Chief Financial Officer

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

Job summary

A leading retail business in Greater London is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to shape financial strategy for its growth. In this role, you will advise the CEO and Board, oversee budgeting, cash flow management, and lead a finance team. Ideal candidates are ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with significant senior finance leadership experience in consumer-focused businesses. This position offers the opportunity to influence a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior finance leadership within retail environments.
• Experience engaging with Board and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in leading finance teams during growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the financial strategy for the business.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting and cash flow.

Skills

Financial modelling

Strategic leadership

Communication

Team building

Commercial awareness

Education

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification

Job description

Our client is a well‑established retail business with a strong presence across both bricks‑and‑mortar and online channels. With a distinctive brand and a loyal customer base, the company continues to perform strongly within a competitive consumer landscape. As the business evolves and explores new growth opportunities, they are seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join the executive team and help shape the next stage of the company’s journey.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board, the Chief Financial Officer will play a central role in setting financial strategy and strengthening commercial decision‑making across the business. This position offers a blend of strategic influence and operational oversight, supporting a dynamic retail environment where pace, creativity and commercial discipline sit side by side.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the financial strategy, supporting both short‑term performance and long‑term growth
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, providing clear financial insight and challenge
• Own budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management across the business
• Lead capital planning, funding activity and investor or lender relationships
• Build, mentor and lead a high‑performing finance function with a strong commercial focus
• Partner with senior stakeholders on pricing, margin management, expansion and new initiatives
• Ensure robust financial controls, governance and scalable reporting frameworks are in place
• Oversee statutory reporting, audit processes and compliance with accounting standards
• Manage tax planning and ensure adherence to all regulatory and statutory requirements

Candidate Profile

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, with senior finance leadership experience in a retail environment
• Proven track record in commercially focused, consumer‑facing or brand‑led businesses
• Strong strategic capability combined with a hands‑on, delivery‑oriented approach
• Confident communicator with experience engaging at Board and stakeholder level
• Demonstrated success in building and leading finance teams through periods of growth or change
• Advanced financial modelling skills and strong systems knowledge
• Experience in fast‑paced or design‑led retail environments would be advantageous