Chief Financial Officer

Swisslinx AG; London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A privately held investment management firm based in London seeks a hands-on CFO. The role involves leading financial strategies, shaping the company's financial future, and engaging with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have 10 years of experience, a strong background in capital raising, and a proactive mindset. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-growth organization in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in finance, with 5 years in a senior role.
• Proven success in raising capital within private equity or growth-stage environments.
• Strong command of corporate finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial function with responsibility for corporate finance and strategic planning.
• Build relationships with investors and capital providers.
• Oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.

Skills

Capital raising

Financial modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field

Job description

Our client is a privately held investment management company based in London with strategic interests across Sub-Saharan Africa, focused on natural resources, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The company oversees, develop and optimise a diversified portfolio of assets, providing hands-on operational support and value creation strategies. With a long-term investment horizon, the organisation combines entrepreneurial agility with institutional rigor, positioning itself as a key player in the region’s economic development.

Position Overview:

The CFO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and shareholders. The CFO will lead the financial function, with responsibility for corporate finance, capital raising, strategic planning, financial reporting, and risk management. This role plays a critical part in shaping the company’s financial future, supporting expansion efforts, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

They are looking for a commercially minded and hands-on finance leader with a successful track record in raising capital, structuring complex transactions, and working in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments. Prior experience in private equity, investment management, or the natural resources sector is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies to secure equity and debt financing in alignment with growth objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with private equity firms, banks, institutional investors, DFIs, and other capital providers.
• Lead negotiations of investment agreements, term sheets, shareholder arrangements, and debt instruments.
• Support strategic transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Design and implement long-term financial strategies to support the company’s vision and operational roadmap.
• Advise the CEO and Board on the financial implications of strategic initiatives, including market entry and project development.
• Drive financial due diligence and feasibility analysis for new investments and partnerships.
• Oversee core financial operations including budgeting, accounting, treasury, tax, and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and audit requirements across jurisdictions.
• Implement and maintain strong financial controls, governance frameworks, and risk management systems.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead and develop the finance function, building capacity within the team to support growth.
• Foster a performance-driven culture with a focus on accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, legal, and commercial teams to align financial priorities with business objectives.

Candidate Profile:

• University’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in finance, including at least 5 years in a CFO or senior finance role.
• Proven success in raising capital (equity and debt), ideally within private equity-backed or growth-stage environments.
• Industry exposure in natural resources, infrastructure, or investment management is highly advantageous.
• Strong command of financial modelling, capital structuring, valuation, and corporate finance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage investor relations and lead complex negotiations.
• Strategic thinker with operational fluency and hands-on execution capability.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Entrepreneurial, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.
• Comfortable operating in fast-evolving and cross-cultural environments.
• Inspiring leader and effective team builder.

Why Join?

This is a unique opportunity to join a high-growth, impact-driven organization with a strong footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa. As CFO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the company, enabling transformative growth, and contributing to long-term value creation in a dynamic and fast-growing region.

Maybe not for you, but for someone else?