Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Overview

We are seeking a high-calibre Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to act as a strategic partner and “co-pilot” to the CEO, helping to drive the business forward through its next phase of growth. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will combine strong financial expertise with commercial acumen, ownership mentality, and a deep understanding of scaling businesses—ideally within the hospitality sector.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a trusted advisor and co-pilot to the CEO in shaping and executing business strategy

• Provide financial insight to support key decision-making across the organisation

• Translate business strategy into financial plans, budgets, and forecasts

• Support growth initiatives, including expansion, acquisitions, and new ventures

Financial Management & Control

• Lead all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and analysis

• Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance frameworks

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management

• Deliver clear, timely, and insightful management reporting

Corporate Finance & Investment

• Manage relationships with investors, lenders, and external stakeholders

• Lead fundraising, refinancing, or transaction processes as required

• Evaluate investment opportunities and capital allocation decisions

• Bring a strong understanding of private equity and/or corporate finance environments

Operational & Commercial Support

• Partner with operational teams to improve performance and profitability

• Drive cost control, margin improvement, and operational efficiency

• Implement KPIs and performance tracking across the business

• Support pricing, expansion, and commercial strategy

Technology & Systems

• Leverage technology to enhance financial processes and reporting

• Drive improvements in financial systems, data visibility, and automation

• Ensure the finance function is modern, scalable, and tech-enabled

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

• Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)

• Significant experience in industry (not purely practice)

• Background in private equity-backed or corporate finance environments preferred

• Experience within hospitality, leisure, or multi-site operations highly desirable

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence business decisions

• Proven experience operating at senior leadership / board level

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

• Excellent financial modelling, analysis, and reporting skills

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Personal Attributes

• Owner mindset – treats the business as if it were their own

• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and solutions-oriented

• High level of accountability and integrity

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, growth environment

• Collaborative leader who can challenge and support the CEO

What Success Looks Like

• Acts as a true strategic partner to the CEO

• Builds a best-in-class finance function

• Drives improved profitability, cash flow, and business performance

• Supports successful growth, expansion, or investment outcomes

• Embeds a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and ownership

Summary

This role is ideal for a commercially minded CFO who wants to go beyond traditional finance and play a central role in building and scaling a business. The successful candidate will bring both technical excellence and an ownership mentality, helping to run the company as if it were their own.