Chief Financial Officer in London

Forsa Energy ("Forsa") was established in 2011 to develop, construct, own, and operate energy assets across Europe. Until September 2017, Forsa Energy was known as Velocita Energy Developments and 2020 Renewables. The renewables business subsequently built approximately 230 MW of wind projects in the UK and France. Following the successful sale of these businesses, the company made a strategic decision to broaden its technology base beyond onshore wind and re‑branded under the name: "Forsa Energy". Forsa's flexible generation business was established in mid 2017 to meet the growing market demand for reliable, flexible generation capacity to support the grid. The initial focus was on reserve gas generation using reciprocating engine technology, which was immediately commercially viable. The team has successfully developed, financed, and built twelve operational sites, totaling approximately 300 MW.

About the Role

Forsa is now embarking on the next stage in its transition to an Independent Power Provider (IPP) and is adding onshore wind and solar to the portfolio of gas assets. This will be monetised through the skills of their in‑house trading function who trade the generation of Forsa owned assets as well as third party assets. To complete the vertical integration, an in‑house O&M function provides services to both owned assets as well as third party operations. With the above in mind, the appointment of a new CFO is critical for the organisation during this period of anticipated growth, coordinating corporate finance and managing company policies regarding capital requirements, debt, taxation, equity, and acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of a monthly management reporting package and present it to the Board.
• Contribute fully to the development of company strategy across all areas of the business, challenging assumptions and decision making as appropriate and providing financial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers.
• Lead the structuring of financing and negotiation of term sheets/loan agreements with project finance providers.
• Establish a high level of credibility and manage strong working relationships with external parties including customers and advisors.
• Lead and monitor commercial negotiations around structuring and implementation on new and existing opportunities, including but not limited to PPA/Offtake agreements.
• Oversee the trading performance of existing assets and maintain relationship with third party trading experts and market forecasters.
• Support the Business Unit Directors in the development of their business units, including development of the operations business unit, the existing gas assets and the trading teams.
• Assist in the execution of transactions (acquisitions, mergers, JVs, etc.).
• Lead the execution of divestment processes.
• Assist in the production of presentation/reporting materials, investment committee memos and board papers.

Accounting/Compliance/Tax/Process Controls

• Take overall control of the company's accounting function.
• Ensure that company financial systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth.
• Take ultimate responsibility for the company cash management policies.
• Lead the audit process and present annual accounts to investors.
• Ensure that the regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met.
• Corporate finance: manage company policies regarding capital requirements, debt, taxation, equity, disposals and acquisitions, as appropriate.
• Oversee compliance of loan and RTM agreements.

Budgeting and Planning/Project Due Diligence and Valuation

• Ensure corporate budgeting processes are carried out and reviewed.
• Ensure that Project Finance financial models are built and run to assist decision making and negotiations involving third party financing of projects as well as general commercial matters.
• Contribute to and assist in the formulation and deployment of the corporate strategy and business plan.
• Supports the Investment Officer in the preparation of project valuation and commercial DD efforts including for acquisitions and/or Project Financings.

Management of Finance Function

• Develop, lead and manage finance and commercial team members.
• Direct reports include Group Financial Controller (who has a team of 2) and the Investment Officer (who has a team of 2).
• Support the Group Legal Counsel and ensure priority is given to appropriate projects.
• Chairs the IT Committee.
• Establishes an agenda that ensures proper management, control and development of IT policies and strategies, working with Business Unit managers to ensure compliance across the group.

Candidate Requirements

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with strong relationship building and communication skills and an ability to manage competing priorities.
• Driven, conscientious and adaptable with first class leadership and management skills.
• Qualified member of an accountancy body or holder of an equivalent qualification.
• Commercially astute, articulate, technically strong, dynamic, insightful and influential leader with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Strong IT skills, always being ahead of new technologies.
• Ability to handle high levels of pressure and critical decision making.
• High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
• Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation in pursuit of business growth and success.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Highly effective communication skills, both externally and internally, and a strong influencer.
• Sociable and a strong team player that builds effective working relationships with others.
• Interpersonally sensitive and understanding of the needs of individuals, groups and the organisation.

Leadership

• Exercises sound judgment and is prepared to make decisions as a principal investor/business owner.
• Commercially astute and aware.

Planning & Organisation

• Adopts a methodical approach and can work with high levels of precision and attention to detail.
• Well developed planning and organisational skills with the ability to assess and meet priorities through good time management.
• Able to multi task.
• Conscientious - sees work through to a successful conclusion; delivers on commitments both internally and externally.

Drive & Positive Attitude

• Adopts a quality and results focused approach to work to ensure high standards of service are met with the delivery of excellent customer service skills.
• Adaptable and prepared to be flexible when work demands change.
• Analytically adept and an effective problem solver, combined with a propensity for action.
• Positive, enthusiastic, and proactive.