This range is provided by Sowena Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from Sowena Group
CEO & Founder | Senior Finance Executive Search & Selection
Sowena Group have been retained by a cutting-edge, fast-scaling AI company recently backed by a leading private equity firm. With a mission to reshape how businesses harness artificial intelligence across sectors, we are entering an exciting phase of growth that includes a strategic international buy and build campaign. Their innovative product suite, strong customer demand, and significant market opportunity positions them for rapid expansion and a successful exit within a 3–5-year horizon.
The Role:
The CFO will play a pivotal role in driving growth and value creation. You will be a key strategic partner to the CEO and investors, responsible for leading the financial strategy, professionalising the finance function, and executing a disciplined international M&A strategy. This is a hands-on, transformative leadership role ideal for a CFO who thrives in dynamic, high-growth, private equity environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
* Partner with the CEO, Board, and PE sponsors to define and execute the company’s growth and exit strategy.
* Lead financial planning, analysis, forecasting, and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
* Act as a key voice in shaping corporate strategy, including geographic expansion, pricing models, and investment priorities.
Finance Transformation & Operational Excellence
* Professionalise and scale the finance function to match rapid international growth.
* Implement systems, controls, processes, and KPIs to drive performance visibility and scalability.
* Ensure robust financial governance, compliance, and risk management across all jurisdictions.
M&A and Buy & Build Execution
* Lead and execute on the international M&A strategy, including target identification, due diligence, deal execution, and post-merger integration.
* Build a repeatable playbook for efficient integration of acquired businesses.
Stakeholder Management
* Own relationships with investors, auditors, banks, and external advisors.
* Regularly report financial and operational performance to the Board and PE sponsors.
* Prepare the business for a successful exit (trade sale, secondary buyout, or IPO).
Candidate Profile:
* Proven CFO (or senior finance leader) within a private equity-backed business, ideally in tech, SaaS, or within a reoccurring revenue business model.
* Demonstrable track record of leading international M&A (buy & build) and successful exits.
* Experience in scaling finance functions within high-growth environments.
* Strong understanding of subscription-based and/or data-driven business models.
Skills & Attributes:
* Strategic mindset with strong commercial instincts and operational grip.
* Highly analytical with excellent financial modelling and reporting capability.
* Excellent communicator, capable of building trust with internal and external stakeholders.
* Agile, hands-on, and comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
* Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
Why Join Us?
* Join at a critical inflection point with a high-potential AI business backed by experienced investors.
* Shape the future of a truly innovative company making waves in AI and automation.
* Be part of a seasoned leadership team with a clear and ambitious plan for international growth and exit.
* Competitive remuneration, meaningful equity, and the chance to make a real mark.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a company at a critical juncture in its growth. For more details, to be considered for this opportunity or to confidentially discuss the market then please reach out to Perran Cooke at Sowena Group or click apply.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Finance, Accounting/Auditing, and Strategy/Planning
* Industries
Technology, Information and Media, IT Services and IT Consulting, and Software Development
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Sowena Group by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Chief Financial Officer” roles.
Lancashire, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Burnley, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Chorley, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Lancashire, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Skelmersdale, England, United Kingdom 7 hours ago
Preston, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Preston, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Barnoldswick, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago
Lancashire, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Hapton, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Leyland, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Preston, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Preston, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Inglewhite, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Preston, England, United Kingdom 3 months ago
Claughton, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Water, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr