Overview of the role

We are working with a specialist investment boutique based in the UK which is seeking a Chief Financial/Operating Officer.

This is a new role brought about by growth in the firm. Working closely with the MD and investment team, the CFO/COO will lead the firm's finance, compliance, legal, governance and operational functions, while driving the continued professionalisation of the business. Currently, there is a small “back office” team and, consequently, the role will require a great deal of proactivity and building processes and functions, sometimes from scratch. The role will, therefore, involve a degree of working as the only member of operations, supporting the MD and investments team.

Key responsibilities

Finance, accounting and treasury

1. Oversee all financial operations of the firm
2. Improve quality and timeliness of monthly board reporting, including budgeting and forecasting.
3. Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisers and fund administrators.
4. Develop and maintain robust financial controls and governance.

Operations

1. Build high quality operating processes across the business.
2. Build a library of best-practice templates for recurring workstreams.
3. Identify and take ownership of appropriate day-to-day operational responsibilities to free up MD capacity.

Compliance and risk

1. Lead on compliance, ensuring adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements.
2. Develop and maintain appropriate policies, procedures and internal controls.

Legal and corporate governance

1. Work with the legal director on all legal matters affecting the firm and its investments.
2. Produce and manage a clear legal, ownership and funding map together with a prioritised tax, legal and compliance action plan.

Portfolio operations

1. Support portfolio companies with governance, reporting and operational best practice.
2. Develop consistent reporting frameworks across the portfolio.

Candidate profile

1. Significant experience within a private equity firm, investment manager or comparable financial services organisation.
2. Previous experience as a Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer or similar senior operational executive.
3. Proven track record of building and professionalising operational infrastructure.
4. Experience working closely with investment professionals and portfolio companies.
5. Previous exposure to the retail and consumer sectors would be advantageous.
6. Holder of a recognised professional qualification (ACA, CIMA or similar)
7. Commercially astute with strong strategic thinking capability.
8. Highly credible with excellent judgment and integrity.
9. Hands-on and pragmatic, with a willingness to work alone and with others.
10. Strong leadership and people management skills.
11. Exceptional organisational and project management capabilities.
12. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
13. A self starter