Chief Financial Officer

Harper 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, sponsor ships, 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