CFO

CFO - Manchester - International Software

Barribal Associates are working in partnership with this dynamic software business that has an unrivalled reputation of expertise in their specialist and niche market. Backed by a highly regarded private equity house, with an outstanding record of strategic business growth, delivery and multiple returns to investors, we are embarking on an exciting next chapter in the continued success story of the organisation.

The company has an internationally broad portfolio of operations, with offices on every continent.  Since coming under new ownership, results have flourished and continue to climb with excellent predictions for the year ahead. The aggressive growth of the business can be attributed to significant product development, a defined and focussed organic growth plan and most excitingly, the continued expansion of operations in new geographies, driven from an established network that offers a solid platform for delivery and continued growth. A strong forward order book and highly accomplished senior leadership team, coupled with this exciting opportunity, makes this very possibly one of the most attractive organisations in the region today.

As the company prepares to embark on this significant growth phase, the senior executive and PE backers are looking to appoint a high calibre Chief Financial Officer to work alongside them in a leadership position within the company.

You will have a proven track record of delivery within the software space, likely internationally, and ideally in a Private Equity backed business, from a growth/turnaround/transformation position. Exit experience will be a significant advantage to any application, as will the “top to tail” process of preparing and delivering that programme.

Leadership, adaptability and a desire to overcome sometimes complex and daunting challenges will all be part and parcel of your natural character and demeanour. These traits, coupled with a passion for making a significant impact on the businesses you serve, will stand you in good stead in what will be a fast-paced, dynamic and demanding environment, but one that will offer excellent satisfaction and reward.

This position will provide an attractive package including a generous car allowance, a bonus of up to 50% and equity participation. However, it is the opportunity to be involved in this exciting next chapter of the company and to work alongside such a highly accomplished and proven exec team that should be inspiring you to find out more details.

Your remit will include, but not be limited to:

• Direct responsibility for the P&L and the support of the CEO to ensure that the business capitalises upon its significant growth potential under the PE ownership.
• You will be responsible for working alongside the CEO to strengthen and improve the market position & company culture as well as implementing the strategic vision of the group.
• You will be charged with shaping the strategic growth agenda for the business and driving best practice improvement across core financial, commercial and operational processes globally.
• Drive rapid and significant improvements in the commercial functions, leading to step change in revenue growth and quality.
• Assess and capitalise on the pricing opportunities that can be created from the typically long term licensing agreements with large multi-national customers.
• Support the CEO in building a culture focused on customer orientation, high growth, detail, good commercial disciplines, outstanding performance, energy and collaboration across the global business.
• Ensure clear and detailed monthly reporting to the board across strategy, financial performance, operations, sales, product and technology.

The ideal candidate must have/be:

• A highly experienced and international CFO who has had the remit to grow a business in a software environment with significant market coverage, scaling profitability within both a matrixed organization and in a PE backed organisation.
• Deep experience of complex software solution sales and account-led growth in an international B2B environment.
• Successfully undertaken at least one exit in a PE backed environment.
• Have extensive experience in: managing balance sheets, budgeting and cash management, managing high growth, managing costs, understanding recurring revenue, undertaking an IFRS15 implementation, managing capex investment and operating a lean company that is metrics- and KPI-driven, with a culture of continuous improvement. 
• A track record of owning full responsibility across: legal, tax, and HR and of leading transformation within organisations.

Must-have leadership competencies:

• Shaping strategy: envisioning the future, deciding strategic priorities and anticipating changes; able to deliver excellent terms of engagement with customers.
• Developing Talent: a relentless focus on strengthening organisational capability through talent development; mentoring others within the business with an ambition to significantly grow the organisation.
• Ambitious and outgoing: a self-starter who is adept at utilising existing resources to achieve results and brings an enthusiastic and positive mind set and approach to business building but will also look for advice and work closely with their Private Equity partners.
• Calm, confident, seasoned and able to adapt quickly to rapidly changing situations.
• Execution-focused: clear commitment to setting and achieving stretching goals and growth targets with a permanent focus on the creation of value.
• High ethical standards demonstrated by the individual’s reputation for high integrity in business and the ability to set that tone for the entire business.

Barribal Associates and the organisations it represents are fully committed to equal opportunities and encourage applications from any age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality, religion or sexual orientation.