Chief Financial Officer

CMA Recruitment Group; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Job summary

CMA Recruitment Group has been retained to appoint a Chief Financial Officer for a PE-backed, market-leading UK services business. Based in Southampton with a hybrid working pattern, this role partners with the CEO, Board and investors to drive a disciplined growth agenda, improve governance and strengthen financial controls.

The successful candidate will bring proven PE CFO experience, track records in value creation, M&A and successful exits, and will lead the finance function through a period

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Proven CFO experience in private equity-backed businesses.
• Track record in value creation, M&A and growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Partner the CEO, Board and investors to deliver the value creation strategy.
• Shape financial strategy, governance and operational performance.
• Lead M&A activity and growth initiatives; support investment exits.
• Provide leadership in a high-growth PE-backed environment.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Executive stakeholder management

Investor relations

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Chief Financial Officer (PE backed business)

Location: Southampton (Hybrid)

Salary: £180,000 - £250,000 + Bonus, Equity and Benefits

The Opportunity

Our client is a market-leading UK outsourced services business with a long-established operating history, a blue-chip customer base and significant opportunities for future growth, including a SaaS platform. Having recently secured private equity investment, the business is entering an exciting new phase of development. With a clear growth agenda and a focus on building a more scalable, commercially driven platform, the organisation is now seeking to appoint an accomplished Chief Financial Officer to partner the CEO, Board and investors in delivering its value creation strategy.

We are specifically seeking a proven private equity CFO with a track record of creating value across multiple investment cycles, supporting M&A and organic growth strategies and helping businesses prepare for successful exit events. The successful candidate will understand the pace, rigour and accountability required to deliver returns for investors whilst supporting sustainable long-term growth.

This is a high-profile leadership appointment, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, strengthen governance, drive operational performance and help position the business for a successful future exit. The role presents a rare opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at a defining stage in its evolution, working alongside a supportive leadership team and engaged investors to deliver a clearly defined growth and value creation agenda.

The Person

We are seeking an intellectually strong, commercially astute and highly credible finance leader who combines strategic perspective with operational execution.

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with proven experience operating as a CFO within private equity-backed businesses and a demonstrable track record of delivering value creation initiatives, M&A, driving growth and supporting successful investment outcomes.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious private equity-backed business at a defining stage in its evolution. In return, the successful candidate can expect:

• Base salary of £180,000 - £250,000, with flexibility for an exceptional individual.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Meaningful equity participation aligned to long-term value creation.
• Direct exposure to Board-level decision making and investor engagement.
• The opportunity to shape the growth strategy, finance function and future exit journey of the business.
• A genuine leadership role with significant influence over the future direction and success of the organisation.

Confidentiality & Application Information

All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Applicants are encouraged to include their current location, or intended relocation plans, on their CV to support the recruitment process.

Please only apply for this position if you have a current Right to Work status in the UK, as unfortunately the employer is not able to support Work Visas or Sponsorship.

CMA Recruitment Group is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role. CMA complies with all relevant UK legislation and does not discriminate on any protected characteristics.

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