Interim Financial Controller

Interim Fractional Financial Controller - Exit Preparation

2-3 days per week £500-£600 per day 6-month initial assignment

We are working with a profitable, established owner-managed business that is entering an important period of growth and preparation ahead of a potential transaction/exit.

The business is performing well, but its finance function has historically been relatively light-touch, with limited formal monthly reporting and management information. As the business moves towards a potential exit, the owners are looking to bring greater structure, accuracy and commercial insight into the finance function.

We are therefore looking for an experienced Interim / Fractional Financial Controller to come in on a 2-3 day per week basis and take ownership of this process.

The role

This is a hands-on role for someone who can quickly assess the existing finance processes, bring reporting up to an appropriate standard and establish a robust financial control and MI framework.

Key priorities will include:

• Bringing the finance function in-house and taking ownership of the day-to-day financial control environment
• Establishing a reliable and accurate monthly management accounts process
• Improving the timeliness and quality of financial information
• Developing meaningful management information and Board reporting
• Introducing robust monthly reporting packs, with clear commentary and analysis
• Building an appropriate forecasting and budgeting process
• Improving visibility over cash flow, profitability, working capital and key business drivers
• Reviewing existing processes, controls and accounting procedures and identifying areas for improvement
• Working closely with the owners/directors to provide commercial insight rather than simply producing the numbers
• Ensuring the financial information is accurate, current and presented in a way that supports both decision-making and future due diligence
• Helping prepare the business and its financial reporting for a potential transaction/exit

The person

We are looking for an experienced FC, Financial Controller, Finance Director or similarly senior interim finance professional who is comfortable operating in a hands-on SME environment.

Ideally, you will have:

• Strong experience within owner-managed / SME businesses
• A track record of coming into businesses and improving financial reporting and controls
• Strong management accounts, MI, forecasting and cash-flow experience
• The ability to work independently and hit the ground running
• A pragmatic, hands-on approach - this is not a role for someone looking to manage a large team
• Ideally, previous exposure to a transaction, sale, refinancing, PE investment or exit process
• The ability to work closely with owners/directors and translate financial information into clear commercial recommendations

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a profitable business at an important stage of its development, with a clear mandate to professionalise the finance function and get the business into a much stronger position ahead of a potential transaction.

The initial requirement is 2-3 days per week for approximately 6 months, with the potential for the assignment to develop depending on the transaction timetable and ongoing requirements.