Location: Onsite – Bristol, UK
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Sector: Professional Services / Project-Based Industry
About Us:
Our client is a fast-growing SME in the services industry, poised for rapid expansion through strategic acquisitions and organic scaling. As they navigate an ambitious growth trajectory—aiming to double turnover year-on-year—we are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and humble Chief Financial Officer to lead their financial strategy, operational scalability, and M&A initiatives.
Role Summary:
The CFO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing financial strategy to support the company’s aggressive growth plans. You will bring a balance of strategic vision and operational discipline, with proven experience in M&A, project accounting, team building, and exit readiness.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership:
- Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting to support business growth.
- Drive the financial strategy and M&A roadmap (build and buy), ensuring value creation.
- Work closely with the CEO and executive team to align financial goals with business objectives.
M&A and Exit Strategy:
- Lead due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition financial performance.
- Prepare the business for potential exit scenarios (trade sale, PE investment, etc.).
- Ensure robust financial controls and processes are in place for investor readiness.
Project Accounting & Operational Finance:
- Oversee project-based accounting and revenue recognition across large-scale service projects.
- Implement performance tracking frameworks aligned with project lifecycles and profitability.
- Develop robust financial systems and controls for a scalable, multi-entity structure.
Leadership & Team Building:
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team in a non-hierarchical, collaborative culture.
- Champion continuous improvement, fostering agility and innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Act as a partner to business units, ensuring finance is embedded in operational decision-making.
Requirements:
Essential:
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Demonstrable experience as CFO or senior financial leader in a high-growth SME.
- Proven M&A execution experience, including due diligence, integration, and strategic alignment.
- Background in the services industry with exposure to project accounting and large-scale contracts.
- Track record of leading a business through a successful exit.
- Experience in scaling businesses – ideally doubling or significantly growing revenues in short timeframes.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and evolving environment.
Desirable:
- Experience in private equity-backed or founder-led businesses.
- Strong operational mindset with ability to roll up sleeves when required.
- Confident, yet humble leader who thrives in non-hierarchical, collaborative teams.
What our client offers:
- Opportunity to lead a high-growth business through an exciting transformation.
- Direct influence on business strategy and outcomes.
- Autonomy, ownership, and room to build a world-class finance function from the ground up.
- A culture that values curiosity, integrity, and transparency.