Chief Financial Officer

Sowena Group have been retained by a leading private equity backed global supplier of AI and cloud-based software in Lancashire with a Chief Financial Officer search. With a excellent track record of providing innovative solutions to international and instantly recognised customers, my client has now taken on investment to go on a buy-and-build journey.

Having recently just secured private equity investment, the company is poised for growth, targeting £60m in turnover and £10m in EBITDA within the next few years (currently £20m/£3m). This growth will be driven both by acquisitions and organic expansion. As such, the company seeks an experienced and dynamic CFO to lead its financial strategy through this exciting phase who has had experience in M&A.

As CFO, you will play a pivotal role in steering our client through its next phase of growth. You will be responsible for the financial leadership and strategic planning necessary to drive the company’s growth from £20m turnover to £60m, achieving a £10m EBITDA target. This role will involve a balance of financial oversight, strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), and investor relations with a leading Northwest PE House.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership team to define and execute the company’s growth strategy.
• Oversee all financial aspects of the company, ensuring that financial objectives are met and aligned with the strategic vision.
• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business goals.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Lead the preparation and presentation of timely and accurate financial reports for both internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, investors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry standards, particularly with regard to private equity investment and M&A activities.

Investor & Stakeholder Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for private equity investors, providing regular updates on financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead the preparation of materials for fundraising and investor meetings, ensuring clear and concise communication of financial data and strategic objectives.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):

• Drive the financial aspects of M&A, including due diligence, valuation, integration, and post-merger financial monitoring.
• Work closely with external advisors to ensure that acquisitions align with the company’s growth objectives and that financial synergies are maximized.

Financial Operations & Optimisation:

• Oversee treasury, accounting, and financial planning & analysis functions.
• Ensure strong cash flow management and the implementation of robust financial controls and systems to support business operations.
• Identify and implement financial processes, new systems and technology to improve efficiency and scalability. 

Team Development & Leadership:

• Lead and mentor the finance team of 8, ensuring the function is well-resourced and capable of supporting the business through rapid growth.
• Build a high-performing, strategic finance team that can execute both day-to-day financial operations and long-term strategic objectives.

Growth & Profitability:

• Provide insight into financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and driving cost optimization initiatives.
• Work with operational leaders to ensure financial strategies support sustainable growth and margin improvement.

Qualification / Skills

• Proven experience as CFO or in a senior financial leadership role, ideally within a fast-growing, private equity-backed business or technology company.
• Experience with scaling businesses, particularly through acquisition and organic growth.
• Significant experience in M&A, including integration and financial due diligence.
• Strong financial modelling, strategic planning, and business acumen.
• Excellent understanding of financial regulations, tax, and accounting practices in the private equity-backed business context.
• Ability to work effectively with senior executives, investors, and external advisors.
• Understanding a re-occurring revenue model
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills.

About You

• Strong communicator with the ability to present financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on results and performance.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure private equity backed environment, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Key Relationships:

• Internal: CEO, Executive Team, Finance Team, Operations Leaders, HR
• External: PE Investors, Banks, Auditors, Legal and M&A Advisors, Tax Advisors

Details

Package: £130k - £150k + bonus + sweet equity + benefits (negotiable for the right candidate)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a company at a critical juncture in its growth and recent private equity investment. With a strong existing customer base, innovative solutions, and significant growth plans, our client offers a dynamic environment for a driven and strategic CFO to have a meaningful impact. You will be a key player in scaling the company, optimising its financial structure, and delivering value to stakeholders as the company works toward a successful exit.

For more details please reach out to Perran Cooke at Sowena Group and follow the company page.