At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and M&A initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic, private equity-backed people services business with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, equity participation, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-growth team shaping the future of the business while driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Must have prior CFO experience in a PE-backed company and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant wealth creation and collaboration with top-tier investors.
The predicted salary is between 129000 - 193500 £ per year.
SF Executive is partnering with a fast-growing, private equity-backed people services business to appoint a commercially driven and strategically minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is an outstanding opportunity to join a high-growth organisation with offices across the UK, a strong leadership team, and a compelling value creation plan underpinned by strategic M&A.
The Opportunity
- Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the PE investors, the CFO will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the business, with a specific focus on:
- Delivering high-quality, insightful financial leadership across a multi-site operation
- Leading and executing a well-developed M&A agenda, including due diligence, deal execution, and integration
- Driving performance improvements across finance, operations, and commercial functions
- Preparing the business for a successful private equity exit in the coming years
Personal Specification
- We are seeking a high-impact CFO who thrives in a dynamic, private equity environment. You will have:
- Prior experience as CFO in a PE-backed business
- A proven track record of leading M&A transactions, including post-deal integration
- The ability to act as a true business partner to the CEO, board, and investors
- Strong leadership, influencing, and communication skills
- A commercial mindset and the resilience required in a fast-paced, evolving setting
The Package
- Base Salary: £150,000 – £225,000 (dependent on experience)
- Bonus + Equity participation: Significant wealth creation potential
- Flexible working with regular access to UK-wide offices, including London
Chief Financial Officer employer: SF Executive
Contact Detail:
SF Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the private equity sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the CFO role and the specific challenges faced in PE-backed businesses.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in M&A and financial leadership within the people services sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading M&A transactions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you successfully executed deals and integrated teams, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to act as a business partner by highlighting instances where you've collaborated with CEOs and boards to drive strategic initiatives. This will illustrate your alignment with the expectations of the CFO position.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a CFO in a private equity-backed business. Focus on your achievements in leading M&A transactions and any relevant financial leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your strategic mindset and ability to drive performance improvements. Mention specific examples of how you've acted as a business partner to CEOs and boards in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your strong leadership, influencing, and communication skills in your application. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how these skills have contributed to your success in previous roles.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: Discuss your commercial mindset and resilience in fast-paced environments. Provide examples of how you've navigated challenges in previous positions, particularly in relation to private equity settings.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Executive
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a CFO, your financial expertise is paramount. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in financial leadership, particularly in private equity-backed environments. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements and executed M&A transactions.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset. During the interview, articulate your vision for the company's financial future and how you would align it with the overall business strategy. Discuss how you can contribute to the company's value creation plan and prepare it for a successful exit.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Strong leadership is crucial for this position. Share examples of how you've led teams through change, influenced stakeholders, and fostered collaboration across departments. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with the CEO, board, and investors.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in M&A situations, and how you navigated them. This will demonstrate your resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.