Interim Chief Financial Officer

Interim Chief Financial Officer (Turnaround)

Private Equity–Backed Professional Services Business (~£50m Turnover)

Location: Hybrid and on-site in Leeds 3 days per week

Contract: Interim (6 months initially)

Role Overview

The Interim Chief Financial Officer will provide decisive financial leadership to a Private Equity - backed professional services business, supporting performance improvement, cash generation, and value creation. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, working closely with the executive team and Private Equity sponsor.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Financial Leadership

• Assume end-to-end responsibility for financial performance across the group and operating units
• Embed clear ownership and accountability for financial outcomes throughout the business
• Partner closely with operational and commercial leaders to support informed, data-driven decision-making

Cash Management & Liquidity Oversight

• Implement rigorous cash management disciplines across receivables, payables, WIP, and broader working capital

Reporting, Controls & Governance

• Produce high-quality, timely management information for executive, board, and investor reporting
• Improve the robustness and efficiency of month-end close, forecasting, and budgeting processes
• Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks, and audit readiness

Margin Enhancement & Value Delivery

• Support delivery of targeted contribution margins and effective cost control across the organisation
• Improve transparency of margin performance by service line, location, and customer segment
• Identify, prioritise, and implement initiatives to enhance profitability, returns, and operational efficiency

Capital Structure & Lender Engagement

• Manage debt facilities, covenant structures, and relationships with lenders and financial advisors
• Support acquisition funding requirements and deferred consideration structures

Transaction & Integration Support

• Provide financial input into acquisition evaluation, due diligence, and transaction execution
• Lead or support post-acquisition financial integration, reporting alignment, and control implementation

Finance Capability, Systems & Data

• Advance the development of finance systems, data quality, and management reporting capability
• Drive automation and process improvement within the finance function
• Ensure the finance platform is scalable and aligned with the business’s growth ambitions

Candidate Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) and demonstrate the following experience:

• Proven CFO-level experience within Private Equity–backed businesses
• Strong background in professional services or project-based operating models
• Significant experience supporting buy-and-build strategies, including M&A execution and post-acquisition integration
• Track record of leading finance functions across geographically distributed or multi-site organisations
• Demonstrable experience in business turnaround, stabilisation, or performance improvement environments