Financial Director

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; Exeter; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial consultancy seeks a top-quality Chief Financial Officer / Finance Director to provide tailored CFO services to ambitious private businesses. This self-employed role offers flexibility and the opportunity to build a diverse client portfolio. Ideal candidates are qualified chartered accountants with experience in commercial finance, business strategy, and a knack for fostering strong client relationships.

Benefits

Flexible work-life balance

Supportive team culture

Opportunity to impact clients positively

Qualifications

• At least one experience as a CFO/FD.
• Strong experience in commercial finance and business strategy.
• Natural ability to build long-lasting relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide CFO services to ambitious private businesses.
• Build a portfolio of clients to help them achieve goals.
• Operate as part of a highly collaborative team.

Skills

Commercial finance

Business strategy

Client relationship building

Education

Qualified from UK’s major chartered accounting institutes

Job description

Location: Exeter, Taunton, Torquay, Plymouth, Truro

Salary: £700 - £750 per day

What is the opportunity?

If you're a top-quality Chief Financial Officer / Finance Director who is frustrated with the confines of a normal corporate life and is seeking something different, or if you're an independent CFO who has already made the break from corporate life, or a working or returning CFO parent wanting more work flexibility and work-life balance, then read on—this might be for you.

You will be responsible for providing CFO services to ambitious private businesses with revenues from £2M to £50M, helping them climb their Everest.

They are not interested in candidates seeking just a job. You will help their clients reach their goals, bringing a self-starter attitude, ambition, energy, and a passion to help. Your clients are typically business owners, entrepreneurs, CEOs, or MDs.

You will thrive on the challenge and autonomy of growing your own portfolio of clients, supported by an incredible network of CFOs worldwide. They have big dreams, and they expect you to share that vision.

What do you need to have?

You must be qualified from one of the UK’s major chartered accounting institutes and have been a CFO/FD at least once, with strong experience in commercial finance, business strategy, and a successful track record. Your natural ability to build genuine, long-lasting relationships with clients is essential—being part CFO, part advisor, part strategist, part friend. Clients will say that you and The Centre are in it for the long-term and that you genuinely care.

Work closely with your Regional Director and a team of CFOs/FDs in a highly collaborative environment. They pride themselves on being a great place to work, with a family-oriented culture.

I love the family feel of working here. People genuinely care, and you're not just a number. Colin, his wife Julie, and their sons make you feel like this business is yours as well.

UK Colleague

How does it work?

The role is self-employed, operating within a defined model that combines team support and organizational backing with autonomy in delivering outcomes for clients.

Instead of just being given fish, they teach you how to catch them and how to build a portfolio career that can be a game changer for both your clients and yourself. You'll enjoy the challenge, variety, and flexibility of working with multiple clients. Your daily focus will be on building your portfolio and adding value to your clients.

They are the UK & Global market leader in providing part-time Finance Directors and CFO services to mid-sized businesses—those that don't want, need, or can't afford a full-time CFO but require that expertise on a part-time basis.

Who are they?

They are 650 people across 5 continents, 17 countries, operating in 26 UK & Ireland regions. They started The Centre to revolutionize support for mid-tier businesses.

You will join a team of former CEOs, executives, CFOs, FDs, and successful business owners—an Avengers team of the financial strategy world, bringing together thousands of years of experience to support their clients' growth.

I started here 4 years ago, and I love the lifestyle, the challenge, and the impact I can make. I even get to attend my kids' football games now! The Centre

They are a movement of people who left corporate life seeking freedom and purpose. This isn’t about retiring or relaxing on a beach in Thailand; it’s about taking control and doing meaningful work. Freedom means loving what you do and having choices.

What do they do?

They identify and deliver the numbers that truly matter—helping clients find the key metrics that impact their business and life, and supporting them to achieve growth, acquisitions, consolidation, or lifestyle goals.

Working with The Centre has been a game changer for my business. We doubled our revenue, and I can now focus on what really matters.

CEO of a client company

They want to continue to change the game and are looking for a game changer to join them.

To apply

If you believe you are a suitable candidate and want to work for this reputable company, please do not hesitate to apply.