Job Title: Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Location: London, UK
Industry: Sustainability / Green Tech / Clean Energy
Type: Interim, Contract
Company Overview:
Our clients are a dynamic and rapidly growing VC-backed sustainability start-up, focused on driving innovation in the green technology and clean energy sectors. Their mission is to tackle global environmental challenges by developing cutting-edge solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and impactful. With strong investor backing and a highly skilled team, they are on the path to revolutionise the industry. They are now seeking an Interim CFO to join their team and play a key role in guiding our financial strategy during this critical phase of their growth.
Job Overview:
As the Interim CFO, you will take charge of the company’s financial operations and strategy, ensuring the business has the financial foundations necessary to scale efficiently and sustainably. You will work closely with the CEO and the leadership team to manage investor relations, secure additional funding, and optimise financial performance. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced start-up environment, where you will be expected to lead all financial aspects of the business, from strategic planning and fundraising to financial reporting and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Provide high-level financial guidance to the executive team, shaping financial strategies that support the company’s long-term growth and sustainability goals.
- Fundraising and Investor Relations: Lead the next funding round, manage relationships with current investors, and secure new venture capital or private equity funding.
- Financial Planning and Analysis: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, providing clear insights and recommendations to optimize performance and cash flow.
- Cash Flow Management: Ensure robust cash flow management and capital allocation strategies, balancing growth initiatives with cost efficiency.
- Financial Reporting: Deliver timely and accurate financial reports to the board, investors, and key stakeholders, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and tax requirements.
- Team Leadership: Mentor and lead the finance team, building out the necessary finance infrastructure and processes as the business scales.
- Risk Management and Compliance: Identify financial risks, ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards, and implement sound governance practices.
- Operational Finance Oversight: Manage day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, auditing, tax planning, and treasury functions.
- Growth Strategy Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including operations, product development, and marketing, to align financial goals with business objectives.
- Experience:
- Proven track record as a CFO or senior finance leader, ideally within a start-up or high-growth environment.
- Experience in VC-backed companies, particularly in sustainability, green tech, or clean energy sectors, is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, managing investor relations, and securing venture capital or private equity funding.
- Education:
- A degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field is required; an MBA, CFA, or other relevant qualifications are a plus.
- Skills:
- Exceptional financial acumen, with strong experience in financial modeling, analysis, and reporting.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Proficient in financial systems, accounting software, and ERP systems.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, start-up environment, with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset.
- Familiarity with sustainability metrics and ESG reporting frameworks is a plus.
Personal Attributes:
- Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment, and able to navigate the unique challenges of a start-up.
- Proactive and Results-Driven: A strategic thinker with a strong sense of urgency and a track record of delivering results under pressure.
- Collaborative: Team-oriented with the ability to partner cross-functionally across the organization.
- Mission-Aligned: Passionate about sustainability and committed to driving positive environmental impact.
Contract Details:
- Duration: 6-12 months interim role, with the potential for permanent placement based on performance and business needs.
- Start Date: Immediate start preferred.
- Compensation: Competitive daily or monthly rate, commensurate with experience, plus potential for equity options.
- Location: Primarily based in London with flexible working arrangements.
Exec Capital are leading CFO recruiters based in Central London.
