Note: This is a confidential search project for a client of Collingwood. Further details will be made available under NDA to shortlisted candidates.

Fractional Chief Financial Officer

Events & Media Business

Fractional (1–1.5 days per week initially, rising to 2-3 days a week after 12 months)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Remuneration – Market rate day rate plus exit orientated incentive. Outside IR35.

Location – Remote but attendance required at Board meetings.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Fractional Chief Financial Officer to oversee, professionalise and scale the finance function of a growing events and B2B media business.

The CFO will supervise a finance team of two and ensure delivery of accurate, timely and decision-useful financial information, alongside strong financial control and governance.

In addition, the CFO will play a central role in preparing the business for a planned exit within approximately two years. This will include ownership of financial readiness, development of robust and credible financial narratives, and support of all transaction-related activity in close coordination with the CEO and appointed advisors.

The role requires a balance of operational rigour, commercial insight and transaction experience.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Leadership

Lead and supervise the finance team (2 staff)
Enhance financial processes, controls and systems to a standard suitable for investor scrutiny
Ensure scalability of the finance function in line with planned revenue growth, particularly in events
Establish clear ownership, accountability and timelines across all finance outputs

Financial Reporting & KPIs

Deliver monthly management accounts with clear variance analysis and actionable commentary
Prepare Board-level reporting packs aligned to investor expectations
Develop and maintain a KPI framework aligned to value creation
Improve speed, accuracy and usability of reporting outputs, using AI where appropriate
Implement automated and standardised reporting where appropriate

Financial Planning & Analysis

Lead budgeting and forecasting processes with clear linkage to strategic objectives
Build and maintain rolling 12–24 month integrated financial models
Develop scenario models (base, upside, downside), including:
- Event scale-up assumptions
- Revenue mix shifts
- Cost base evolution
- Sensitivity analysis on key drivers
Support commercial decision-making with structured financial analysis (pricing, packaging, ROI)
Establish forward-looking visibility on revenue quality and sustainability

Treasury & Cash Management

Oversee cashflow and liquidity with a focus on forward visibility
Implement robust, rolling cashflow forecasting
Manage working capital, including receivables discipline and event-related cash cycles
Manage banking relationships and funding requirements as needed

Tax, Audit & Compliance

Ensure VAT, corporation tax and payroll compliance
Oversee statutory accounts and audit process (we are audited despite being below threshold - a requirement of investors)
Manage Auditors and external advisors efficiently and cost-effectively
Maintain appropriate financial controls and governance standards

Exit Preparation & Transaction Readiness

Assess and continuously monitor readiness for exit
Upgrade financial reporting, controls and documentation to meet buyer expectations
Develop clear and defensible financial narratives, including:
- Quality of earnings
- Revenue visibility and predictability
- Margin sustainability
Identify and address gaps that could impact valuation or transaction risk
Support preparation for vendor due diligence processes

Data Room & M&A Support

Build, structure and maintain a transaction-ready data room
Prepare and validate financial data books and supporting schedules
Ensure consistency between management reporting, statutory accounts and transaction materials
Work closely with advisors on all financial aspects of the transaction process
Support management through due diligence queries and buyer interactions

Systems, Data & Automation

Improve management information through better use of systems and data integration
Drive automation of recurring reporting and analysis processes
Ensure finance systems support accurate, scalable and timely reporting
Introduce appropriate use of tools (including AI-enabled processes where relevant) to reduce manual workload and improve insight quality

Candidate Profile

Proven CFO or senior finance leadership experience in a growth environment
Demonstrable experience supporting or leading M&A / exit processes
Strong commercial and analytical capability, with ability to link financial outputs to strategic decisions
Experience in events, media or B2B information businesses desirable
Track record of building scalable reporting, modelling and financial infrastructure
Comfortable operating in a hands-on, resource-constrained environment
Able to challenge constructively and operate as a true partner to the CEO
Strong attention to detail combined with pragmatism and pace

Collingwood

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Fractional Chief Financial Officer - Events business