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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support M&A activities in a dynamic, private equity-backed environment.
- Company: Join a large international group with a strong growth strategy and exciting opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, potential for permanent role, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact during a transition period and shape the future of finance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Interim CFO in large-cap organisations with M&A expertise.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work closely with executive leadership.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hybrid | Weekly travel to Central Europe (2–3 days per week at HQ)
Start: ASAP
Contract: Interim (with potential interim-to-permanent)
Day Rate: Negotiable (aligned to large‑cap, PE‑backed complexity)
A large, international, private equity‑backed group (c. €700m+ turnover) is seeking an Interim CFO to provide immediate leadership and stability during a transition period while a permanent appointment is made. The business is operating a buy‑and‑build growth strategy, with regular M&A activity across Europe. The Interim CFO will play a central role not only in core financial stewardship, but also in supporting transactions and ensuring disciplined post‑merger integration.
This is a role requiring a senior finance leader who can operate credibly at board and investor level, act as a trusted right‑hand to the CEO, and simultaneously adopt a hands‑on, in‑the‑trenches approach to ensure accuracy, control, and momentum.
Key Objectives of the Role- Ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency of financial numbers across the group
- Improve forecasting quality, cash flow visibility, and working capital discipline
- Support and shape M&A activity, from diligence through integration
- Professionalise the finance function to large‑cap, PE‑backed standards
- Provide confident leadership through transition, supporting continuity and handover to a permanent CFO
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering
- Act as a core member of the executive leadership team and strategic partner to the CEO
- Provide commercial insight to support growth, capital allocation, and value creation
- Lead board‑level and investor‑style reporting, including performance, cash, and covenant metrics
- Support longer‑term finance strategy, organisation design, and capability development
- Own group financial reporting, ensuring robust controls, reconciliations, and data integrity
- Oversee month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close across multiple entities and jurisdictions
- Ensure compliance with local statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements
- Standardise accounting policies, reporting formats, and governance across the group
Forecasting, FP&A & Working Capital
- Stabilise and improve short‑, medium‑, and long‑term forecasting accuracy
- Drive improved working capital performance (AR, AP, inventory, cash conversion cycle)
- Enhance management information, KPIs, and dashboards to support operational decision‑making
- Challenge assumptions and translate financial data into actionable insight
M&A Support & Transaction Activity
- Act as the finance lead on M&A activity, working closely with the CEO and deal teams
- Support financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and deal structuring
- Assess target businesses’ financial quality, systems, controls, and working capital profiles
- Identify deal risks, synergies, and integration considerations pre‑close
- Support rapid assessment of bolt‑on opportunities in line with the group’s growth strategy
- Lead or oversee post‑merger integration from a finance perspective
- Ensure timely integration of:
- Financial reporting and close processes
- Accounting policies and controls
- Forecasting, budgeting, and KPI frameworks
- Cash management and working capital practices
Transformation & Hands‑On Delivery
- Lead elements of finance transformation, including:
- Process standardisation and simplification
- Strengthening of finance operating rhythm and controls
- Improving data quality, systems usage, and reporting outputs
- Proven Interim CFO or senior CFO experience within large‑cap organisations (€700m+ turnover)
- Strong track record in PE‑backed and/or acquisitive buy‑and‑build environments
- Hands‑on experience supporting M&A transactions and post‑merger integration
- International, multi‑entity experience across European operations
- Demonstrable success improving:
- Forecasting and cash visibility
- Working capital performance
- Finance control and reporting at scale
- Gravitas to operate at board and investor level, with a pragmatic delivery mindset
- Commercial, outcomes‑focused, and comfortable operating in ambiguity
- Able to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders and finance teams
- Willing to operate both strategically and operationally as required
- Willing and able to travel weekly to Central Europe (2–3 days on site)
- Available to start immediately or at short notice
- Open to interim or interim‑to‑permanent arrangements
Interim Chief Financial Officer employer: Phipps Cameron
Contact Detail:
Phipps Cameron Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with private equity. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your M&A knowledge. Since this role involves supporting transactions, be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you've successfully navigated similar situations. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, send a quick thank-you note. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and get back to you faster. Don’t miss out on the chance to land that interim CFO role!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim CFO. Highlight your experience in private equity and M&A, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring stability and insight to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this interim role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated transitions and supported financial stewardship in previous positions.
Showcase Your Hands-On Approach: We’re looking for someone who can get into the nitty-gritty while also thinking strategically. In your application, mention instances where you’ve rolled up your sleeves to solve problems or improve processes, especially in finance transformation.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phipps Cameron
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the role, such as cash flow visibility and working capital discipline. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these areas in past roles.
✨Showcase M&A Experience
Given the focus on M&A activity, prepare specific examples of your involvement in transactions. Highlight your role in due diligence, valuation analysis, and post-merger integration. This will show that you can hit the ground running in supporting the company's growth strategy.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You’ll be expected to lead and partner with the CEO and board members. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams through transitions. Share examples of how you’ve built credibility quickly with senior stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your approach to finance strategy and organisational design. Think about how you would professionalise the finance function to meet large-cap standards. Articulate your vision for enhancing forecasting accuracy and improving financial reporting processes.