At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic growth in a dynamic consulting group.
- Company: Join a high-growth, PE-backed consulting group based in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Position requires on-site presence three days a week in the North West.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, shaping financial strategies and driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with extensive CFO experience in a PE-backed environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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This range is provided by Stanton House. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Private Equity-Backed Consulting Group | Manchester
Stanton House has been exclusively retained to appoint a Chief Financial Officer for a high-growth, PE-backed consulting group based in the North West. Backed by a respected mid-market investor, the business is entering a new phase following a successful restructuring and now requires a strategic, commercially focused CFO to lead the finance function and support the next chapter of growth.
The Opportunity
This is a critical leadership role for a CFO who can bring financial discipline, challenge assumptions, and work closely with the CEO, board, and investors to drive value. You’ll be responsible for building a high-performing finance function, executing the PE growth plan, and preparing the business for a successful exit within the current investment cycle.
The ideal candidate will bring not only strong technical and commercial acumen but also experience navigating change and creating alignment in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Responsibilities:
- The business has recently undergone a restructuring phase and needs a proactive CFO to instil financial rigour, drive accountability, and support the leadership team in delivering a clear, sustainable strategy.
Finance Leadership & Control
- Lead a finance function, with a clear mandate to reassess structure, strengthen capability, and ensure best-in-class controls.
- Own group-level reporting, planning, and forecasting across multiple business units.
- Implement insightful dashboards, performance metrics, and board-level reporting packs.
- Maintain compliance with banking covenants and manage lender relationships.
Strategic Planning & M&A
- A clear M&A strategy is in place, targeting 3–4 bolt-ons over the next 2–3 years.
- You’ll lead the full deal lifecycle: SPA negotiation, due diligence (legal and operational), cultural integration, and post-deal optimisation.
- Lead on refinancing activities to fund future acquisitions.
Cash & Operational Efficiency
- Take full ownership of cash flow and working capital via a 13-week rolling forecast.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities, improve margin performance, and support pricing and contract optimisation.
- Work cross-functionally with commercial and operational leaders to drive performance.
Governance, Infrastructure & Systems
- Oversee audit, tax, risk, and statutory obligations.
- Ensure finance systems and processes are scalable and aligned to growth, currently on NetSuite
Exit Prep
- Lead on all aspects of the exit, which is likely to occur in the next 2-3yrs (if not sooner)
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with extensive post-qualification experience.
- Demonstrable success as CFO in a PE-backed leveraged environment.
- Strong commercial acumen and M&A experience, ideally across both integration and execution.
- Previously supported or led on a successful exit process
- Comfortable in fast-paced, multi-site, or project-based business models.
- Collaborative, hands-on, and delivery-focused.
To be considered for this role, you must have prior experience as a Private Equity CFO, with a strong track record of leading M&A activity, driving bottom-line growth, and supporting successful exit strategies. Candidates who do not meet these criteria will not be progressed.
The business is headquartered in the North West, near Manchester, and requires a physical presence on site three days per week. Occasional travel to other locations may be necessary. As such, the client is specifically seeking candidates who are already based in the North West region.
If your experience closely aligns with the above, we encourage you to apply. Please note that, due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.
Seniority level
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Accounting/AuditingIndustries
Business Consulting and Services
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#J-18808-LjbffrCFO in Manchester 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 CFO in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the private equity sector, especially those who have experience with CFO roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential contacts who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing PE-backed companies in the consulting space. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the company's needs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous M&A experiences in detail, focusing on your role in negotiations and integrations. Highlighting successful outcomes will demonstrate your capability to lead similar initiatives in this new role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of financial systems like NetSuite, as well as your ability to implement scalable processes. Being able to speak confidently about these tools will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a CFO in a Private Equity-backed environment. Focus on your achievements in M&A, financial leadership, and strategic planning to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and experience in driving growth. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully navigated change and led finance functions in dynamic settings.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and any relevant certifications. Emphasise your post-qualification experience and how it relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Skills:In your application, provide examples of your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams. Discuss your approach to instilling financial discipline and driving accountability within an organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a CFO, your technical skills are paramount. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial reporting, forecasting, and compliance in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented financial controls or improved processes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset, especially regarding M&A activities. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences leading M&A transactions, including negotiation and integration. Show how you can align financial strategies with business growth.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
The CFO position is a leadership role, so be ready to talk about your experience in building and leading high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration across departments and driven accountability within your finance function.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in fast-paced environments. Think of situations where you've had to navigate change or overcome challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
