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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and provide strategic support to drive growth and profitability.
- Company: Join a private equity-backed consultancy with a prestigious blue-chip client base.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, a dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial strategies and leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with CFO experience in private equity-backed businesses.
- Other info: Willingness to travel frequently across Europe is required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client, a private equity-backed international consultancy business with an impressive blue-chip client base, is seeking a commercial Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will act as a key strategic partner to the CEO and Board, driving growth and profitability.
Responsible for ensuring the provision of high-quality management information and data to support confident, business-critical decision-making, the incoming CFO will need to have a keen understanding of the dynamics of a PE backed business. While experience with a PE exit is not mandatory, candidates must have worked in a business where there has been a focus on cash management, refinancing, and debt/covenant management.
The CFO will bear ultimate responsibility for all finance-related activities within the company, ensuring rigorous financial controls are embedded throughout the organization, and must possess excellent communication skills, able to communicate effectively across all areas of the business and acting as a primary point of contact for banks and investors. This role requires someone with a truly ‘hands-on’ attitude, capable of leading by example.
Responsibilities- Provide strategic support to the senior management team in the creation and delivery of their growth strategy, providing expert advice on both growth opportunity areas and their execution.
- Lead M&A activities from a finance perspective, including financial and Tax DD, assessing deal structure and financing sources.
- Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and risk assessment.
- Produce consolidated Group financials/reporting under IFRS.
- Develop and maintain robust financial controls and processes to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
- Monitor and analyse financial performance, identifying areas of improvement and recommending corrective actions as needed.
- Provide timely and accurate financial information to internal stakeholders, investors, and board members.
- Manage the annual audit process and ensure rigorous compliance with all relevant financial reporting requirements.
- Build and lead a high-performing finance team, providing guidance, coaching, and mentorship.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven track record as a CFO in private equity-backed businesses.
- Experience working with a CEO providing broader commercial and strategic value in an international business.
- Experience of working in consultancy/professional services business.
- Experience of improving internal and IT processes.
- M&A experience and post-merger integration.
- Experience of securing and managing debt financing.
- Experience of delivering value to shareholders through successful exits either PE and/or Trade beneficial.
- Exceptional leadership and management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a results-oriented mindset.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- A ‘hands-on’ mentality, able to work independently with a small support team.
- Team player.
- Willing to travel frequently to European sites.
Chief Financial Officer employer: Talent4
Contact Detail:
Talent4 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 consultancy sectors. Attend industry events or webinars 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 financial management and reporting, especially under IFRS. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cash management and debt financing in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated these areas in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the CFO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and ability to build high-performing teams. Think of examples where you've mentored others or led a team through challenging times, as this will resonate well with the expectations for a hands-on CFO.
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, particularly in private equity-backed businesses. Emphasise your strategic support to senior management and any M&A activities you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the consultancy sector and how your skills align with the company's growth strategy. Mention specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or managed debt financing.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and any relevant certifications. This will help establish your credibility as a fully qualified accountant.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you've built and led high-performing finance teams. Highlight your leadership style and how you mentor others, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent4
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a CFO, you'll need to show that you can think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to growth strategies in previous roles, particularly in private equity-backed businesses. Highlight your ability to assess opportunities and execute plans effectively.
✨Showcase Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Bring specific examples of how you've improved financial controls and reporting processes, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are essential for a CFO. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be prepared to explain how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders, including banks and investors, in past positions.
✨Exhibit Leadership Qualities
The role requires a hands-on leader who can build and mentor a high-performing finance team. Share your leadership experiences, focusing on how you've guided teams through challenges and fostered a collaborative environment.
