Chief Financial Officer

Harper May is working with a founder-led media and events business that has built a strong reputation for live experiences and branded content across the UK and Europe. The company has grown organically over the past five years and is now at an inflection point: fresh capital is being deployed, the product portfolio is expanding, and the operating model is becoming more complex. The Board recognises that finance must evolve from a support function into a strategic lever for decision-making and risk management. The business is now seeking a Chief Financial Officer to build and lead that capability.

The Role
You will join the executive team as Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the CEO and the Board. This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic finance, operational control, and stakeholder management. You will own the financial architecture of the business, from budget-setting and scenario planning through to monthly performance reporting and capital deployment. In a fast-paced, project-driven environment, you will be both the finance strategist and the executor.

• Establish financial strategy, business planning processes, and rolling forecasts that support informed executive decision-making
• Build and lead a lean but capable finance team, defining standards, processes, and development paths
• Oversee month-end close, statutory reporting, audit liaison, and compliance across all entities
• Own working capital management, cash forecasting, and banking relationships to support growth without cash strain
• Work closely with the CEO and Board to evaluate acquisition targets, partnerships, and capital-allocation decisions
• Implement financial controls and governance frameworks that scale with the business and satisfy investor expectations
• Manage the tax position, including corporation tax planning and group restructuring advice

What we are looking for

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification
• At least ten years in senior finance roles, including substantial CFO or Head of Finance experience
• Exposure to media, events, entertainment, or other project-and-contract-led sectors is valuable
• Hands-on skill in financial planning, management accounting, and systems implementation
• Comfortable engaging with Boards, external investors, and banking partners at a senior level
• Track record of building finance teams and embedding best-practice processes in growing businesses