Interim CFO

SF Partners; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

SF Partners is seeking an experienced Interim CFO to provide high-level financial leadership across a Midlands based, contract/engineering-led business. The role involves hands-on management of the finance function, board liaison, and strategic delivery in a fast-paced project environment.

The ideal candidate will bring proven interim CFO/FD experience, strong project accounting skills, and the ability to drive cash flow, WIP, and margin control across live contracts.

Qualifications

• Proven interim CFO/FD experience, preferably in contracting or engineering-led businesses.
• Strong grasp of project accounting, WIP, cash flow and margin control.
• Experience advising boards and senior management in fast-moving, project-driven environments.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the finance function, leading a capable team.
• Provide clear, robust financial leadership to the Board and senior management.
• Strengthen cashflow management, forecasting and working capital control.
• Lead budgeting, reforecasting and project margin analysis across live contracts.
• Improve visibility and governance around WIP, cost-to-complete and profitability.
• Support commercial teams on contract performance, risk and claims management.
• Review and enhance financial controls, reporting and decision-making processes.
• Act as a trusted partner to shareholders, lenders and external advisors.
• Support strategic initiatives including growth and future plans.

Skills

Interim CFO/FD experience

Contracting/engineering sector

Project accounting

WIP and cash management

Margin control

Strategic financial leadership

Availability on short notice

Job description

I am currently supporting a Midlands based, privately owned B2B, services and contracting group to Recruit a Fractional CFO. My client successfully delivers a wide portfolio of projects and are well established in their market.

The business is entering a critical phase of change and value creation and is seeking an experienced Interim Fractional CFO to provide high level support to the board and hands-on leadership across finance, commercial control and strategic delivery.

This role is suited to a seasoned CFO who is comfortable operating at pace in complex, project-driven environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the finance function, leading a capable team
• Provide clear, robust financial leadership to the Board and senior management
• Strengthen cashflow management, forecasting and working capital control
• Lead budgeting, reforecasting and project margin analysis across live contracts
• Improve visibility and governance around WIP, cost-to-complete and profitability
• Support commercial teams on contract performance, risk and claims management
• Review and enhance financial controls, reporting and decision-making processes
• Act as a trusted partner to shareholders, lenders and external advisors
• Support strategic initiatives including growth and future plans

Candidate Profile

• Proven Interim CFO / FD with experience in contracting or engineering-led businesses
• Strong understanding of project accounting, WIP, cash and margin control
• Comfortable in fast-moving, operationally complex environments
• Experience working with owner-managed, investor-backed or Board-led businesses
• Available immediately or at short notice

If you are an experienced and strategic interim finance leader who enjoys bringing structure, clarity and commercial discipline into project-based businesses, this assignment offers genuine impact and visibility