At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial insights and guide strategic decisions for a growing business.
- Company: Dynamic PE-backed software company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible fractional role with competitive pay based on commitment and experience.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and influence key financial decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact at board level while enjoying a flexible work arrangement.
- Qualifications: Experience as a CFO in a PE-backed software or SaaS environment.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Opportunity: As Fractional CFO, you will shape how financial insight is used across the business, ensuring that reporting, forecasting, and modelling actively inform strategic and operational decisions. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Head of Finance and Operations, you'll own the financial planning and reporting framework, using it not just for governance, but as a decision engine to guide growth, investment, and trade-offs as the business scales in a PE-backed environment. This is a strategic, high-impact fractional role, offering meaningful influence at Board and executive level without requiring a fully embedded executive mandate.
What you'll focus on:
- Board reporting & governance: Own the end-to-end board reporting process and board pack quality. Translate operational performance into clear board-level insight. Ensure reporting meets governance standards across the group.
- Financial modelling & decision support: Build and own the financial model as the single source of truth. Define the KPIs that matter most for leadership accountability and board oversight. Use the model to support real decisions (e.g. growth investment, marketing spend, capability build).
- Treasury, cash & capital structure: Oversee cash, liquidity, and runway planning. Support optimisation of PE debt, repayment profiles, and covenants. Advise on intercompany funding flows and tax-efficient structuring in collaboration with external advisors.
- Investor & stakeholder engagement: Act as a senior financial counterpart for the Chair and PE investors. Support investor queries, ad-hoc analysis, and financial deep dives. Ensure externally shared financial information is consistent, governed, and decision-ready.
- Finance function leadership: Provide senior guidance to the existing finance function. Advise on processes, controls, and reporting improvements that support scale. Partner closely with the Head of Finance and Operations to embed improvements and enable delivery.
This role is for you if you:
- Have been a CFO (or equivalent) in a PE-backed software or SaaS business.
- Have owned board-level reporting in a governance-led environment.
- Are strong in financial modelling, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
- Think in trade-offs, capital allocation, and value creation.
- Are comfortable operating fractionally, focusing on high-leverage outcomes.
- Enjoy partnering with founders, CEOs, and finance leaders.
- Are local enough to Bristol to be a regular friendly face.
Compensation & Work Arrangement: The role is expected to be front-loaded initially, before transitioning to a steady-state fractional commitment once core structures and processes are embedded. Average time commitment of 4-5 days a month, with salary pro-rata to time commitment and dependent on experience.
Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Bristol employer: Gofractional
As a Fractional CFO with us, you'll be part of a dynamic and innovative team in Bristol, where your strategic insights will directly influence the growth trajectory of our PE-backed business. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values professional development and offers flexible working arrangements, ensuring you can balance impactful work with personal commitments. Join us to leverage your expertise in a role that not only challenges you but also provides significant opportunities for career advancement and meaningful engagement with senior leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Bristol
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
In the banking and financial services world, sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn can really set you apart. Write articles about market trends or finance tips, and engage in discussions in relevant groups. This not only boosts your visibility but also highlights your knowledge to potential clients.
✨Join Freelance Platforms and Networking Events
Freelancing in finance can be competitive, so make sure you're on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, specifically targeting finance gigs. Also, look for finance networking events or webinars to connect with small businesses that might need your services. Meeting people face-to-face (or online) can score you those elusive freelance contracts.
✨Build a Stunning Portfolio
Since you're going freelance, having a solid portfolio is a must. Showcase your previous work, such as reports or analyses, and consider using case studies to highlight your approach. The more you can demonstrate your skills, the easier it is for clients to trust you with their finances.
✨Direct Outreach is Key
For freelance gigs, don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies or startups that align with your skills and reach out directly. A personalised message introducing yourself and proposing how you could add value can go a long way. Plus, keep an eye on Gofractional for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at Gofractional. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your skills, but also why you're excited about joining Gofractional. Share your passion for financial services and how you plan to tackle challenges in this sector. This is your chance to connect on a personal level—make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gofractional
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Gofractional, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates and Availability
As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to Gofractional.
