Global software business seeks ambitious Head of Corporate Development to join their entrepreneurial team.  Under the leadership of a highly regarded CEO and inspiring senior management group, this is a seat at the leadership table which will inspire and stimulate a driven individual every day.  The business is backed by a PE tech super fund, so offers the chance to work with best-in-class investment professionals and will, of course, demand the same level of excellence in the successful candidate.

Early in the investment cycle, this business has M&A at the top of their agenda, with its acquisition strategy being driven by high-volume and transformational deal work in equal measure.  It will be important to demonstrate an excellent track record of personally managing every stage of M&A processes from nascency to close, plus an ability to build and run a high-performing corporate development team.  It’s important to mention that this role will go to an incredible originator, who enjoys developing relationships with founder-run businesses.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• To work closely with C-Suite executives as part of the leadership team, driving the business forward in all aspects of M&A strategy and value realisation
• Prolific track record in M&A cycle, including very strong origination and lead management
• Building and managing a corporate development team

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated background in appropriate field or fields – Big 4 / top-tier bank / in-house TMT
• Knowledge of and passion about software market, globally

Remuneration

• Flexible for the right candidate up to ~£250K
• Strong bonus
• Equity from day 1
• Excellent all round package of employee benefits

Our client

Private Equity owned global business services for the financial services sector.

About the role 

 Reporting directly to the Group CFO, the Director Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) will be responsible for leading and managing Group Financial Planning & Analysis.

We are looking for a hands-on and experienced finance professional to lead the Global FPA team.  As the Director of FP&A, your objective is to help transform the FP&A function. In doing so, you will closely collaborate and business partner with stakeholders from all our global locations as well as our centralised Marketing, Human Capital, IT, Procurement & Operations teams. You have an opportunity to directly influence overall finance strategy, month end, budgeting & planning processes. You must be intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and able to identify solutions to complex problems, then roll-up your sleeves to drive implementation and track your work’s impact. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the Group FP&A team to deliver robust and timely financial data and analysis 
• Leading monthly reporting cycle and annual budgeting process
• Lead, coach and develop the team
• Managing the FP&A month end close process, ensuring inputs from the finance team are submitted on time & to the standard expected  
• Analysis and insight into the business through the forecasting and actuals processes to facilitate strategic decision making
• Challenge and analyse group reporting and ensure a strong level of understanding within the FP&A team to enable value add internal reporting
• Review and continually improve the reporting process and reporting templates to ensure consistent and efficient reporting across the group, leveraging functionality of existing systems & tools and help implement new, fit-for-purpose systems & tools  
• Oversee the yearly budgeting processes covering timing, communications, and reporting.  
• Support the monthly production of monthly Board and operational packs to ensure key messaging and observations are delivered in a succinct and timely manner.  
• Provide business partnering support to the senior leadership team whilst establishing strong and effective relationships across all levels in the business. 
• Close liaison with multi-disciplinary teams

Proven skills and experience

The ideal candidate will be ACA qualified with a practice background and with experience operating in and running FP&A and reporting teams in a large, global business as well as experience in SME / PE owned businesses.

• Qualified (ACCA/ACA) with proven post qualifying experience and history of supporting non-finance teams  
• Experience of managing, leading and developing FP&A teams  
• Experience of managing change within a group finance function
• Able to operate in quickly changing environments whilst being well organised, pro-active and deadline driven  
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to effectively delver concise output and messaging. 
• Ability to demonstrate improvements through business process re-engineering within FP&A  
• Strong interpersonal skills; in building relationships, managing expectations in interacting with all levels of management  
• Experience of working in a global company with multiple legal entities  
• Excellent Excel skills and prior experience of Power BI or similar planning software and data warehousing
• System implementation experience is advantageous

We are working with a PE backed healthcare company who are looking to strengthen their team with an M&A Director.  They will take full responsibility for the deal process end -to-end and growing the business into new markets.

Your area of responsibility:

• Execution of buy-and-build strategy with direct connection to management and shareholders
• Ownership of deal pipeline and sourcing of new opportunities.
• End-to-end responsibility of transaction processes – from the evaluation of potential targets and setup of business cases to LOI preparation, due diligence coordination and SPA negotiations, incl. co-ordination of external advisors and junior colleagues.
• Coordination and involvement in Post-Merger-Integration
• Independent implementation of projects in the field of corporate development and operational improvement
• Identification and analysis of business models
• Support the CEO in the overall Strategy and Corporate Development activities of the business

Candidate profile:

• You have excellent project management and problem-solving skills, convincing with strong analytical capabilities and compelling communication skills across various stakeholder level
• You have relevant professional experience of 5-8 years M&A experience in management consulting, banking or in-house corporate.
• Strong modelling skills
• Have completed successful end to end transactions, including SPA negotiations.
• A clear entrepreneurial mindset and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• A high degree of initiative, a structured approach and organizational strength
• Degree in business administration (or other relevant course of study)
• Fluency in German and English

We are currently partnered with a PE backed Pharmaceutical company who are looking to strengthen their M&A Team with a M&A Director. Reporting directly to the CCDO, this role will play a vital part within the deal process and will offer the right candidate high visibility to senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead analytical search process to identify new targets in line with the company's objectives (product and company)
• Network extensively with companies that might divest products of interest to the company, to identify and unlock other new opportunities
• Lead cross functional due diligence teams to evaluate product acquisition opportunities that have been identified.
• Prepare and present financial evaluations (working closely with strategic finance) in line with corporate requirements, and prepare thorough risk analysis reviews, to evaluate opportunities and make recommendations to the ELT/board for deal proposals
• Brief post deal integration/project teams on outcome of DD and deal negotiations and act as an alliance manager through the process for all product acquisitions
• Support the CCDO on company acquisition projects as required including search and evaluation, DD, financial analysis, negotiation, project management and reporting.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly reports on progress of due diligence ongoing negotiations and completed (Product and Company) Acquisition project activities, in line with corporate requirements.
• Occasionally support/lead divestment activities of non-strategic assets, as and when required
• Keeps up with legislation and regulatory policies governing merger and acquisition transactions within the business jurisdiction of operation ensuring all the business mergers and acquisitions activities fall within the confines of these policies and legislation

Canidate Requirements:

• Masters degree in business economics or any other related field.
• 6-8 years in M&A
• Experience in working on HC or Pharma deals incl. as part of a cross functional DD team.
• Understanding of European Pharma/ HC sector and market dynamics (post patent/loss of exclusivity sector)
• Leadership experience of DD teams

To lead all M&A activity for the Group’s divisions across US and EMEA. Taking strategic ownership of all aspects of M&A activity from identification of opportunities, negotiating deals and leading deal execution.

Responsibilities:

• Identification and origination of acquisition opportunities, reaching understanding of the opportunities, the development of the strategic and financial case (in partnership with the businesses) and the development of integration planning. In short this role represents the “business” rather than owning the deal.
• Lead in sourcing opportunities, converting to deals and overall execution.
• Provide M&A project leadership and transaction process planning including coordination with other Divisional and Group functions (e.g. legal, strategy, finance, tax, HR, PR) and external advisers. This includes management of due diligence processes and preparation for divestments.
• Develop and maintain an acquisition pipeline to identify and cultivate target opportunities that meet divisional strategic objectives.
• Assess opportunities to ensure that they are in line with the Divisions strategic goals and financial metrics.
• Able to assess, advise and manage possible divestments.
• Preparation and review of detailed valuation analyses.
• Compilation and review of financial and operational information.
• Drive the successful execution of the transactions and provide support to develop and implement integration plans that includes suitable performance tracking reports.
• Provide analysis and support documentation to communicate M&A projects to senior management and the Board of Directors.
• You should note that your title and job description are not exhaustive and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake other reasonable tasks within your capacity.
• Direct and control the work and resources of the BU and ensure the recruitment and retention of the required numbers and types of well-motivated, trained and developed staff to ensure that it achieves its mission and objectives.
• Prepare an annual business plan and monitor progress against these plans to ensure that the company attains its objectives as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
• Provide strategic advice to the President of the Division/s of developments within the industries and ensure that the appropriate policies are developed to meet the Divisional missions and objectives and to comply with all relevant statutory and other regulations.

Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of working in a fast-paced, highly competitive, and dynamic environment.
• Collaborative approach: able to partner effectively with internal departments (from Divisional CEOs through to Legal) and external advisors.
• Excellent financial acumen, including financial analysis, valuation techniques and modelling. The candidate will have worked on in-depth operational and valuation financial modelling and will have the ability to generate new business through developing strong relationships.
• Strong negotiator, as well as a promising/established leader of managing the entire life cycle/integration.
• Able to identify markets, industries, technologies and after-markets that complement the overall M&A strategy and translate these into specified targets.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across different levels and functions, and across the business.
• High commercial awareness.
• Effective influencing and communication skills: both written and verbal.
• International deal experience is highly desired, as is an awareness of cultural differences.
• Knowledge of engineering, technology or flow control markets desirable but not required.
• Strong interpersonal skills: as a representative of the business and a part of the Group, rather than just the Corporate Development team, the candidate will be confident, approachable and flexible.

Additional Information:

• Travel %: 50% to 75% no travel restrictions
• Security: No US citizenship or Permanent Resident required

Phipps Cameron are partnering with a global consumer business who are looking to recruit for a Corporate Development Director. The Director of Corporate Development is a key leader in executing the businesses long-term inorganic strategy. Working very closely with the VP of Corporate Development and interacting with the segment leadership, Strategy team and other business functions, this person has deep expertise in navigating the M&A ecosystem across the globe, leading governance processes to obtain informed “go/no go” decisions from the OOP and Board. This role has no direct reports. However the role is a critical support to the VP of Corporate Development by independently leading the execution of M&A projects, including the team members assigned to such projects.

Together with the SVP, VP and GC, Corporate Development, partner with the business's Strategy, Segment leadership teams and other business functions to execute the companies inorganic strategies with excellence.

• Play a co-pilot role to the VP of Corporate Development by independently leading the execution of some M&A projects, following governance processes to obtain informed “go/no go” decisions from OOP and company Board
• Together with other senior members of the Corporate Development team, lead negotiations with our counterparties’ C-Suite and advisors and with presentations to the OOP and company Board on critical acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures
• Lead M&A due diligence, valuation, deal structuring of inorganic projects and coordinate support from advisors (investment banks, financial advisors and other consultants), management and other functions
• Partners with the VP of Corporate Development to build and maintain a global network of investment banking and PE houses contacts to feed deal pipeline and provide the business with sophisticated, effective M&A advice
• Develop seamless connectivity between Corporate Development, Strategy, senior leaders and external advisors to ensure that and its leaders have continuous and easy access to best in class services and external advice
• Participate in coaching and training of other members of the Corporate Development teams (Managers and Senior Analysts) to ensure sustainable and effective execution of global inorganic strategy
• Contribute to the formal trainings for the team
• Participate to the recruiting efforts of the team
• Reports to the VP of Corporate Development
• Significant level of interaction with the SVP of Corporate Development and the General Counsel, Corporate Development
• No direct reports; however must form strong working relationships with Corporate Development team members and support their development objectives

We are pleased to be working alongside a well-established, high growth Construction brand on their requirement for a Commercial Finance Manager in one of their key divisions. This role will act as the Commercial Finance partner to the both the FD and MD as well as various other senior stakeholders both Finance and non-Finance. The division has seen outstanding growth in recent times and the addition of this hire will help to ensure that this trend continues.

The role itself has a broad mix of tasks and responsibilities, a large proportion of which are ad hoc and variable in their nature but some key parts of the role include:

• Preparation and presentation of commercial analysis of relevant financial and non-financial data to senior leadership
• Ownership of various periodical, ad hoc and rolling budgeting and forecasting processes
• Delivery of monthly packs for the board alongside analysis, commentary and suggestions
• Maintenance and ownership of various MI and BI reports
• Where necessary, translate complex accounting matters into advice and guidance to MD
• Lead on various transformation initiatives including but not limited to system upgrades and improved processes
• Line management of an Analyst
• Various other ad hoc tasks

To be considered, a candidate should be/have:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
• Relevant post qualification experience, ideally in a similar or adjacent sector
• Strong commercial acumen, ability to use initiative and problem solve
• Effective communication and business partnering skills

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to come in a take ownership of Commercial Finance activities for the division, with a great deal of autonomy as well as mentorship from a great FD.

We are working with a well-regarded FTSE250 on their newly created need for a Systems Accountant to join their lean but impressive Group function. The business has fared well in recent times and is now positioning itself for future growth by investing in relevant systems and business infrastructure.

As part of the business’ continued investment, they are now looking to bring on a dedicated Finance Systems Accountant to effectively take ownership of all Finance related systems. This role will sit as part of Group Finance but naturally will also work very closely with IT and Operations.

Key tasks include:

• Ensuring all finance systems process, controls and policy documentation is up to date
• Acting as main liaison between Finance and IT
• Being the Finance ‘go to’ person for system related queries
• Developing, controlling and delivering changes to reporting, including use of Power BI
• Working with the Finance and IT teams to deliver system enhancements and aid transition to the new system
• Take a lead role in delivering Finance Transformation
• Delivering relevant training and coaching to both Group and Divisional Finance teams on correct use of systems

To be considered a candidate should have:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
• Strong understanding of Accounting principles
• Experience in MS Dynamics 365, Anaplan and PowerBI all very advantageous

This is a great opportunity for someone to become a key part of an already impressive function and to shape this newly created role around themselves. 

We are currently partnered with one of the UK’s highest potential Property Investment firms on their search for a Financial Controller to facilitate their further growth. The business has gone from strength to strength in recent times and they are now in their scale up phase, targeting aggressive growth.

The Financial Controller will act as a number two to the CFO, effectively managing the day to day running of the Finance function and deputizing for the CFO when required. This role has a broad remit and will have ownership of various projects including implementing a new system, designing, and implementing new processes and numerous other transformation focused initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Effective reporting and control for the group
• Budgeting & forecasting, as well as broader FP&A related tasks
• Act as the key source of knowledge on Technical Accounting/reporting queries
• Daily treasury management of cash e.g. underwriting and senior funding lines
• Preparing and presenting management & statutory financial statements at both individual entity and group level
• Ownership of the audit process and actioning any recommended improvements
• Management of junior staff
• Act as a Finance business partner to various key stakeholders, using dashboards, FP&A and other relevant to ‘paint a picture’ of the financial information
• Effective cashflow management
• Helping CFO to build the financial infrastructure with robust systems and controls
• Various other ad hoc projects and tasks

Candidate profile:

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with c.4-5 years post qualification experience
• Experience working as a Finance Manager/Controller within an SME
• Strong academics
• Proficient knowledge of Excel and Xero
• Hands on attitude
• Experience of working in a regulated environment would be desirable

 This is a fantastic opportunity to join a hugely exciting business at a key time in their growth.

We are pleased to be supporting a highly reputable and well-respected FTSE 250 business on their search for a Group Reporting Director. The business has recently gone through a transformative period and is now in a strong position to focus on future growth.

This role will be responsible for leading all reporting both internal and external, as well as driving finance/reporting transformation across the entire organization. The Group Reporting Director will inherit a strong Group Finance team to support them and will have a clear progression path within the business.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Taking responsibility for all internal and external reporting requirements
• Developing, maintaining, and implementing controls, processes and procedures across the both the group team and divisional businesses
• Acting as key point of contact on Technical Accounting/Finance queries for the executive team and board
• Driving Finance change and transformation initiatives across the organization
• Management of a high calibre team
• Working with Group IT Director to ensure Finance systems are fit for purpose and being utilized effectively  
• Various ad hoc tasks, particularly in relation to M&A activity and Transformation

To be considered, you should have:

• ACA qualified with 10 years+ PQE
• Led Group Reporting within a PLC, ideally FTSE100/250
• Keen to take on an ever-evolving role and be an advocate for change