Full job descriptionHarper May is working with a founder-led media and events business that has grown organically to become a significant player in live entertainment and branded experiences. The company operates across multiple revenue streams-ticketed events, sponsorships, and content licensing-and is now at an inflection point: recent expansion into new geographies and verticals has stretched the finance function beyond its current structure. The business is strengthening its financial leadership and seeking a Chief Financial Officer to bring rigour, clarity, and strategic direction to the group.
The Role
Reporting to the CEO and working as a full board member, you will own all financial strategy, reporting, and control across a complex, multi-site operation. The CFO role sits at the heart of major decisions-from evaluating event portfolio performance to structuring sponsorship deals, managing working capital in a project-driven business, and supporting the founder’s growth agenda. This is hands-on; you will lead a small finance team and drive day-to-day rigour while shaping long-term financial architecture.
*Build and lead the finance team, establishing clear processes and standards across a growing, distributed operation
*Own monthly management accounts, forecasting, and board reporting; ensure financial visibility into event profitability and cash performance
*Lead the design and implementation of financial controls and governance frameworks fit for a scaling business
*Drive revenue analysis and pricing strategy, particularly across ticketing and commercial partnerships
*Manage banking relationships, working capital, and cash flow to fund growth without overlevering
*Partner with the CEO on M&A evaluation and integration of acquired assets or event portfolios
*Oversee statutory accounts, tax planning, and external audit relationships
What we are looking for
*ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified; minimum 12 years in finance roles, with at least five at CFO or Finance Director level
*Sector experience in media, entertainment, events, or project-led businesses; you understand cash timing, revenue recognition, and the rhythms of live operations
*Proven ability to build and mentor finance teams from scratch in high-growth settings
*Strong technical accounting and financial control skills; comfort with both spreadsheet discipline and modern finance systems
*Communication skills that work across the board, investors, and operational teams; you translate numbers into narrative and insight
*Entrepreneurial mindset; you thrive in a lean, founder-led culture where finance is seen as a business partner, not a bottleneck