HW Finance are delighted to be working in Retained Partnership with a privately owned Globally operating business in West Yorkshire (circa £50m-£100m turnover).
They are seeking to appoint their first CFO to support the next stage of growth and value creation. With a future exit planned — to either trade or private equity — this is a career-defining opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader to operate at board level and directly influence shareholder value.
A rare opportunity to shape and lead the financial strategy of a growing, entrepreneurial business on the path to exit.
The Role
As Chief Financial Officer, you will work closely with the founding shareholders and leadership team to bring structure, clarity, and strategic focus to all aspects of financial management and corporate planning. You’ll be responsible for building out robust financial infrastructure while preparing the business for investment, due diligence, and ultimately, exit.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as a key strategic advisor to the owners and board, helping shape the business plan and exit strategy.
* Own and evolve all financial reporting, planning, controls, and governance.
* Build and professionalise the finance function, processes, and systems.
* Lead cashflow management, scenario modelling, and working capital optimisation.
* Prepare and support investor readiness — data room, KPIs, forecasting, and due diligence.
* Drive commercial insight across the business, improving margin, cost, and operational decisions.
* Partner across the organisation to support scalable, sustainable growth.
1. Ideal Candidate
* A qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience.
* Experience in an SME or privately owned business (ideally sub-£100m turnover).
* Strong understanding of exit processes (PE or trade), due diligence, and value creation.
* Highly commercial and hands-on, with the credibility to operate at board level.
* Confident working directly with founders and managing change in a dynamic environment.
* M&A or fundraising experience would be advantageous.