CFO Opportunity – Communications Software (Defence Sector)
Location: Cheltenham – hybrid, with regular on‑site presence
Engagement: Part‑time (2–3 days per week initially), with potential to evolve
Remuneration: £110k - £120k (2-3 days per week)
The Business
A UK‑based communications software company operating in the defence and security sector. The business develops secure communications technology used by UK intelligence agencies, special forces, and international government clients — including a proprietary SaaS‑based secure tech phone operating system.
Profit margins are very healthy, the company enjoys a stable foundation of multi‑year contracts alongside recurring SaaS revenue. The founder‑led organisation is technically exceptional, with a small, proud team of engineers and developers deeply committed to their mission and product quality.
The Role
The company is seeking its first dedicated CFO to partner with the Managing Director and investors in driving financial performance, strategic planning, and long‑term value creation. Initially fractional (2–3 days per week), the remit may broaden into a full‑time or expanded operational CFO role as the business scales.
This role offers the opportunity to shape and professionalise finance within a high‑integrity, growth‑stage business. The CFO will play a central role in preparing the company for future investment or transaction events, building a robust finance framework, and helping the leadership team make informed commercial and strategic decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of financial control, reporting, and planning.
- Establish high‑quality board and investor reporting to support decision‑making.
- Introduce SaaS and contract accounting discipline appropriate for a recurring‑revenue model.
- Partner closely with the MD on strategic growth, pricing, profitability, and resource planning.
- Ensure the business is fully due‑diligence ready from both a financial and operational standpoint.
- Support value‑creation initiatives — improving working capital, scalability, and commercial insight.
- Coach and develop the Finance Manager, embedding a culture of accountability and transparency.
- Optionally, take on broader operational responsibilities to free up the MD for client and market activity.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experienced CFO or senior finance leader with a background in software / SaaS and project‑based accounting.
- Ideally SC‑cleared or eligible for clearance; experience in a defence, security, or prime contractor environment is an advantage.
- Proven ability to partner with founders and investors to deliver growth, efficiency, and strategic clarity.
- Commercially minded, pragmatic, and confident operating in a founder‑led, engineering‑first culture.
- Strong communicator with influence and gravitas — able to win trust while embedding best‑in‑class finance practices.
