Interim Finance Director

Cedar; London; Hybrid; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A specialized recruitment firm is seeking an Interim Finance Director for a PE-backed consumer business in London. This role involves leading the finance function, developing FP&A capabilities, and preparing the business for sale. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with a strong background in PE environments and strategic insights, offering competitive pay of £1000-1200 per day with hybrid working options.

Benefits

Direct exposure to private equity transactions

Opportunity to shape FP&A strategy

High-impact leadership experience

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with FD-level experience in PE-backed consumer businesses.
• Ability to turn analysis into actionable strategic insight.
• Demonstrable track record of preparing businesses for exit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function for accurate and timely reporting.
• Build FP&A capability, driving analysis and budgeting.
• Enhance Board reporting with clear KPIs and insights.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Strong FP&A and data-driven background

Demonstrable track record of preparing businesses for exit

Experience in private equity-backed environments

Strong communicator

Job description

Overview

Cedar is currently partnered with a mid-market, PE-backed online consumer business to help them secure an Interim Finance Director. This role will be split across multiple UK sites, with frequent attendance to the private equity firm’s London office (likely 2 days per week). It is a 3-6 month assignment, paying £1000-1200 per day, outside IR35.

The Company

This fast-growing online consumer business is backed by a respected mid-market private equity firm and is entering a critical phase in preparation for an eventual sale. With a strong digital presence, robust customer base, and continued investment in data and analytics, the business is well-positioned to deliver further growth and maximise value on exit.

The Role

The Interim Finance Director will provide leadership across all aspects of finance, with a focus on strengthening FP&A, delivering investor-grade data, and preparing the business for sale. The role is highly visible, working closely with the CEO, board, and PE sponsor, with regular time spent across both business sites and the sponsor’s London office.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely reporting across the group.
• Build and develop FP&A capability, driving forward-looking analysis, budgeting, and scenario modelling.
• Enhance Board and investor reporting packs with clear KPIs, consumer metrics, and strategic insights.
• Act as finance lead for transaction readiness, including due diligence and data room preparation.
• Strengthen finance systems, processes, and controls to deliver scalable, automated reporting.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team on commercial strategy, including pricing, customer acquisition, and international expansion.
• Mentor and develop the finance team, instilling a data-first, performance-led culture.

Your Profile

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with FD-level experience in PE-backed consumer, eCommerce, or online businesses.
• Strong FP&A and data-driven background, with the ability to turn analysis into actionable strategic insight.
• Demonstrable track record of preparing businesses for exit or other transaction events.
• Experience of working in private equity-backed environments, with credibility in front of sponsors and boards.
• Hands-on, pragmatic leader, equally comfortable in the detail and shaping strategy.
• Strong communicator, able to manage stakeholders across multiple sites.

Compensation & Benefits

This Interim Finance Director assignment offers a highly competitive day rate of £1000-1200 per day, outside IR35, with hybrid working across business sites and regular time in the PE firm’s London office (typically 2 days per week).

In addition to the day rate, you’ll benefit from:

• Playing a pivotal role in preparing a PE-backed consumer business for sale.
• Direct exposure to a private equity sponsor and transaction activity.
• The opportunity to shape FP&A and data strategy in a high-growth, consumer-facing environment.
• A short-term but high-impact mandate where your leadership directly influences enterprise value.