At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function through a critical exit process and own the financial narrative.
- Company: Established B2B services business backed by private equity.
- Benefits: High-impact role with potential for significant professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a pivotal exit phase and shape the company's future.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in PE-backed exits and strong financial modelling skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment requiring hands-on leadership and quick decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A well-established B2B services business, backed by private equity, is seeking an experienced Interim CFO to lead the finance function through a critical 6 - 9 month exit process. This is a high-impact, board-facing role for a commercially sharp finance leader who has been here before and knows exactly what it takes to get a business across the line.
The Role
- Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the PE sponsor, you will own the financial narrative and ensure the business is positioned to achieve maximum value at exit.
- Your key responsibilities will include:
- Owning and maintaining a robust, investor-ready three-statement financial model, ensuring it is clean, credible, and defensible under scrutiny.
- Building a compelling story behind the numbers - articulating unit economics, growth drivers, and margin dynamics in a way that resonates with acquirers and their advisors.
- Leading the finance team through a period of heightened activity, providing clear direction, stability, and pace.
- Acting as the primary finance interface for the M&A process - supporting due diligence, working with advisors, and managing information requests with precision and speed.
- Partnering with the CEO and board to shape and stress-test the equity story.
- Identifying and resolving any financial or reporting issues that could create friction in the process.
The Person
- You will be a seasoned finance professional with a track record that speaks for itself in exit environments. Specifically, we are looking for:
- Demonstrable, hands-on experience of taking a business through a full PE-backed exit on the sell side.
- Deep technical capability across financial modelling, management accounts, and reporting.
- The commercial instinct to translate numbers into narrative - for both internal leadership and external buyers.
- Strong leadership presence, with the ability to bring a finance team with you under pressure.
- Comfortable operating at pace in a lean, hands-on environment - this is not a delegator's role.
The Details
- Duration: 6 - 9 months
- Start: ASAP / immediate availability preferred
Interested? If you have the exit credentials and are available to move quickly, we'd like to hear from you.
Interim Chief Financial Officer in London employer: Motive Group
Contact Detail:
Motive Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Financial Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who've been through PE-backed exits. They might have insider info on opportunities or even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by crafting your financial narrative. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially how you've navigated exit processes. We want to hear your story and how it aligns with the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Talk about how you've led teams under pressure and delivered results. Remember, this role is all about guiding the finance function through a critical period.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Financial Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in exit environments and financial modelling. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing those relevant skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. We’re looking for someone who can articulate their journey through previous exits. Use this space to connect the dots between your experience and what we need for this role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role requires strong leadership presence, so make sure to highlight your experience leading finance teams under pressure. We want to know how you’ve navigated challenges and brought teams together in high-stakes situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Motive Group
✨Know Your Numbers Inside Out
As an Interim CFO, you’ll need to own the financial narrative. Brush up on your financial modelling skills and be ready to discuss your previous experiences with three-statement models. Be prepared to explain how you’ve built compelling stories behind the numbers in past roles.
✨Articulate Your Exit Strategy Experience
This role is all about navigating a PE-backed exit. Make sure you can clearly articulate your experience in similar situations. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully led a finance team through an exit process, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Under Pressure
You’ll be leading a finance team during a critical time, so it’s essential to showcase your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you’ve provided direction and stability in high-pressure environments. Think of examples where you’ve motivated your team and maintained pace during intense periods.
✨Engage with the M&A Process
Since this role involves acting as the primary finance interface for M&A, be ready to discuss your experience with due diligence and working with advisors. Highlight any specific instances where you managed information requests efficiently and how you ensured a smooth process for all parties involved.