At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive growth in a high-impact CFO role.
- Company: Join a dynamic, PE-backed Professional Services business with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape the finance function, and influence strategic decisions.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive leaders ready to drive change and enhance commercial performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth and value creation in a pivotal leadership role.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with CFO experience in a PE-backed environment.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 165000 £ per year.
Marks Sattin Executive Search is seeking an ambitious, commercially minded Chief Financial Officer to join a high-growth, PE-backed Professional Services business.
As a key partner to the CEO, PE Fund and leadership team, the CFO will play a pivotal role in accelerating growth, driving profitability and delivering the value creation plan.
With significant scope to shape the next phase of the business, they will strengthen financial and commercial performance, sharpen forecasting and pipeline visibility, and help position the business for a successful exit.
The CFO will take ownership of the finance function, providing commercial leadership, strategic insight and robust decision support across the P&L, cash flow and balance sheet.
A key focus will be on strengthening financial planning, forecasting and reporting, while enhancing the quality and coverage of financial data to provide greater visibility of performance, cash generation and future opportunities.
They will also build a robust, scalable and high-performing finance function, embedding the financial discipline, accountability and commercial focus required to support the next phase of growth.
With the business entering an important phase of expansion, the CFO will play a central role in driving improved commercial performance.
This will include strengthening pipeline visibility, forecasting accuracy and profitability, while providing the leadership team and PE investor with clear, forward-looking insight to support key strategic decisions.
The role will also drive greater automation and enhance management information, ensuring the business has the data, processes and infrastructure required to scale effectively and make better commercial decisions.
The CFO will also take ownership of relationships with the business's existing lenders, adopting a proactive and solutions-focused approach to covenant management, liquidity and funding.
They will provide high-quality Board and investor reporting and work closely with the PE investor on financial strategy and key strategic initiatives.
This opportunity will suit an ambitious CFO seeking a high-impact role within a PE-backed Professional Services business, with the opportunity to shape the finance function, influence the wider commercial agenda and play a central role in creating long-term value.
The ideal candidate
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA), preferably chartered.
- CFO experience within a PE-backed business, ideally across Professional Services, Technology Services, Outsourcing, Managed Services, or Consultancy.
- Involvement with M&A, including acquisition negotiation and integration.
- Proven experience supporting or leading a successful exit.
- Track record of re-accelerating growth and delivering meaningful value creation.
- Experience delivering PE-standard reporting and financial processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong experience managing debt providers and banking covenants through the cycle.
- Ability to define KPIs, strengthen reporting and controls, and drive measurable performance improvement.
- A proactive, hands-on and commercially driven leader, with strong decision-making skills and a clear focus on execution and delivering results.
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships, influence effectively and drive change.
Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.
CFO PE Backed Professional Services business in London employer: Marks Sattin Ltd
Marks Sattin is an excellent employer for aspiring accountants, offering a supportive and friendly work culture in Doncaster. With a focus on employee growth, the firm provides full study support and varied client exposure, ensuring that your contributions are valued while you develop your technical knowledge and career within a well-established independent practice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO PE Backed Professional Services business in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Marks Sattin Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO PE Backed Professional Services business in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Marks Sattin Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Marks Sattin Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks Sattin Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Marks Sattin Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Marks Sattin Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Marks Sattin Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.