family.
- Death-in-service cover.
- Permanent health / critical illness cover.
- Company-wide perks including staff discount and free product allowance.
To apply for this role, please submit your CV with a covering letter outlining your experience and potential fit for this role.
Chief Financial Officer employer: FAIRMONT CREST
Contact Detail:
FAIRMONT CREST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial strategies and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've driven growth in previous roles—make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the CFO role. Highlight your experience in financial strategy, governance, and compliance. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your leadership in finance and how you've driven growth in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, especially if you’re a Chartered Accountant. We’re looking for someone with solid credentials and relevant experience, so make sure that shines through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at FAIRMONT CREST
✨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 can not only manage finances but also strategically influence growth.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company’s vision and recent strategic initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their goals, especially regarding market expansion and compliance. This will show that you're not just a numbers person, but a strategic partner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to evaluate financial implications of hypothetical situations, like new territory expansions or licensing agreements. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making criteria, as this will highlight your analytical skills and risk management capabilities.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading a finance team, be ready to share examples of how you've mentored and developed others. Discuss your approach to building strong teams and fostering collaboration across departments, as this is crucial for operational success.