Executive Assistant to the CFO in Swindon

The Executive Assistant to the CFO is a pivotal role at the heart of The Openwork Partnership’s Finance and Strategy function. This is not a traditional PA role – it requires someone with genuine understanding of the finance environment, the governance and reporting cycles that define the finance calendar, and the seniority to operate as a trusted partner to the CFO and the wider Finance and Strategy leadership team.

The CFO leads a c.35‑strong Finance and Strategy function operating within a Bain Capital‑backed business targeting growth from £30m to £100m EBITDA by 2030. The EA will ensure the CFO and direct reports operate with maximum effectiveness, with a well‑managed diary, a smooth governance rhythm, and high‑quality support across all key forums and stakeholder interactions.

The ideal candidate will have supported a CFO or senior finance leader previously, bringing a working knowledge of the finance reporting and governance cycle that allows them to anticipate needs, manage deadlines proactively, and act with informed judgement. They will also provide cover and coordination support across the executive PA network as required.

What we offer:

• Salary – up to £55,000
• Bonus scheme – on target bonus – 10%
• Pension scheme – contribute up to 5% of your salary and Openwork will match you and put in an extra 5%
• Critical illness cover
• Income protection – 1x salary
• Death in service – 4x salary
• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy up to an additional 10 days
• 3 paid days off to volunteer
• A range of other flexible benefits to include private medical insurance, dental insurance and much more

Your responsibilities will include:

• Own the CFO’s diary with full accountability – managing complex, competing scheduling demands across Board, ExCo, PE partner meetings, finance leadership forums, and internal and external stakeholder engagements.
• Anticipate the CFO’s forward priorities, proactively protecting time for preparation ahead of critical meetings, reporting deadlines, and strategic forums.
• Maintain a master Finance and Strategy governance calendar covering all key reporting cycles, leadership meetings, Board and committee submissions, budget and forecasting milestones, and PE reporting deadlines.
• Ensure the CFO and Finance leadership team are consistently well‑prepared ahead of governance events – circulating agendas, pre‑reads, and materials in good time and chasing outstanding inputs proactively.
• Support the coordination of Board papers, ExCo submissions, and other governance materials, tracking deadlines and ensuring submissions are completed on time and to the required standard.
• Provide support to the CFO’s direct reports (3) ensuring the Finance and Strategy senior team operates smoothly and efficiently as a leadership unit.
• Prepare the CFO for all key meetings and forums – co‑ordinating briefing notes, relevant materials, and contextual information so the CFO can engage with full visibility and focus.
• Manage logistics and preparation for internal and external stakeholder meetings, including Board meetings, ExCo sessions, Bain Capital interactions, and senior leadership forums.

What will you need to succeed?

• You must have experience as an EA or PA supporting a CFO, Finance Director, or equivalent senior finance leader – this is essential, not desirable.
• Demonstrable understanding of the finance governance and reporting cycle, including Board and committee reporting, budget rounds, forecasting milestones, and month/quarter‑end rhythms.
• Experience of supporting a senior leadership team in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment, ideally within financial services, a PE‑backed business, or similarly regulated organisation.
• Track record of managing complex diaries, high‑volume correspondence, and demanding travel and logistics requirements at C‑suite level.
• Experience of coordinating governance materials – Board papers, ExCo submissions, leadership briefings – and working with Company Secretariat or governance teams.
• Familiarity with executive PA network coordination and cover arrangements in a multi‑executive environment is advantageous.
• Exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills – able to manage a high volume of competing demands with composure, accuracy, and sound judgement.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft correspondence, prepare briefing notes, and produce clear, professional materials on behalf of the CFO.
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfortable working with calendar management, collaboration, and scheduling tools.