interim CFO

Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Location: Hybrid | Weekly travel to Central Europe (2–3 days per week at HQ)Start: ASAPContract: Interim (with potential interim-to-permanent)Day Rate: Negotiable (aligned to large-cap, PE-backed complexity) The Opportunity A large, international, private equity–backed group (c. €700m+ turnover) is seeking an Interim CFO to provide immediate leadership and stability during a transition period while a permanent appointment is made. The business is operating a buy-and-build growth strategy, with regular M&A activity across Europe. The Interim CFO will play a central role not only in core financial stewardship, but also in supporting transactions and ensuring disciplined post-merger integration. This is a role requiring a senior finance leader who can operate credibly at board and investor level, act as a trusted right hand to the CEO, and simultaneously adopt a hands‑on, in‑the‑trenches approach to ensure accuracy, control, and momentum. Ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency of financial numbers across the group Improve forecasting quality, cash flow visibility, and working capital discipline Support and shape M&A activity, from diligence through integration Professionalise the finance function to large-cap, PE-backed standards Provide confident leadership through transition, supporting continuity and handover to a permanent CFO Core Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering Act as a core member of the executive leadership team and strategic partner to the CEO Provide commercial insight to support growth, capital allocation, and value creation Lead board‑level and investor‑style reporting, including performance, cash, and covenant metrics Support longer‑term finance strategy, organisation design, and capability development Financial Control, Reporting & Governance Own group financial reporting, ensuring robust controls, reconciliations, and data integrity Oversee month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close across multiple entities and jurisdictions Ensure compliance with local statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements Standardise accounting policies, reporting formats, and governance across the group Forecasting, FP&A & Working Capital Stabilise and improve short‑, medium‑, and long‑term forecasting accuracy Drive improved working capital performance (AR, AP, inventory, cash conversion cycle) Enhance management information, KPIs, and dashboards to support operational decision‑making Challenge assumptions and translate financial data into actionable insight M&A Support & Transaction Activity Act as the finance lead on M&A activity, working closely with the CEO and deal teams Support financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and deal structuring Assess target businesses’ financial quality, systems, controls, and working capital profiles Identify deal risks, synergies, and integration considerations pre‑close Support rapid assessment of bolt‑on opportunities in line with the group’s growth strategy Post-Merger Integration (PMI) Lead or oversee post‑merger integration from a finance perspective Ensure timely integration of: Financial reporting and close processes Accounting policies and controls Forecasting, budgeting, and KPI frameworks Cash management and working capital practices Support integration of finance teams, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and operating cadence Track delivery of deal assumptions, synergies, and integration milestones Balance pace of integration with business continuity and operational realities Transformation & Hands-On Delivery Lead elements of finance transformation, including: Process standardisation and simplification Strengthening of finance operating rhythm and controls Improving data quality, systems usage, and reporting outputs Be close to the detail where needed, particularly in newly acquired or under‑developed entities Step into problem areas to resolve issues pragmatically and at pace Build capability within the existing finance leadership team Candidate Profile Essential Experience Proven Interim CFO or senior CFO experience within large‑cap organisations (€700m+ turnover) Strong track record in PE‑backed and/or acquisitive buy‑and‑build environments Hands‑on experience supporting M&A transactions and post‑merger integration International, multi‑entity experience across European operations Demonstrable success improving: Forecasting and cash visibility Working capital performance Finance control and reporting at scale Style & Mindset Gravitas to operate at board and investor level, with a pragmatic delivery mindset Commercial, outcomes‑focused, and comfortable operating in ambiguity Able to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders and finance teams Willing to operate both strategically and operationally as required Practical Requirements Willing and able to travel weekly to Central Europe (2–3 days on site) Available to start immediately or at short notice Open to interim or interim‑to‑permanent arrangements #J-18808-Ljbffr