At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support growth in a cutting-edge tech startup.
- Company: Join a venture-backed deep tech company with exciting future potential.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and the chance to shape financial processes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in innovative projects.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a dynamic environment and drive impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in early-stage tech companies.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible / Hybrid
Commitment: 1-2 days per week initially
Engagement Type: Fractional
Job reference: #32471TS
About the Opportunity
We are supporting a pre-revenue, venture-backed deep technology specialising in hardware technology which could be applicable for aerospace, defence and telecommunications in the future.
The Role
The Fractional CFO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, providing financial leadership, commercial insight and operational rigour. Initially, the role will focus on establishing robust financial planning and reporting processes, supporting commercial contract negotiations, and ensuring the business has the financial controls and information required to make informed decisions. As the company grows, the scope of the role is expected to expand to encompass fundraising support, investor relations, strategic planning and broader finance leadership responsibilities.
- Design and implement a robust financial planning and tracking model that provides clear visibility of actual expenditure versus budget.
- Establish regular management reporting, forecasting and cash flow processes.
- Review and support the negotiation of customer-funded development contracts.
- Identify and implement appropriate financial controls for an early-stage technology business.
- Provide commercial and financial guidance to support business growth and risk management.
- Develop a roadmap for future finance capability and investor readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a fit-for-purpose financial model that supports budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and scenario planning.
- Establish financial reporting processes that provide clear visibility of expenditure, project costs and budget performance.
- Create meaningful management information and KPI reporting for the leadership team and Board.
- Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis and modelling.
- Develop robust cash management and financial control processes appropriate for a growing technology business.
Commercial & Contract Support
- Partner with the CEO in reviewing, negotiating and structuring commercial development agreements and technology contracts.
- Assess commercial, financial and delivery risks associated with customer-funded development programmes.
- Support pricing, contractual terms, milestone structures and project profitability analysis.
- Help ensure contracts align with the company's long-term strategic and financial objectives.
Corporate Finance & Governance
- Prepare the business for future fundraising activities, including investor-ready financial information and reporting.
- Assist with Board reporting and financial governance requirements.
- Support grant funding administration, compliance and reporting where applicable.
- Help establish scalable financial processes, policies and controls.
Growth & Scale-Up Readiness
- Build financial frameworks capable of supporting rapid growth.
- Contribute to strategic planning and business model development.
- Support future recruitment and development of the finance function as the company expands.
- Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and leadership team.
Candidate Profile
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience as a CFO, Finance Director or senior finance executive.
- Experience working with early-stage technology companies, venture-backed businesses, scale-ups or spin-outs.
- Experience supporting deep-tech, engineering, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, telecoms or semiconductor businesses.
- Strong financial modelling, forecasting and cash management expertise.
- Demonstrated commercial contract review and negotiation experience.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Highly Desirable
- Experience with university spin-outs, intellectual property commercialisation or R&D-intensive businesses.
- Fundraising experience, including venture capital, angel investment or grant funding.
- Knowledge of government innovation funding programmes and reporting requirements.
- Experience managing project-based or milestone-funded commercial programmes.
Fractional CFO in London employer: Stanton House
Stanton House is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your analytical skills will directly contribute to impactful business decisions. Located in vibrant West London, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your insights and empowers you to make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional CFO in London
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
In the banking and financial services world, sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn can really set you apart. Write articles about market trends or finance tips, and engage in discussions in relevant groups. This not only boosts your visibility but also highlights your knowledge to potential clients.
✨Join Freelance Platforms and Networking Events
Freelancing in finance can be competitive, so make sure you're on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, specifically targeting finance gigs. Also, look for finance networking events or webinars to connect with small businesses that might need your services. Meeting people face-to-face (or online) can score you those elusive freelance contracts.
✨Build a Stunning Portfolio
Since you're going freelance, having a solid portfolio is a must. Showcase your previous work, such as reports or analyses, and consider using case studies to highlight your approach. The more you can demonstrate your skills, the easier it is for clients to trust you with their finances.
✨Direct Outreach is Key
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 Stanton House for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional CFO 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 Stanton House. 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!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your skills, but also why you're excited about joining Stanton House. Share your passion for financial services and how you plan to tackle challenges in this sector. This is your chance to connect on a personal level—make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Stanton House, 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 Stanton House.
