Citadel Source are delighted to be partnering on an exclusive basis with a private equity-backed SME to recruit a high-calibre Chief Financial Officer.

A little bit about our client…

Citadel Source's client is a rapidly developing, high-growth business, expanding both organically and through acquisition whilst maintaining an industry-leading reputation within its sector. Backed by experienced private equity investors, the business is entering a pivotal stage in its growth journey, with a clearly defined value creation plan and significant opportunities ahead. Having already established a strong market position, the organisation is focused on accelerating growth through a combination of operational excellence, strategic acquisitions, and continued investment in innovation.

Operating within a fragmented and evolving market, the business has successfully established itself as a quality-led operator and continues to perform well compared to competition through a relentless focus on customer outcomes, operational standards, and long-term sustainable growth. Alongside its operational expansion, the organisation is investing in innovative technology initiatives designed to enhance insight, efficiency, and delivery, creating an environment where technological development sits at the heart of the growth strategy. Working closely with an experienced leadership team and investors, the successful candidate will play a central role in shaping strategy, driving performance and helping deliver the next phase of the company's evolution.

The role

This role offers an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious finance leader to join a business at a defining stage of its journey. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board and investors, the CFO will lead the finance function and act as a true strategic partner to the business. Beyond traditional financial leadership, the role will involve helping shape strategic decisions, supporting growth initiatives and driving the company's value creation agenda. The business is entering an exciting period of growth, with multiple strategic initiatives underway across acquisitions, technology, and operational improvement. As a result, the CFO will have significant exposure beyond traditional finance leadership, partnering with stakeholders across the organisation to support strategic decision-making and ensure the infrastructure, controls and reporting capabilities are fit for a larger and increasingly sophisticated group.

The successful candidate will inherit an established finance function and robust reporting framework but will be expected to further strengthen controls, improve management information, and build confidence in financial reporting as the business continues to scale. For individuals seeking a role that combines strategic leadership, commercial influence, and operational engagement, this presents a rare opportunity to make a significant contribution to a growing business, supported by a well-regarded private equity house.

About you

The successful candidate will be a commercially-minded qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with experience operating within a high-growth, private equity-backed, entrepreneurial, or fast-paced environment. Experience operating within a private equity-backed, acquisitive or multi-site environment would be particularly valuable, although candidates from other high-growth businesses will also be considered. We are particularly interested in individuals who can combine commercial judgement with operational curiosity and who enjoy working beyond the boundaries of traditional finance. Experience supporting acquisitions, integrating businesses, developing finance functions, or implementing systems and process improvements would all be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, investors and Board members whilst also remaining close enough to the detail to support operational decision-making. You will combine strong core finance expertise with commercial acumen, strategic thinking and excellent communication skills. The business benefits from an entrepreneurial culture where everyone takes responsibility for driving success. You will be comfortable operating within this environment, building strong relationships across the organisation and supporting multiple priorities simultaneously.

As Chief Financial Officer, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Acting as a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO, Board and private equity investors
Leading the finance function and developing a high-performing team capable of supporting future growth
Supporting the delivery of the company's strategic plan and private equity value creation initiatives
Leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and cash management activities to support sustainable growth and informed decision-making
Producing insightful Board, shareholder and investor reporting, providing clear visibility of business performance and key strategic priorities
Monitoring business performance through financial and operational KPIs, providing challenge, insight and recommendations where appropriate
Managing lender, banking and funding relationships, ensuring the business maintains the appropriate capital structure to support its growth ambitions
Leading M&A activity from financial evaluation, due diligence and deal structuring through to integration planning and post-acquisition performance monitoring
Supporting and leading the financial aspects of acquisition activity, including funding, integration and post-acquisition value creation
Strengthening financial systems, controls, reporting capabilities and governance frameworks as the organisation continues to scale
Enhancing balance sheet visibility, reconciliation processes, cashflow forecasting and working capital management across the organisation
Building confidence in financial reporting and management information through robust governance and process improvement initiatives
Evaluating systems, technology and reporting infrastructure to ensure the business can scale efficiently
Driving commercial decision-making through robust financial analysis, business partnering and investment appraisal activity
Managing relationships with auditors, tax advisors and other external stakeholders
Supporting strategic projects, transformation initiatives and continuous improvement programmes across the organisation
Supporting key technology and innovation projects, ensuring robust commercial evaluation and investment governance
Identifying opportunities to enhance profitability, improve cash generation and drive shareholder value
Preparing the business for future transaction events, including vendor due diligence, equity story development and broader exit readiness activities

What the client offers

Competitive salary and bonus
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Pension contribution
Private healthcare
25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
Significant exposure to the CEO, Board, and investors
The opportunity to play a leading role in a growing private equity-backed business
Direct involvement in strategic decision making, value creation initiatives, and growth projects
Exposure to acquisitions, funding processes, and future transaction activity
The opportunity to influence innovative technology and transformation initiatives across the group
Outstanding career development opportunities
A genuine opportunity to influence the future direction and success of the organisation

If you are interested in discussing this role, please reach out to Oliver Price at Citadel Source on oliver@citadelsource.com.

All direct CVs or speculative CVs will be forwarded to Citadel Source for management.

Citadel Source

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