Interim CFO

Job Description:

Our CFO Advisory team seeks an experienced fractional CFO/ COO to support a high-growth client transforming the UK's digital landscape. This 3-5 day per week interim role will be pivotal in guiding the organization through a period of major change and growth.

The Group CFO/COO will lead the strategic and financial trajectory of the EXCO Group, ensuring sustainable financial health and operational excellence. This dual role drives both the high-level strategy and day-to-day operational efficiencies, fostering an innovative, high-performance culture and executing on the Group's strategic vision. Tasked with developing a robust organizational strategy, the Group CFO/COO is responsible for evaluating and steering its success, crafting supportive policies and procedures that align with organizational goals.

As a vital member of the Group Executive Team, this role involves leading the creation and execution of the Group's annual operating plan, with budget alignment stemming from the five-year strategic roadmap, as agreed upon by the Board.

Responsibilities:

• Shape finance strategy and prepare the finance function for future expansion, starting with the 2025 budget.
• Drive finance and people transformation initiatives, enterprise risk assessment, and governance improvements.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, supporting all finance, operational, and HR matters to ready the organization for anticipated growth over the next 12-24 months.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned CFO with a strategic mindset and hands-on approach, capable of leading the finance organization through this exciting phase.

Purpose

The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in steering Group towards long-term strategic objectives and financial resilience, while managing the day-to-day operational excellence of the organization. This executive role partners closely with the CEO of our Client to craft and drive a cohesive corporate vision and operational strategy rooted in our purpose and values. As a strategic leader and key change agent, this Group CFO/COO is expected to mobilize internal leaders and their teams to align with the organization's strategic direction, ensuring effective execution of objectives and nurturing a culture of innovation and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic and Operational Leadership
  • Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement a visionary corporate strategy and ensure alignment across all operational facets.
  • Lead the Board's strategy through empowering leadership teams to achieve targeted objectives.
  • Drive organizational programs and initiatives that support emerging priorities, including transformative people and culture initiatives.
  • Delegate ownership across teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and successful project execution.
• Financial Stewardship and Governance
  • Provide strategic oversight of Group finance, legal, HR, IT, facilities, and member operations, ensuring each function supports the organizational vision.
  • Deliver an effective financial management service across Group and subsidiaries, serving as a principal advisor on financial and governance matters to the Board, CEO, and other senior executives.
  • Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, maintaining compliance and integrity in all financial and regulatory matters.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Accountability
  • Serve as a key contact for the Board, Group Risk, Audit, and Finance Committee, ensuring that all governance responsibilities are effectively met.
  • Represent the Group on Boards of subsidiary companies and act as Company Secretary, working closely with the Chair of the Board.
  • Provide clear and insightful financial reports to the Board, ensuring alignment with Group's financial policy framework.
• Risk and Compliance
  • Oversee the development of risk management practices, internal controls, and governance frameworks across the organization and its subsidiaries.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, proactively addressing risks and advising the CEO on regulatory implications and industry best practices.
  • Lead the integration of ESG initiatives and reporting, supporting the Board's commitment to responsible and ethical governance.
• Performance Management and Operational Excellence
  • Monitor performance across all operational domains, advising on improvements and overseeing the implementation of key metrics and controls.
  • Oversee the development of annual budgets, managing fiscal responsibility to align with strategic priorities and long-term goals.
  • Cultivate strong stakeholder relationships and uphold the Group's reputation with all internal and external groups.
• Employee Development and Leadership Support
  • Manage and coach teams within the functional remit, fostering professional growth and ensuring high standards of performance.
  • Support the CEO on matters related to executive remuneration and organizational benchmarking.
• Additional Executive Responsibilities
  • Act as the Deputy CEO in the CEO's absence, representing EXCO Group as a spokesperson as needed.
  • Maintain flexibility to adapt to evolving organizational needs and actively seek opportunities for improvement in systems and processes.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will possess a strong strategic vision, a background in financial and operational leadership, and a commitment to supporting the Board's purpose and values. This role requires a professional adept at managing change, fostering innovation, and ensuring organizational sustainability and growth.

Special Conditions

• Travel Requirements: Regular travel within the UK, including visits to other Group offices and vendor locations, is integral to this role. Frequent presence at the HQ is essential for effective engagement.
• Attendance: Occasional overnight stays may be required, along with attendance at official Group events, external meetings, and Board sessions.
• Flexibility: The role flexibility to support critical business functions and organizational objectives.

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