Summary
CFO / COO – Finance & Operations Leader for BFY Group, a fast-growing UK consultancy, an employee-owned business (EOT) and Great Place To Work. This senior role sits on the Senior Leadership Team and the EOT Board with a six-figure package including bonus, LTIP, and equity. Bring commercial finance expertise and shape the future of our employee-owned business.
About Us
Our purpose is enabling the transformation of the utilities industry—innovating with clients to drive exceptional outcomes across people, technology, products, and services.
BFY works as trusted advisors with a range of organisations across the utilities sector—covering water, energy services, infrastructure, and more. We hire leading experts from the sectors we serve, blending industry expertise with consulting capability to deliver practical, transformative change.
Recognised for hands-on, collaborative culture, we have received multiple Great Place To Work awards and other accolades.
The Role
We seek a commercially savvy CFO/COO with strong business-partnering skills to lead Finance, People & Culture (HR), and Internal Operations/Practice Management. Reporting to the Managing Partner, this role is integral to executive leadership and the EOT Board. The role requires an excellent leader who can coach teams to create a future-ready internal function that underpins BFY’s growth and the EOT vision. You’ll also:
* Lead on legal and commercial matters, including contracts, risk management, and governance
* Drive financial and operational strategies that support growth ambitions
* Champion employee ownership and embed EOT values in decision-making
Your Team
* Finance: Head of Finance, Finance Manager, Bookkeeper, external Audit/Accounting partner
* HR & Legal: Head of People & Culture, outsourced HR/Legal support, external legal advisors
* Operations: Practice Manager, Business Support Manager
Key Responsibilities
* Financial leadership: Own planning, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and actionable insights to drive commercial outcomes
* Operational oversight: Manage internal operations, process efficiency, and systems to support scalable growth
* Commercial influence: Partner with practice leads and directors, aligning financial insight with business development
* Leadership & governance: Serve on the EOT Board, reinforcing employee-ownership values and financial integrity
* Legal & contracts: Oversee commercial contracts, supplier agreements, and legal compliance, supported by external advisors
* People & Culture: Lead HR strategy, talent development, inclusion, and performance management
* Team leadership: Lead a lean, high-impact Finance team, People & Culture professionals, and Ops staff
About You
* Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), ideally with relevant professional services experience
* Deep commercial acumen; able to translate numbers into strategy
* Hands-on operator who’s comfortable in the detail as well as the strategy
* Strong business-partnering skills—collaborative, insightful, and able to help shape financial outcomes
* Experience partnering with founder-led businesses is beneficial
What’s On Offer
We’re a high-performing team that looks after each other, offering meaningful work, the opportunity to develop and grow, and a positive, enjoyable environment.
* Competitive six-figure package, aligned with capability and experience
* Biannual bonus scheme (linked to performance reviews)
* LTIP and equity scheme
* EV car scheme via salary sacrifice
* 33 days holiday (25 days plus 8 bank holidays) with a holiday purchase scheme
* 1 additional day of holiday per year after 2 years of service (up to 5 extra days)
* Private medical insurance for you, your partner, and children under 18
* Wellbeing support through specialist partners
* Option for additional pension savings via salary sacrifice
* Influence over the employee-owned future of BFY Group
To Apply
Email Tanya.Thewlis@bfygroup.co.uk with:
* Your CV
* A brief covering note on fit, motivation for the role, and target package range
* A reference from a previous employer/senior referee
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