At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and performance management in a high-growth environment.
- Company: Dynamic, PE-backed business services company with international reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a tech-driven, rapidly expanding organisation.
- Qualifications: Experienced CFO or senior finance leader with M&A expertise.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and drive operational excellence through innovation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
A high-growth, PE-backed business services company is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join its leadership team. This is a pivotal role for an ambitious finance leader who thrives in a dynamic, data-driven, internationally scaling environment.
The Opportunity
As CFO, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape the financial strategy of a business undergoing rapid expansion and technological transformation, including the adoption of AI-driven operational capabilities. You will be instrumental in driving value creation, professionalising the finance function, and preparing the organisation for a successful future exit.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the financial strategy, planning, and performance management of the business.
- Build a robust, scalable finance function capable of supporting international growth.
- Provide hands‑on leadership during periods of M&A activity, including deal evaluation, due diligence, integration, and synergy delivery.
- Work closely with private equity stakeholders on value creation planning, covenant management, and board reporting.
- Drive operational excellence through data, automation, and AI-enabled tools.
- Ensure the business is fully "exit ready" with strong controls, governance, and reporting frameworks.
- Act as a strategic partner to the executive team, influencing commercial decision‑making across global markets.
About You
- Experienced CFO or senior finance leader with a strong track record in private‑equity‑backed environments.
- Demonstrable M&A experience, from acquisition through to integration.
- Comfortable operating in a tech‑enabled or AI‑enhanced business model.
- International experience supporting multi‑country operations or expansion.
- Proven ability to prepare an organisation for exit—trade sale, secondary PE, or IPO.
- A commercially astute and highly collaborative leader who thrives in fast‑paced, evolving environments.
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Finance
Industries: Business Consulting and Services
Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom
Chief Financial Officer in Southampton employer: Phipps Cameron
Contact Detail:
Phipps Cameron Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Southampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that CFO role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your M&A experience and how you've driven value creation in previous roles. We want to see you shine and demonstrate how you can bring that expertise to their team!
✨Be Ready for the Tech Talk
Since this role involves AI-driven operational capabilities, brush up on your knowledge of tech tools and automation in finance. We suggest preparing examples of how you’ve used technology to enhance financial processes in your past roles. It’ll show you’re ready for the future!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in private equity-backed environments and any M&A activities you've led. We want to see how you can drive value creation!
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 CFO role. Share specific examples of how you've built finance functions or supported international growth, and don’t forget to mention your comfort with tech and AI.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your leadership approach. We’re looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and can influence decision-making across global markets. Share stories that demonstrate your collaborative spirit and strategic thinking.
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 on the chance to join our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phipps Cameron
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven value creation in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've managed financial strategy and performance.
✨Showcase M&A Expertise
Given the emphasis on M&A activity in the job description, come armed with detailed stories about your past experiences. Discuss your role in deal evaluation, due diligence, and integration processes. Highlight any successful synergies you've delivered to show your hands-on leadership.
✨Embrace Technology
This role requires a comfort with tech-enabled environments. Familiarise yourself with AI-driven tools and data automation strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've leveraged technology to enhance operational excellence and improve financial reporting.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
As a strategic partner to the executive team, you’ll need to influence decision-making. Think about how you can articulate your vision for the finance function and its alignment with the company's growth strategy. Prepare to discuss how you would approach working with private equity stakeholders.