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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
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