CFO - Chief Financial Officer

RESPONSIBLE TO: Managing Partner

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To put processes, systems, controls and mitigate risk that will help scale the business, while offering strategic partnering to the CEO. You would lead, develop and right size the finance function, be the ambassador for automation and the utilization of AI, commercialize their growing software offerings, drive growth, manage cost base and cash flow.

You will also be an operational leader with company secretarial duties and other functions reporting in.

THE ROLE AND PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Financial Management:

• Direction of the finance function, effectively managing annual budgets, cash flow forecasts, capitalisation and performance
• Presentation of relevant financial information to partners, providing insightful commercial and financial guidance at regular meetings with appropriate
• Support to the Management Accountant with the annual salary review, staff bonus scheme, P11Ds, P60s and the annual budget.
• Evaluation of prospective projects to assess resource requirements, profitability and
• Liaise with the firm's accountants and bank in the preparation of the annual accounts, financial and taxation matters.

Commercial Management:

• Administration of the Firm's PII insurance and oversee the Management Accountant in dealing with general insurances, Lexcel accreditation, CQS accreditation and practising certificate

Risk Management:

• Maintain and develop the firm's risk, quality and complance systems alongside the Compliance Officer
• Keep up to date with the Code of conduct and SRA Accounts rules and ensure that the firm is adequately trained and understands the reporting lines and processes for reporting breaches.
• Ensure the firm's Client Due Diligence and Money Laundering policies and procedures are well embedded and working well throughout the
• Authorisation of client bank account reconciliation

Strategic:

• Develop and execute the financial strategy to support ambitious growth objectives aligned with the company's strategic plan.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to drive value creation and maximise shareholder returns.
• Lead financial planning and analysis (FP&A), providing commercial insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Build and maintain robust financial models to evaluate growth opportunities, investment decisions, and capital allocation.
• Drive organic and inorganic growth initiatives, including acquisitions, integrations, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead M&A activity, including financial due diligence, valuation, transaction execution, and post-acquisition integration.
• Develop scalable financial systems, processes, and controls to support rapid business expansion.
• Deliver accurate forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to support investment and sustainable growth.
• Optimise capital structure and funding strategies, including debt financing, refinancing, and lender relationships.
• Produce high-quality Board and investor reporting, including KPI dashboards and value creation metrics.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks, investors, auditors, tax advisers, and other external stakeholders.
• Lead value creation initiatives in line with the private equity investment thesis and agreed investment plan.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board, providing independent challenge, strategic insight, and financial leadership throughout the investment lifecycle.

Key results:

Helping to manage and maintain accurate accounting records of the firm.

Ensuring senior and departmental management is provided with sufficient and timely information to respond to internal and external factors affecting the firm's financial performance.

Supporting all other functions in the firm with financial information as may be required from time to time

Person specification:

• A qualified accountant - approximately 10 years qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA
• Experience of working in a professional services environment (preferred but not essential)
• Highly developed leadership and management ability
• A strategic thinker
• Excellent communication skills at all levels of the business
• Ability to work under pressure
• A confident and flexible team player who is able to gain the confidence of partners and all employees
• Works according to the values of the firm - excellence, integrity and approach-ability
• Able to prioritise and work to deadlines
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to delegate
• Have drive, initiative and astuteness
• Professional and hard working
• Attention to detail and numerate
• Reliable, adaptable and friendly
• Decisive and proactive
• Works according to the values of the firm - excellence, integrity and approach-ability

Benefits:

• A highly competitive base salary of between £110k and £150k P/A based on the experience of the candidate PRO-RATED
• Performance related bonus linked to profitability
• Private health for family
• 6% pension
• Life assurance
• 25 days holiday plus bank
• Work from home flexibility 2 days pw

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