Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing SME in the services industry seeks a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy and operational scalability. This role involves shaping financial strategy, driving M&A initiatives, and ensuring robust operational finance to support rapid expansion. Candidates should be experienced accountants with a strong M&A background, capable of fostering a collaborative culture while driving business growth.

Benefits

Opportunity for autonomy and ownership

Direct influence on business strategy

Culture valuing curiosity and integrity

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience as CFO or senior financial leader in a high-growth SME.
• Proven M&A execution including due diligence and integration.
• Background in the services industry with exposure to project accounting.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Oversee project-based accounting and revenue recognition.
• Build and coach a high-performing finance team.

Skills

M&A

Project Accounting

Team Building

Exit Readiness

Operational Discipline

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

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Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About Us:

Our client is a fast-growing SME in the services industry, poised for rapid expansion through strategic acquisitions and organic scaling. As they navigate an ambitious growth trajectory—aiming to double turnover year-on-year—we are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and humble Chief Financial Officer to lead their financial strategy, operational scalability, and M&A initiatives.

Role Summary:

The CFO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing financial strategy to support the company's aggressive growth plans. You will bring a balance of strategic vision and operational discipline, with proven experience in M&A, project accounting, team building, and exit readiness.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting to support business growth.
• Drive the financial strategy and M&A roadmap (build and buy), ensuring value creation.
• Work closely with the CEO and executive team to align financial goals with business objectives.

M&A and Exit Strategy:

• Lead due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition financial performance.
• Prepare the business for potential exit scenarios (trade sale, PE investment, etc.).
• Ensure robust financial controls and processes are in place for investor readiness.

Project Accounting & Operational Finance:

• Oversee project-based accounting and revenue recognition across large-scale service projects.
• Implement performance tracking frameworks aligned with project lifecycles and profitability.
• Develop robust financial systems and controls for a scalable, multi-entity structure.

Leadership & Team Building:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team in a non-hierarchical, collaborative culture.
• Champion continuous improvement, fostering agility and innovation in a dynamic environment.
• Act as a partner to business units, ensuring finance is embedded in operational decision-making.

Requirements:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience as CFO or senior financial leader in a high-growth SME.
• Proven M&A execution experience, including due diligence, integration, and strategic alignment.
• Background in the services industry with exposure to project accounting and large-scale contracts.
• Track record of leading a business through a successful exit.
• Experience in scaling businesses – ideally doubling or significantly growing revenues in short timeframes.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and evolving environment.
• Experience in private equity-backed or founder-led businesses.
• Strong operational mindset with ability to roll up sleeves when required.
• Confident, yet humble leader who thrives in non-hierarchical, collaborative teams.

What our client Offers:

• Opportunity to lead a high-growth business through an exciting transformation.
• Direct influence on business strategy and outcomes.
• Autonomy, ownership, and room to build a world-class finance function from the ground up.
• A culture that values curiosity, integrity, and transparency.

Application Process: If you’re ready to lead with impact, scale with vision, and leave a legacy in a purpose-driven, fast-moving business, we’d love to hear from you.