Chief Financial Officer

Job title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Reporting to: CEO

Location: Northampton

Industry: Sports

Contact: james.gershfield@forsythbarnes.com

Forsyth Barnes are delighted to have partnered with one of Europe's leading professional rugby clubs in the search for their new CFO. Northampton Saints have a proud 144-year history and in the modern era of professionalism has consistently performed at the highest level. The Club ended the 2023/24 Season as Premiership Champions, having also reached the semi-finals of the European Champions Cup. The Club has also been highly successful in its off-field activities, both developing its infrastructure into one of the best rugby grounds and multi-purpose venues in the country as well as consistently growing revenues year-on-year.

This is a role for an energetic, commercially minded, adaptable and engaging CFO who will thrive in an organisation that has a reputation and profile far greater than simply the scale of its financial operations. The ability to oversee the finance function while being an important contributor to Board level discussions around broader issues including strategy, on and off pitch performance, liquidity and investment are key requirements for this role. An individual who is comfortable being involved in the detail but capable of managing the big picture is essential. The role will involve working closely with all departments across the business and providing sound financial support, challenge, insight and advice across a wide range of financial, commercial and operational matters. The CFO sits on the main company board of directors and the remit will also include Company Secretary duties, IT and risk management.

Key responsibilities

• As a core member of the CEO's leadership team, provide support, challenge and leadership across the business on a wide range of financial and non-financial matters
• Ensure the Company delivers its budgeted financial performance, both P&L and cashflow
• Manage & develop the Head of Finance to ensure the smooth running of the finance function
• Maintain strong financial controls and governance both within the finance function and across the broader business
• Keep the CEO and the Board informed about the financial performance of the business including revenue, profit, cash, assets & liabilities
• Communicate financial performance internally and, where appropriate, externally. Ensure staff are clear on performance as relates to their own pay and incentive structures and remain motivated to deliver financial targets
• Identify risks and opportunities and work with the CEO and heads of departments to put plans in place to maximise opportunities and mitigate risks
• Lead the long-term Strategic Planning process and ensure there is buy-in from all departments and the Board
• Liaise with Premier Rugby in respect of relevant matters including central income entitlement, central forecasts, regulation, financial monitoring and salary cap matters
• Ensure the Club is compliant with the Premiership Rugby Salary Cap Regulations
• Manage the company's cash flow, make recommendations to the board, and ensure that steps are taken to secure appropriate financing to meet short and medium term requirements
• Work with the commercial team to maximise revenue and profit growth and ensure commercial decisions are underpinned by sound financial analysis and insight
• Manage the capital expenditure budget and oversee the finances of major capital and infrastructure projects through project evaluation, negotiation of key terms and cost control
• Fulfil the duties of Company Secretary
• Manage the relationship with the IT provider and ensure the Club has a robust IT solution to meet business needs

The Candidate

• Likely to already be an FD, CFO or in a finance leadership position in a larger organisation
• Experience of working at a senior leadership level, for example company or divisional board
• Experience in the sport or leisure sector could be an advantage but is not essential
• Graduate or equivalent with strong academic track record
• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with substantial post-qualification experience
• Strong intellectual and analytical capability
• Comfortable playing a wide ranging and important leadership role across the business
• Being a team player with the ability to collaborate in a highly commercial and results orientated environment
• Excited by the opportunity to work in an elite sporting environment and willing to work predominantly onsite