Full job description 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
*Oversee all financial operations of the firm
*Improve quality and timeliness of monthly board reporting, including budgeting and forecasting.
*Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisers and fund administrators.
*Develop and maintain robust financial controls and governance.
Operations
*Build high quality operating processes across the business.
*Build a library of best-practice templates for recurring workstreams.
*Identify and take ownership of appropriate day-to-day operational responsibilities to free up MD capacity.
Compliance and risk
*Lead on compliance, ensuring adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements.
*Develop and maintain appropriate policies, procedures and internal controls.
Legal and corporate governance
*Work with the legal director on all legal matters affecting the firm and its investments.
*Produce and manage a clear legal, ownership and funding map together with a prioritised tax, legal and compliance action plan.
Portfolio operations
*Support portfolio companies with governance, reporting and operational best practice.
*Develop consistent reporting frameworks across the portfolio.
Candidate profile
*Significant experience within a private equity firm, investment manager or comparable financial services organisation.
*Previous experience as a Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer or similar senior operational executive.
*Proven track record of building and professionalising operational infrastructure.
*Experience working closely with investment professionals and portfolio companies.
*Previous exposure to the retail and consumer sectors would be advantageous.
*Holder of a recognised professional qualification (ACA, CIMA or similar)
*Commercially astute with strong strategic thinking capability.
*Highly credible with excellent judgment and integrity.
*Hands-on and pragmatic, with a willingness to work alone and with others.
*Strong leadership and people management skills.
*Exceptional organisational and project management capabilities.
*Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
*A self starter