Chief Financial Officer

Harper May Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design-led retail brand in the UK is seeking a CFO to join the executive team. This key leadership role involves shaping financial direction, ensuring governance, and driving performance in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive retail sector experience, post-qualification in finance, and a track record of leading high-performing teams. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence business growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• Extensive retail sector experience required.
• Proven success in finance leadership in fast-paced environments.
• Strong systems knowledge and financial modelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive financial strategy and long-term planning.
• Lead investor communications and oversee capital planning.
• Manage and grow the finance team.

Skills

Retail sector experience

Financial strategy development

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership of finance teams

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified

Job description

Our client is a design-led retail brand with a growing footprint both in-store and online. Known for their creative edge and commitment to customer experience, the business has carved out a strong position in a competitive market. As they continue to scale and diversify, they are seeking a commercially astute CFO to join the executive team and lead the financial strategy through this exciting growth phase.

Role Overview

This is a key leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and Board. The CFO will be responsible for shaping financial direction, optimising performance, and ensuring robust financial governance. The successful candidate will bring deep retail sector experience and the ability to balance strategic vision with operational precision in a dynamic, creative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the development of financial strategy and long-term planning aligned with commercial goals
• Lead investor communications and oversee capital planning, funding, and stakeholder engagement
• Manage and grow the finance team, embedding efficiency and performance-led culture
• Collaborate with senior leadership on growth initiatives, product development, and brand expansion
• Build and maintain scalable financial systems, controls, and reporting structures
• Own the budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management processes
• Provide actionable insights and performance analysis to support strategic decisions
• Oversee production of accurate financial reports and ensure full compliance with accounting standards
• Monitor tax exposure and ensure compliance with all statutory obligations

Key Requirements

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified or equivalent, with extensive retail sector experience
• Proven success in finance leadership within a fast-paced, brand-driven business
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into commercial insight
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across all business levels
• Track record of leading and developing high-performing finance teams
• Experience in creative, consumer-facing sectors highly desirable
• Strong systems knowledge, financial modelling skills, and a hands‑on approach

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