Job Description
Our client is a leading provider of essential services to schools and public buildings across the UK, specialising in catering, cleaning, and health and safety solutions. They also oversee the National Alliance for School Premises Management (NASPM), which plays a key role in supporting multi-site facilities management.
We are seeking a commercially minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to partner with the Directors in driving the organisation's growth and strategic development.
As one of three Executive Directors on the Board, you will work alongside four Non-Executive Directors and a Company Secretary to shape the future of this forward-thinking organisation.
You will work in the office at least 1 day per week, based in East London.
Key Responsibilities
* Work with the CEO and other senior executives to provide strategic oversight of financial planning and budgets for revenue, costs, capital expenditure, and cash flow.
* Monitor financial performance against plans, budgets, and external benchmarks.
* Be responsible for the efficient financial management of all aspects, including policies, internal controls, systems, and processes.
* Ensure statutory and regulatory financial compliance and reporting, including the annual report and accounts, statutory audit, the Shareholder’s reporting requirements, and the financial reporting manual.
* As a member of the Board and the CEO’s Management Team, contribute to the vision and values of the company.
* Foster commercial growth by supporting and directing business plans and negotiations; evaluate revenue streams, client profitability, and identify risks and opportunities.
* Support the business in building on its established client portfolio and range of products & services, providing the financial analysis and rationale behind all key decisions.
* Lead the annual budget production, ongoing forecasts, and cash planning.
* Prepare, gain acceptance, and monitor the implementation and execution of the annual budget to ensure that budget targets are met, that revenue flows are maximised, and that all costs are managed robustly.
* Contribute to the effective leadership planning and long-term strategies for future service needs, as expressed through the Strategic Business Plan that meets the legislative, financial, and economic challenges.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified accountant with extensive post-qualified experience in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) is essential.
* Management Qualification.
* Evidence of continually developing professional knowledge.
* A fully qualified accountant with proven experience working at board level for a sizeable firm (£25m+ T/O).
* Extensive proven experience in a senior financial leadership role, ideally as a Director of Finance or similar position.
* Proficiency in financial software and systems.
* Extensive experience at senior management level within a Local Authority, Government Department/Agency, or similar high-profile organisation in the private sector with comparable scope, responsibilities, budget, and resources.
* A highly effective communicator with strong influencing skills, able to inspire confidence and trust at all levels.