A rare opportunity for a high-calibre finance leader ready to step into their first Chief Financial Officer role.
About the Company
Our client, an investment and advisory firm, are appointing a Chief Financial Officer to provide senior financial leadership as the business continues to evolve. The organisation works with high-net-worth families across investment management, taxation and private advisory. It operates across multiple legal entities, including FCA-regulated activities, bringing together private equity, family office coordination and advisory services under a single, joined-up platform. The model is deliberately bespoke and designed for longevity rather than scale.
About the Role
As the breadth and complexity of the business has increased, the appointment of a permanent CFO has become essential. This role represents the first CFO appointment within the Group and is intended for a high-potential finance leader who will grow into the full breadth of the position as the business matures.
Responsibilities
Finance leadership
- Overall accountability for financial management, reporting and control across the Group
- Providing clear financial insight and challenge to support informed decision-making at Board level
- Leading and coordinating the finance function alongside the Finance & HR Manager and finance team
- Establishing proportionate financial disciplines and controls appropriate to a growing business
Budgeting, forecasting and reporting
- Ownership of budgeting, forecasting and cashflow planning processes
- Delivery of accurate, timely and insightful management information
- Development of financial models to support scenario planning, growth and investment decisions
- Monitoring performance against plan and identifying risks and opportunities
Performance and commercial insight
- Oversight of financial controls, KPIs and performance frameworks
- Profitability analysis by service line and legal entity
- Supporting pricing, cost control and margin improvement initiatives
Acquisitions and group structuring
- Acting as the internal finance lead on acquisitions, including valuation support and due diligence
- Working closely with legal, tax and corporate finance advisers
- Supporting post-acquisition financial integration and reporting
- Contributing to the ongoing development of the Group’s legal entity structure
Governance, risk and regulation
- Ensuring appropriate financial governance and risk management across the Group
- Supporting FCA-regulated entities as the internal finance lead on regulatory matters
- Acting as the primary finance contact for auditors, tax advisers and professional partners
- Oversight of statutory reporting, audit and tax compliance
Capital and growth support
- Supporting the Board and shareholders with financial analysis relating to growth and investment
- Preparing financial papers and models to support strategic discussions
- Contributing to thinking around capital structure and funding as the business develops
Qualifications
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Currently operating at Senior Financial Controller, Head of Finance, Divisional Finance Director or equivalent level
- Experience within multi-entity group structures
- Exposure to regulated or compliance-led environments
- Prior involvement in acquisitions, transactions or significant growth initiatives
- Experience working with senior stakeholders, boards or shareholders
Required Skills
- Strong technical grounding in financial reporting, forecasting, cashflow and controls
- Commercially minded, with the ability to translate financial data into practical insight
- Comfortable working closely with advisers while retaining internal ownership
- Calm, measured and low-ego in approach, with sound judgement and discretion
- Long-term in outlook, with a stewardship mindset suited to a privately owned environment
Remuneration
A competitive basic salary, reflecting the developmental nature of the role, will be further enhanced by an attractive bonus scheme and participation in equity carry arrangements.
Equal Opportunity
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and contribute to a more thoughtful and effective business.
