At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic financial oversight and mentorship to the CEO and Board.
- Company: Join a respected hospitality business with a commitment to quality and excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible 2-3 days per week role with significant influence and autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor senior finance leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a renowned brand while working with an exceptional leadership team.
- Qualifications: Board-level finance experience and strong governance expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
Sanderson King's Hospitality Practice has been retained exclusively to appoint a Fractional CFO & Board Advisor for one of the UK's most respected hospitality businesses. This is a rare opportunity to join a highly regarded founder-led organisation that has built an international reputation through exceptional hospitality, a premium consumer offering and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Operating across multiple locations, with interests spanning hospitality, wine and retail, the business is entering an exciting new phase and is seeking an experienced finance leader to act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Board and senior leadership team.
The Opportunity
This is not a traditional CFO appointment. The business already benefits from a capable finance function, led by a recently promoted Head of Finance and supported by an established team. As such, the successful individual will focus on strategic oversight, governance, mentorship and Board-level support rather than day-to-day financial management.
The role will suit a commercially minded CFO, Finance Director or Board Advisor who enjoys working closely with founders and leadership teams, helping businesses navigate complexity, strengthen governance and build robust foundations for long-term success. Working on a fractional basis (typically 2–3 days per week), you will become a trusted sounding board to the CEO whilst providing independent challenge, financial insight and strategic guidance.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership
- Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board.
- Provide financial insight, challenge and support on strategic decisions.
- Contribute to long-term business planning and organisational development.
- Support Board reporting and ensure clear visibility of performance, risks and opportunities.
- Help shape the next phase of the organisation's growth and evolution.
- Governance & Compliance
- Review and strengthen governance frameworks across the business.
- Ensure appropriate controls, policies and financial disciplines are in place.
- Support statutory, regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Assist with company secretarial matters and Board administration.
- Work alongside external advisers including auditors, legal counsel and tax specialists.
- Finance Function Oversight
- Mentor and support the Head of Finance.
- Provide oversight and challenge to budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes.
- Ensure the finance function is appropriately structured to support the needs of the business.
- Act as a sounding board on key commercial and operational decisions.
- Systems & Infrastructure
- Review financial systems, reporting processes and business infrastructure.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reporting quality and management information.
- Assess existing accounting and reporting processes, including international elements of the business.
- Ensure systems and processes remain fit for purpose as the business evolves.
- International & Commercial Support
- Provide oversight across UK and international operations.
- Support a business operating across hospitality, wine and consumer channels.
- Help ensure financial structures support future growth, investment and scalability.
About You
You are likely to be an experienced:
- CFO
- Finance Director
- Fractional CFO
- Portfolio Finance Leader
- Board Advisor
- NED with significant financial leadership experience
You will have a strong track record of operating at Board level and partnering closely with founders, CEOs and senior leadership teams. Experience within hospitality, restaurants, premium consumer brands, wine, retail, leisure or other multi-site environments would be particularly valuable, although we are equally interested in individuals who can demonstrate a strong cultural and commercial fit.
Key Experience
- Previous Board-level finance leadership experience.
- Strong governance, compliance and risk management expertise.
- Experience mentoring and developing senior finance leaders.
- Ability to operate strategically whilst remaining pragmatic and commercially minded.
- Experience supporting founder-led, privately owned or entrepreneurial businesses.
- Exposure to international operations would be advantageous.
Personal Qualities
Technical capability is important, but this appointment will ultimately be defined by character and fit. We're looking for someone who is:
- Highly credible and emotionally intelligent.
- Collaborative, low ego and relationship-driven.
- Comfortable influencing without needing to control.
- Curious, thoughtful and commercially astute.
- Able to challenge constructively whilst building trust.
- Appreciative of heritage brands, craftsmanship and strong cultures.
- Someone who enjoys helping good people build great businesses.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the future of a highly respected business whilst working alongside an exceptional leadership team. The successful individual will have genuine influence, significant autonomy and the chance to contribute to a business that has built a reputation for excellence over many years.
Location: London HQ (predominantly in-person)
Commitment: 2–3 days per week
Type: Fractional / Portfolio Appointment
For a confidential discussion, please contact Elliott Sanderson at Sanderson King.
Fractional CFO (2-3 days per week in person) in London employer: Sanderson King
Join a prestigious hospitality business in London as a Fractional CFO, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of an esteemed organisation known for its commitment to quality and exceptional service. With a collaborative work culture that values mentorship and strategic insight, this position offers unique opportunities for professional growth while working closely with a dynamic leadership team. Enjoy the flexibility of a fractional role, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in a thriving environment that celebrates heritage and craftsmanship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional CFO (2-3 days per week in person) in London
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
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For freelance gigs, don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies or startups that align with your skills and reach out directly. A personalised message introducing yourself and proposing how you could add value can go a long way. Plus, keep an eye on Sanderson King for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional CFO (2-3 days per week in person) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at Sanderson King. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson King
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Sanderson King, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates and Availability
As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to Sanderson King.
