CFO Pre-IPO

Chief Financial Officer

Pre-IPO Scale-up

Advanced Engineering & Pioneering Technologies

Hybrid: WFH & On-site (Thames Valley) UK

Business

Our client is one of the most respected privately-owned businesses in its field, globally. It employs the brightest and best scientists and engineers who are collectively making great progress in solving critical and highly complex problems. The potential for its intellectual property to transform how we all live is immense and this business will enhance the lives of millions by making net-zero carbon genuinely achievable. Their innovations will have a huge impact on energy consumption, by realising previously unimaginable performance from sustainable energy sources, in energy storage and recovery, and in aviation, aerospace and automotive – including Formula1. Investors include some of the world’s largest corporates, national governments, financial institutions, and some private individuals. Revenues from the commercialisation of its IP are now forecast to triple every year. R&D spend is already substantial and rising fast. This is a UK business, but it is most certainly international in its outlook, ownership, interests and ambitions. It is no secret that the most likely path will lead to IPO.

Role

The CFO will work closely with the CEO on the statutory board alongside an impressive array of Non-Executives, and will be a high-profile member of the Executive Leadership Team. This is a vitally important appointment – it is strategic and operational, facing both internally and externally. The CFO must manage a relatively small team in maintaining tight control over the day-to-day finances of the business, in parallel with being a credible influencer of multiple stakeholders and diverse investors, whilst planning and preparing for, then executing a successful IPO. Prior flotation and investor relations experience will therefore be a cornerstone of this role, as will an understanding of R&D-driven and IP-led businesses, the leadership of people of exceptional ability, and managing the finance function of a scale-up through a very rapid phase of growth.

Candidate

• High intellect, with a degree in numerate subject, from a reputable university
• Chartered Accountant ACA / FCA
• Prior success in flotation / listing / IPO / M&A / divestment
• Strategic thinker, works with others to define the vision and on refining the plan to achieve it
• Extensive experience as FD or CFO, hands-on management of a finance function
• Ensures compliance in all financial, legal and regulatory matters
• Demonstrable interest in advanced engineering, technology innovation, IP and R&D
• Primary liaison for investors, bankers, auditors, lawyers, brokers
• Leader, by inspiration and example, with high energy, in scale-up / high-growth businesses
• Analytical, interprets data quickly and accurately, drives improved performance
• Commercially minded, with entrepreneurial instincts
• First-class communicator, especially of complexity, speaks and writes with clarity
• Relationship builder, co-operative, creates structures, engenders collaboration
• Resilient, determined, and always accountable

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