Chief Financial Officer

Sessions; London; Hybrid; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading food technology company in London is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to drive financial strategies and oversee financial reporting in a hybrid work environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in finance leadership, preferably in tech or food industries, and exhibit strong analytical and leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and extensive benefits.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to 20% of salary

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days holiday

Flexible dress code

Technology perks including choice of laptop

Qualifications

• A professional qualification OR at least 3 years in a finance leadership position.
• Experience in international expansion is preferred but not essential.
• Start-up or scale-up experience.
• Experience in the tech or food industry is preferred but not essential.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, self-starter environment.
• High level of integrity and professionalism with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies and forecasts.
• Oversee preparation of financial reports and ensure timely reporting.
• Act as primary Director-level contact with external partners.
• Develop capital structure strategies and optimize working capital.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop the finance team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Presentation

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

Professional qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Financial software

Job description

Overview

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) based in London (Victoria Station) with hybrid work and remote up to 2 days per week. Negotiable salary + bonus + share options.

Who are Sessions? Sessions is expanding rapidly in franchising and operates multiple food brands with a focus on using technology to grow its portfolio across high streets in the UK. The leadership includes experienced executives from Deliveroo, BrewDog and Soho House, backed by investors Imbiba and Guinness Ventures.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Planning: Develop and implement financial strategies, forecasts and budgets to support growth, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost control. Partner with other senior leaders.
• Financial Reporting: Oversee preparation of financial reports including flash reporting, monthly management accounts, year-end audit and statutory accounts; ensure timely reporting to stakeholders.
• Board & Investor Reporting: Oversee materials and information for the Board, lenders and investors.
• Corporate Governance: Undertake company secretarial responsibilities, maintain the Cap Table and share option schemes, and monitor compliance with Investment Agreements and bank facilities.
• Key Liaison: Act as primary Director-level contact with external partners (insurers, HMRC, landlords, lawyers, financial institutions and advisors).
• Treasury & Cash Flow Management: Develop capital structure strategies, monitor cash flow, and optimise working capital.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct analyses to identify trends, variances and opportunities for improvement; provide insights for decision-making.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure regulatory compliance, identify and mitigate financial risks, and support leadership on compliance or risk issues.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop the finance team (Group Financial Controller and Finance Assistant). Oversee accounts payable, partner payments/reporting, payroll and management reporting.
• Operational Support: Collaborate with other departments on operational and strategic initiatives.
• New Market Expansion: Support planned global growth and entry into new international markets.

Qualifications

• A professional qualification OR at least 3 years in a finance leadership position.
• Experience in international expansion is preferred but not essential.
• Start-up or scale-up experience.
• Experience in the tech or food industry is preferred but not essential.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, self-starter environment.
• Evidence of drive and ambition in previous roles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; data-led.
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing abilities.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of integrity and professionalism with attention to detail.
• Passion for innovation and start-up culture.
• Charismatic and energetic, ideally with a passion for food.
• Expert level of English language.
• Right to work in the UK.

Benefits

• Financial Wellbeing: Bonus scheme — paid quarterly up to 20% of salary; share options on passing probation; pay day on demand; expense card; access to Mintago Financial Wellbeing Platform.
• Social, Mental & Physical Wellbeing: Hybrid working; 25 days holiday + bank holidays; Healthcare (Healthcare Cash Plan); volunteering day; Employee Assistance Programme; social events; dog-friendly office; flexible dress code.
• Technology Perks: Choice of Apple Mac or Windows laptop; company iPhone and SIM where needed; ergonomic support and equipment available.
• Progression & Development: High-growth start-up environment with progression opportunities; Management & Leadership Programme; opportunities to work with industry leaders; support for work-based qualifications and memberships.
• Sessions is a living wage and equal opportunity employer. All applicants are reviewed anonymously based on work experience and education; applicants are considered without regard to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, family or parental status, national origin, veteran status, neurodiversity status or disability status.

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