About ISTARI:
ISTARI is a unique, global cybersecurity organisation with a bold vision: to curate the defining cybersecurity ecosystem of our time. Backed by Temasek, we operate a differentiated model that combines two powerful, interconnected pillars:
* A World-Class Advisory Business:
We provide strategic counsel to the world's leading enterprises, helping them achieve lasting organisational cyber resilience.
* A Strategic Portfolio:
We work with a portfolio of innovative cybersecurity companies, giving us unparalleled insight into the market and the ability to orchestrate innovative solutions for our clients.
This business model allows ISTARI to act as the central orchestrator in the ecosystem, convening world-class talent and innovation to build collective resilience for our clients.
The Opportunity:
"A Strategic Partner and Business Builder"
This is not a typical CFO role. We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a true strategic partner to our CEO and as a key member of our Executive Committee (ExCo).
In this pivotal phase of our growth, the CFO will be a critical voice to the ISTARI CEO, ExCo and Board, helping shape corporate strategy and providing the financial
insight and operational rigour required to scale our global business. You will be instrumental in guiding our strategy, managing crucial shareholder relationships, and building a world-class, scalable finance function.
Key Responsibilities:
Finance Leadership:
* Act as a primary financial steward and strategic architect alongside the CEO, shaping and driving corporate strategy at the Executive Committee and Board level.
* Own and manage the critical relationship with our shareholder, Temasek, leading all financial reporting, governance, and FP&A requirements. Go beyond reporting to provide insightful analysis that guides strategic decision-making.
* Prepare and present comprehensive financial and strategic updates to drive day-to-day executive decision-making and to provide the Board of Directors with clear insights to guide governance and long-term planning.
Corporate Strategy & Commercial Leadership:
* Drive the company's financial strategy, planning, and forecasting to support our long-term growth objectives.
* Provide rigorous financial oversight and strategic guidance for our investment portfolio, evaluating M&A opportunities, managing divestments, and ensuring alignment with our overall corporate strategy.
* Serve as a key commercial and financial partner to the Global Head of Advisory and Global Head of Sales, providing the leadership required to build a profitable and scalable global advisory business.
Financial Operations & Transformation
* Assume full ownership of the global finance function, including accounting, treasury, tax, FP&A, and financial controls.
* Lead the ongoing transformation of the finance function, moving from an immature state to a streamlined, efficient, and scalable operation supported by the right people, processes, and technology.
* Establish and enforce robust financial policies and internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial reporting and safeguard company assets, including overseeing the successful implementation of a new ERP system.
* Recruit, mentor, and develop top talent, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and accountability within your teams.
The Ideal Candidate Profile:
Experience & Qualifications:
* Proven experience as a CFO, or as a highly accomplished VP of Finance or Finance Director in a complex, global organisation.
* Professional services or advisory experience is essential, providing a deep understanding of the core drivers of our business.
* Proven experience operating at a Board level, with deep expertise in managing complex reporting requirements for institutional investors or parent companies.
* Direct experience with portfolio management, M&A, or working within an investment or holding company structure is highly sought after.
* A demonstrable track record of successfully leading a finance transformation, including implementing financial systems (ERP) and building processes from the ground up.
* Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Skills & Attributes:
* Strategic & Commercial Acumen: The ability to operate at 30,000 feet to see the big picture and at 3,000 feet to understand the details, translating sharp commercial insights into corporate strategy.
* Exceptional Communicator: You can articulate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights, with the gravitas and clarity to present effectively to Boards, investors, and executive teams.
* Inspirational Leader: An exceptional people leader with a talent for coaching, motivating, and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
* A Builder's Mindset: Passionate about creating and transforming functions, you see ambiguity as an opportunity and are willing to be hands-on to build for the future.
* Resilience & Adaptability: You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and complex global environment, navigating challenges with a positive and solutions-oriented approach.
Why Join ISTARI?
* Impact:
Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a high-growth, mission-driven organisation backed by a world-class investor.
* Challenge:
Take on a unique and broad leadership mandate that extends beyond traditional finance into strategy, investments, and operations.
* Build:
This is a rare opportunity to build a world-class function and leave a lasting legacy on our growth story.
* Culture:
Join a collaborative, intelligent, and ambitious team at the heart of the world's cybersecurity ecosystem.