Interim Chief Financial Officer (Turnaround)
Private Equity–Backed Professional Services Business (~£50m Turnover)
Location: Hybrid and on-site in Leeds 3 days per week
Contract: Interim (6 months initially)
Role Overview
The Interim Chief Financial Officer will provide decisive financial leadership to a Private Equity - backed professional services business, supporting performance improvement, cash generation, and value creation. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, working closely with the executive team and Private Equity sponsor.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Financial Leadership
- Assume end-to-end responsibility for financial performance across the group and operating units
- Embed clear ownership and accountability for financial outcomes throughout the business
- Partner closely with operational and commercial leaders to support informed, data-driven decision-making
Cash Management & Liquidity Oversight
- Implement rigorous cash management disciplines across receivables, payables, WIP, and broader working capital
- Enhance cash conversion efficiency and short- to medium-term cashflow visibility
- Ensure ongoing compliance with banking covenants and maintain appropriate liquidity headroom
Reporting, Controls & Governance
- Produce high-quality, timely management information for executive, board, and investor reporting
- Improve the robustness and efficiency of month-end close, forecasting, and budgeting processes
- Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks, and audit readiness
Margin Enhancement & Value Delivery
- Support delivery of targeted contribution margins and effective cost control across the organisation
- Improve transparency of margin performance by service line, location, and customer segment
- Identify, prioritise, and implement initiatives to enhance profitability, returns, and operational efficiency
Capital Structure & Lender Engagement
- Manage debt facilities, covenant structures, and relationships with lenders and financial advisors
- Support acquisition funding requirements and deferred consideration structures
- Act as a key financial interface with the Private Equity sponsor
Transaction & Integration Support
- Provide financial input into acquisition evaluation, due diligence, and transaction execution
- Lead or support post-acquisition financial integration, reporting alignment, and control implementation
Finance Capability, Systems & Data
- Advance the development of finance systems, data quality, and management reporting capability
- Drive automation and process improvement within the finance function
- Ensure the finance platform is scalable and aligned with the business’s growth ambitions
Candidate Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) and demonstrate the following experience:
- Proven CFO-level experience within Private Equity–backed businesses
- Exposure to Construction is preferred
- Strong background in professional services or project-based operating models
- Significant experience supporting M&A execution and post-acquisition integration
- Track record of leading finance functions across geographically distributed or multi-site organisations
- Demonstrable experience in business turnaround, stabilisation, or performance improvement environments
