At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a portfolio of global brands.
- Company: Join a reputable group company with a strong market presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and exciting company perks.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial growth and strategic initiatives.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 in Watford employer: FAIRMONT CREST
Contact Detail:
FAIRMONT CREST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial strategies and recent news. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like market expansion and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to mentor and develop others will resonate well, especially for a senior role like CFO.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for top talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Watford
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 role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your strategic leadership and financial management skills. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications! As a Chartered Accountant, make sure to highlight your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA credentials. We’re looking for someone with solid qualifications and at least 5 years of post-qualification experience.
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 out on any important updates. Let’s get your application rolling!
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 strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you can not only manage finances but also align them with the company's vision.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed financial strategies that align with long-term business goals. Be ready to discuss specific initiatives you've led, especially those involving market expansion or new partnerships, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on UK and EU accounting standards and tax regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions and how you would approach it in this new role.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a CFO, you'll need to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms and think of examples where you've successfully influenced decision-making through effective communication.