Portfolio CFO

Smartech Interactive Pvt Ltd; Penicuik; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A rapidly growing technology and manufacturing business is seeking an experienced portfolio CFO to offer strategic financial leadership on a part-time basis in Edinburgh. The role involves guiding the finance function through a critical growth phase, assessing functionality, mentoring staff, and providing insights for informed decisions. Ideal candidates should have a strong track record in high growth settings, preferably within manufacturing. This is a unique opportunity for those looking for substantial impact on a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as CFO or Finance Director in high growth businesses.
• Experience in manufacturing or product-related fields is essential.
• Excellent financial analysis capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior strategic advisor to the CEO.
• Review existing finance team's structure and capabilities.
• Identify and recommend improvements in finance operations.
• Mentor accountants to enhance team performance.

Skills

CFO experience

Stakeholder management

Financial analysis

Strategic guidance

Job description

FD Recruit is partnering a client to appoint a portfolio CFO for 1 or 2 days per week on site in Edinburgh over a 3 month initial engagement. Our client is a rapidly growing technology and manufacturing business and we are seeking an experienced portfolio CFO to provide strategic financial leadership on a part-time consulting basis.

Working closely with the CEO, this role will guide the organisation through a critical growth phase by assessing the current finance function, currently two accountants and a financial controller, and shaping future capability. This would suit a Fractional or Interim Finance Director or CFO with a track record of supporting clients on a portfolio or interim basis. The engagement will require providing high-level financial insight to support informed decision-making.

The CFO Will Have The Following Responsibilities

• Act as a senior strategic advisor to the CEO, offering financial insight, scenario analysis, and commercial input on major decisions.
• Assess growth plans and ensure financial strategy, tools, and reporting are aligned with evolving business needs.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing finance team, its structure, capability, and processes.
• Identify gaps, resourcing needs, and opportunities for improved efficiency or automation.
• Recommend and begin implementing improvements in reporting quality, workflows, controls, and systems usage.
• Mentor and support the accountants and financial controller to elevate overall team performance.
• Strengthen management reporting, including dashboarding, forecasting, and KPI alignment.
• Review financial controls and ensure they support a scaling organisation.
• Build trust with senior leaders and provide financial guidance that supports strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders such as auditors, advisors, or investors where necessary.

Required Skills/experience

• Experienced CFO or FD with a proven track record in high growth businesses. Experience in larger revenue business is essential to be able to bring best practice.
• Experience in manufacturing or a product related business.
• Excellent analysis experience.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to act as a strategic partner to the leadership team and particularly the CEO.

The rate advertised for this role is a guideline and the rate offered will be commensurate with experience.