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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive growth in a fast-scaling AI company.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge AI firm backed by a leading private equity group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, equity options, and the chance to shape an innovative future.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative leadership team during an exciting growth phase.
- Qualifications: Proven CFO experience in tech or SaaS, with strong M&A and finance scaling skills.
- Other info: This role offers a unique opportunity to influence a company's international expansion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Sowena Group have been retained by a cutting-edge, fast-scaling AI company recently backed by a leading private equity firm. With a mission to reshape how businesses harness artificial intelligence across sectors, we are entering an exciting phase of growth that includes a strategic international buy and build campaign. Their innovative product suite, strong customer demand, and significant market opportunity positions them for rapid expansion and a successful exit within a 3–5-year horizon.
The CFO will play a pivotal role in driving growth and value creation. You will be a key strategic partner to the CEO and investors, responsible for leading the financial strategy, professionalising the finance function, and executing a disciplined international M&A strategy. This is a hands-on, transformative leadership role ideal for a CFO who thrives in dynamic, high-growth, private equity environments.
Key Responsibilities:- Partner with the CEO, Board, and PE sponsors to define and execute the company’s growth and exit strategy.
- Lead financial planning, analysis, forecasting, and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
- Act as a key voice in shaping corporate strategy, including geographic expansion, pricing models, and investment priorities.
- Professionalise and scale the finance function to match rapid international growth.
- Implement systems, controls, processes, and KPIs to drive performance visibility and scalability.
- Ensure robust financial governance, compliance, and risk management across all jurisdictions.
- Lead and execute on the international M&A strategy, including target identification, due diligence, deal execution, and post-merger integration.
- Build a repeatable playbook for efficient integration of acquired businesses.
- Own relationships with investors, auditors, banks, and external advisors.
- Regularly report financial and operational performance to the Board and PE sponsors.
- Prepare the business for a successful exit (trade sale, secondary buyout, or IPO).
- Proven CFO (or senior finance leader) within a private equity-backed business, ideally in tech, SaaS, or within a reoccurring revenue business model.
- Demonstrable track record of leading international M&A (buy & build) and successful exits.
- Experience in scaling finance functions within high-growth environments.
- Strong understanding of subscription-based and/or data-driven business models.
- Strategic mindset with strong commercial instincts and operational grip.
- Highly analytical with excellent financial modelling and reporting capability.
- Excellent communicator, capable of building trust with internal and external stakeholders.
- Agile, hands-on, and comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
Join at a critical inflection point with a high-potential AI business backed by experienced investors. Shape the future of a truly innovative company making waves in AI and automation. Be part of a seasoned leadership team with a clear and ambitious plan for international growth and exit. Competitive remuneration, meaningful equity, and the chance to make a real mark. This is an exciting opportunity to join a company at a critical juncture in its growth.
For more details, to be considered for this opportunity or to confidentially discuss the market then please reach out to Perran Cooke at Sowena Group or click apply.
Chief Financial Officer employer: Sowena Group
Contact Detail:
Sowena Group 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 and tech sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the CFO role and the specific challenges faced in high-growth environments.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and SaaS business models. Understanding how these industries operate will not only enhance your conversations during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with M&A strategies in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of past successes, including how you identified targets, conducted due diligence, and integrated acquired companies, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and ability to build trust with stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully managed relationships with investors or board members, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for the strategic partnership aspect of the CFO role.
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 or senior finance leader, particularly in private equity-backed businesses. Emphasise your track record in leading international M&A and scaling finance functions in high-growth environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your strategic mindset and operational grip. Discuss how your skills align with the company's mission to reshape AI across sectors and your vision for driving growth and value creation.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your analytical abilities, financial modelling expertise, and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've built trust with stakeholders and led successful exits in previous roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Industry: Demonstrate your knowledge of subscription-based and data-driven business models. Mention any relevant experience in tech or SaaS industries, and how you can contribute to the company's ambitious plans for international growth and exit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's mission and vision, especially their focus on AI and international growth. This will help you align your answers with their strategic goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Financial Strategy Questions
As a CFO, you'll need to showcase your expertise in financial planning and analysis. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with M&A, financial governance, and how you've successfully scaled finance functions in high-growth environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
The role requires a transformative leader who can partner with the CEO and Board. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change, built trust with stakeholders, and driven performance improvements in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Expect to be tested on your analytical capabilities. Bring examples of financial models you've created or complex problems you've solved. Highlight your ability to provide insights that support strategic decision-making.
