Finance Director - Tech/Private Equity- Leeds (1st time FD role)

Axon Moore; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job description

I am delighted to have been retained by an exciting, high growth Leeds based PE backed Tech business, to appoint a Finance Director to join their board reporting to the CEO.

This forward thinking and unique business was founded in 2018, and received PE investment in 2024 to accelerate the growth of the business. Since investment, the company has performed exceptionally well and is now at the beginning of a very exciting growth trajectory.

The Board are now looking to appoint a Finance Director. More specifically, they are looking for a high calibre, ambitious "future CFO"...a rising star who is a focused and career driven individual on the upward trajectory of their career looking for their first FD role.

If you are hardworking and capable in this role, you will be rewarded with exposure to the entire business operation, gaining a full understanding of product development and revenue generation activities alongside running the finance function.

Progression in this role looks like the opportunity to earn a CFO or even CFOO job title in the future - ideally positioned within the PE community either for the next stage of this journey, or in another PE backed business.

A member of the Board and reporting into the CEO, the FD will have overall fiscal responsibility and will have a significant Board voice on broader commercial matters.

As an overview, the role will be responsible for:

1. Partnering with the CEO, Chair and Investors to monitor and manage the Business Plan and drive the growth and performance of the business.
2. Working with the CEO to ensure appropriate and challenging targets are set and the business has robust supporting financial models to deliver them.
3. Consistently provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO and the Board, proactively finding, and taking responsibility for the implementation of, operational improvement initiatives.
4. Preparing the financial objectives for the business, responsible for the annual budgeting process in line with the Business Plan; forecasting; and financial planning processes.
5. Leading the design and provision of relevant and insightful financial and operating information and analysis to the Board.
6. Assessing performance against both the budget and long-term strategy, providing financial input into key operational decisions.
7. Developing and managing robust financial systems and controls and taking responsibility for risk and finance policies, planning, and structuring.
8. Leading cash and working capital management, and managing the treasury requirements of the business.
9. Managing the annual audit process and ensuring rigorous compliance with financial reporting requirements.
10. Developing and leading a fully functional and visible finance team.
11. Leading the finance function to ensure that high standards of control and accountability are in place and the business is supported in the most effective way.
12. Communicating effectively to the Board and all shareholders.
13. Leading communications with all external advisers on audit, tax, insurance and ensuring compliance with all required reporting to relevant authorities.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a qualified accountant with excellent financial acumen and an ability to work between and select appropriate accounting standards (e.g. UK GAAP vs IFRS) - Essential
• Be a proven, FC or FD with a demonstrable track record of contributing to growing a business, not just in terms of revenue, profit but operational robustness and management insights across the company - Essential
• Have experience of working with strategic investors, and demonstrated a strong focus on value creation and cash management, as well as the credibility to manage relationships with key external stakeholders.
• Have been part of a funding or exit process - Desirable
• Have relevant experience in a SaaS business, with a good understanding of the key market drivers and the drivers of value with mostly recurring revenue - Desirable