At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the financial future of a high-growth advertising agency and drive strategic initiatives.
- Company: Dynamic independent advertising agency with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive package, and opportunity for strategic influence.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performing finance function and drive long-term value creation.
- Why this job: Be the first CFO and make a real impact in a creatively driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced finance leader with strong commercial acumen and executive-level influence.
A high-growth, independent advertising agency is hiring its first Chief Financial Officer. With operations across multiple international markets and strong momentum, the business is entering its next phase of scale.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a creatively driven organisation while building the infrastructure, discipline, and strategic capability required for long-term value creation and potential external investment.
The Role
As a core member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will partner closely with the CEO and COO to align financial strategy with commercial and operational delivery. You will bring clarity, structure, and insight to a fast-paced, project-based business—balancing creative ambition with financial discipline.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver global financial strategy aligned to growth objectives
- Drive profitability, margin improvement, and cash performance
- Partner with the COO on forecasting, resourcing, and operational efficiency
- Lead commercial decision-making across pricing, utilisation, and client profitability
- Oversee cash flow, capital allocation, and financial risk
- Support and lead M&A activity and future investment readiness
- Build and scale a high-performing global finance function
- Implement robust reporting, controls, and performance frameworks
Candidate Profile
- Experienced finance leader within a multi-region, service-based or project-led business
- Strong commercial acumen and track record of driving performance
- Experience operating at executive level and influencing senior stakeholders
- Exposure to M&A, investor relations, or private equity environments
- Ability to thrive in a creative, entrepreneurial culture
- Collaborative, hands-on, and execution-focused
Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent
Why This Role?
- First CFO hire with genuine strategic influence
- High-growth, independent business with global footprint
- Opportunity to shape systems, strategy, and team from the ground up
- Clear pathway toward investment readiness and value creation
Global CFO in London employer: Trace
Join a high-growth, independent advertising agency in Central London as the first Chief Financial Officer, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a creatively driven organisation. With a collaborative and entrepreneurial work culture, the company offers a clear pathway for professional growth and strategic influence, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. This role not only allows you to drive financial performance but also to build a high-performing finance function that supports long-term value creation and investment readiness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global CFO in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend finance and marketing events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more you engage with others in the field, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies, recent projects, and market position. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you're genuinely interested in shaping their financial future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around driving profitability and managing cash flow. A confident delivery can make all the difference in landing that CFO role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global CFO in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the CFO role. Highlight your experience in multi-region finance leadership and any relevant achievements in driving performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this high-growth, creative environment. Share your vision for how you can shape the financial future of our agency and demonstrate your understanding of the role's strategic importance.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, emphasise your strong commercial acumen and any past experiences where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders. We want to see how you balance creative ambition with financial discipline.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our executive leadership team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trace
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the CFO role, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the advertising industry, such as profitability margins and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles.
✨Align with the Creative Vision
This role requires balancing financial discipline with creative ambition. Familiarise yourself with the agency's recent campaigns and understand their impact on financial outcomes. Show how you can support creative initiatives while ensuring financial sustainability.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your experience in defining and delivering financial strategies that align with growth objectives. Think about specific examples where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders and led commercial decision-making. This will showcase your ability to operate at an executive level.
✨Be Ready for M&A Conversations
Given the focus on M&A activity, brush up on your knowledge of investment readiness and capital allocation. Be prepared to share your experiences in these areas and how you can contribute to the agency's future growth and potential investments.
