CFO

ACCA Careers; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial consultancy in Leicester is seeking a Finance Director/CFO to lead the UK finance function. This pivotal role involves high standards of financial management, strategic decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates are qualified accountants with proven leadership in finance, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to thrive in a hybrid corporate environment.

Benefits

Autonomy and flexibility

Values-driven culture

Opportunity for significant impact

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a senior finance role.
• Able to manage teams through change and transformation.
• Experience in a hybrid entrepreneurial/corporate environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the UK finance function.
• Act as a strategic partner to CEO and leadership team.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.

Skills

Leadership experience in finance

Strong commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Collaboration skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

A Number 1 finance role, reporting directly to the UK CEO and a key part of the Senior Management Team. This is a confidential appointment to succeed a long-standing Finance leader as part of a managed succession. The successful candidate will report directly to the UK CEO and work closely with the senior leadership team and new corporate stakeholders. The client is one of the UK's largest and most respected players in their market, providing regulatory/compliance advice, technology, and business development support to its clients.

Following a strategic investment by a major corporate group in 2024, the business focuses on AI-driven technology for lead generation and operational efficiency, enhanced customer support and experience tools, preserving entrepreneurial culture while integrating into a broader corporate structure, and maintaining long-term market leadership through innovation and strategic positioning.

We have been retained to find a Finance Director / CFO to lead the UK finance function and play a pivotal role in the next chapter of the business.

Description

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Finance Director or CFO to:

• Lead and develop the UK finance function, ensuring high standards of financial control, reporting, and compliance.
• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, contributing to business planning and decision-making.
• Drive improvements in MI, reporting, and financial analysis to support growth and innovation.
• Support integration into the wider corporate structure while preserving the entrepreneurial culture.
• Lead transformation initiatives to enhance finance systems, processes, and team capability.
• Ensure effective stakeholder management, including Board-level engagement and external relationships.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning.
• Maintain regulatory compliance within a regulated operating environment.

Profile

Essential Attributes

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven leadership experience in a senior finance role.
• Strong commercial acumen and operational awareness.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to lead by example.
• Excellent stakeholder management and
• A natural collaborator with Board level gravitas.
• Experience of managing teams through change and transformation.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid entrepreneurial/corporate environment.
• A combination of experience gained from operating with SME & Corporate organisations.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience of the professional services sector with a regulatory framework.
• Exposure to tech-enabled business models or CRM/automation platforms.
• Experience in a growth SME with new financial and operational backing.
• Track record of integrating finance teams into broader business operations.

Candidate Profiles Considered

We are open to a range of candidate profiles, including:

• Developmental Finance Directors: High-potential individuals ready to step into their first FD/CFO role.
• Seasoned CFOs: Experienced leaders with a track record of strategic impact and transformation.

Job Offer

• Be part of a financially strong, award-winning business with a clear growth trajectory.
• Work in a values-driven culture that prioritises adviser success and innovation.
• Shape the future of a high-performing finance team.
• Enjoy autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.