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 City of London is seeking a commercially astute CFO to guide their financial strategy during expansion. This role involves driving financial direction, optimizing performance, and enhancing governance within a creative environment. The ideal candidate will have proven finance leadership in fast-paced, consumer-focused sectors and the ability to lead high-performing finance teams. Extensive retail experience is essential, offering a dynamic opportunity to influence strategic decisions and drive company growth.

Qualifications

• Extensive retail sector experience is essential.
• Proven success in finance leadership required.
• Experience in creative and consumer-facing sectors desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive financial strategy development aligned with commercial goals.
• Lead investor communications and oversee capital planning.
• Manage and grow the finance team to enhance performance.
• Collaborate with leadership on growth and brand expansion.
• Build and maintain scalable financial systems and reporting.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management.
• Provide performance analysis to support strategic decisions.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Financial modelling

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified

Tools

Financial systems

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