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Explore our vision: Incredible, effortless recruitment
£110k-£180k
Typical base salary
12 wks
Replacement guarantee
Strategic and funding-savvy
Ask about funding rounds, deals or transformations they led, not just reporting.
Board and investor credibility
They'll face investors and non-execs. Look for someone who holds that room.
Right stage
A CFO who scaled a large group may not fit an early-stage business, and vice versa.
How to run the hire
1. Agree the mandate with the board
Decide what the CFO must deliver - funding, exit, scale - and the success measures.
2. Match the stage and sector
Target people who've operated at your size and funding model.
3. Source through networks
Senior finance leaders come from introductions and headhunting.
4. Use a strategy presentation
Have the shortlist present a finance plan for your business.
5. Reference deeply
Speak to former chairs and investors about judgement and delivery.
At executive level, fees generally run 25-30% of first-year salary, and searches are often retained.
We agree the structure upfront, with nothing due until your hire starts.
Expect 10-16 weeks for a board-level role.
Board alignment on the mandate is the biggest factor in keeping it on track.
A CFO is the most senior finance leader - owning financial strategy, funding, investor relations, controls and the finance team.
They sit on the board and shape the direction and financial health of the business, not just report on it.
If you need strategic finance leadership, funding and investor management, a CFO fits. If the need is strong operational finance ownership, an FD may be right.
Many SMEs over-title here, so we'll advise honestly.
Try: Tell me about a funding round or deal you led.
How do you work with a board and investors?
Tell me about a financial decision you got wrong. and What's your first-100-days plan for us?
Yes. We help structure competitive packages including bonus and equity, and manage the negotiation, since the best CFOs have options.
Tell us about your role and a specialist finance recruiter will call you. No fee until your hire starts.
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