Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Hybrid | Weekly travel to Central Europe (2–3 days per week at HQ)
Start: ASAP
Contract: Interim (with potential interim-to-permanent)
Day Rate: Negotiable (aligned to large-cap, PE-backed complexity)

The Opportunity

A large, international, private equity–backed group (c. €700m+ turnover) is seeking an Interim CFO to provide immediate leadership and stability during a transition period while a permanent appointment is made.

The business is operating a buy-and-build growth strategy, with regular M&A activity across Europe. The Interim CFO will play a central role not only in core financial stewardship, but also in supporting transactions and ensuring disciplined post-merger integration.

This is a role requiring a senior finance leader who can operate credibly at board and investor level, act as a trusted right hand to the CEO, and simultaneously adopt a hands-on, in-the-trenches approach to ensure accuracy, control, and momentum.

• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency of financial numbers across the group

• Improve forecasting quality, cash flow visibility, and working capital discipline

• Support and shape M&A activity, from diligence through integration

• Professionalise the finance function to large-cap, PE-backed standards

• Provide confident leadership through transition, supporting continuity and handover to a permanent CFO

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as a core member of the executive leadership team and strategic partner to the CEO

• Provide commercial insight to support growth, capital allocation, and value creation

• Lead board-level and investor-style reporting, including performance, cash, and covenant metrics

• Support longer-term finance strategy, organisation design, and capability development

Financial Control, Reporting & Governance

• Own group financial reporting, ensuring robust controls, reconciliations, and data integrity

• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close across multiple entities and jurisdictions

• Ensure compliance with local statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements

• Standardise accounting policies, reporting formats, and governance across the group

Forecasting, FP&A & Working Capital

• Stabilise and improve short-, medium-, and long-term forecasting accuracy

• Drive improved working capital performance (AR, AP, inventory, cash conversion cycle)

• Enhance management information, KPIs, and dashboards to support operational decision-making

• Challenge assumptions and translate financial data into actionable insight

M&A Support & Transaction Activity

• Act as the finance lead on M&A activity, working closely with the CEO and deal teams

• Support financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and deal structuring

• Assess target businesses’ financial quality, systems, controls, and working capital profiles

• Identify deal risks, synergies, and integration considerations pre-close

• Support rapid assessment of bolt-on opportunities in line with the group’s growth strategy

Post-Merger Integration (PMI)

• Lead or oversee post-merger integration from a finance perspective

• Ensure timely integration of:

  • Financial reporting and close processes

  • Accounting policies and controls

  • Forecasting, budgeting, and KPI frameworks

  • Cash management and working capital practices

• Support integration of finance teams, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and operating cadence

• Track delivery of deal assumptions, synergies, and integration milestones

• Balance pace of integration with business continuity and operational realities

Transformation & Hands-On Delivery

• Lead elements of finance transformation, including:

  • Process standardisation and simplification

  • Strengthening of finance operating rhythm and controls

  • Improving data quality, systems usage, and reporting outputs

• Be close to the detail where needed, particularly in newly acquired or under-developed entities

• Step into problem areas to resolve issues pragmatically and at pace

• Build capability within the existing finance leadership team

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Proven Interim CFO or senior CFO experience within large-cap organisations (€700m+ turnover)

• Strong track record in PE-backed and/or acquisitive buy-and-build environments

• Hands-on experience supporting M&A transactions and post-merger integration

• International, multi-entity experience across European operations

• Demonstrable success improving:

  • Forecasting and cash visibility

  • Working capital performance

  • Finance control and reporting at scale

Style & Mindset

• Gravitas to operate at board and investor level, with a pragmatic delivery mindset

• Commercial, outcomes-focused, and comfortable operating in ambiguity

• Able to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders and finance teams

• Willing to operate both strategically and operationally as required

Practical Requirements

• Willing and able to travel weekly to Central Europe (2–3 days on site)

• Available to start immediately or at short notice

• Open to interim or interim-to-permanent arrangements

Leiter Buchhaltung / Konzernbuchhaltung (m/f/d)

Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland

Budget : 90,000 – 120,000 EUR

Ich arbeite mit einem schnell wachsenden Unternehmen aus dem Bereich Finanztechnologie zusammen, das sich im Besitz einer Private-Equity-Gesellschaft befindet und einen erfahrenen und praxisorientierten Leiter Konzernbuchhaltung für sein Team in Deutschland sucht.

Diese Schlüsselposition untersteht direkt dem CFO und ist verantwortlich für die Führung der gesamten Finanzbuchhaltung gemäß den geltenden Rechnungslegungsstandards sowie für die Überwachung aller Buchhaltungsvorgänge, während das Unternehmen ehrgeizige Pläne und Strategien (Exit) verfolgt.

Als Leiter der Konzernbuchhaltung werden Sie

• eng mit dem CFO und dem Finanzteam in der deutschen Zentrale zusammenarbeiten
• das Unternehmen bei der Konsolidierung und Durchführung mehrerer Akquisitionen unterstützen und das Wachstum in internationalen Märkten vorantreiben
• eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Gestaltung und Verwaltung von Finanzprozessen spielen, während das Unternehmen seine Aktivitäten konsolidiert und eng mit den anderen Holding-Regionen zusammenarbeitet.
• Sie arbeiten mit dem CFO, den M&A- und Finanzteams an mehreren M&A-Transaktionen in der EU und zentralisieren alle Aktivitäten innerhalb der deutschen Niederlassung auf Konzernebene.

Dies ist eine absolut fantastische Gelegenheit, um Ihre Karriere schnell voranzutreiben und sich viele Türen im Bereich Private Equity zu öffnen.

Hauptaufgaben:

• Überwachung und Verwaltung der täglichen Buchhaltungsabläufe unter Gewährleistung der Genauigkeit und Einhaltung lokaler und internationaler Standards (IFRS/deutsche GAAP).
• Unterstützung des CFO bei der Integration von Akquisitionen in das Unternehmen sowie bei der Konsolidierung und Zentralisierung der Buchhaltungsfunktionen an verschiedenen Standorten.
• Verwaltung der Erstellung von Jahresabschlüssen, Konsolidierungen und Berichten.
• Enge Zusammenarbeit mit dem M&A-Team, dem Finanzteam und dem CFO, um

Ihr Profil:

• Ein praxisorientierter, detailorientierter Buchhaltungsexperte mit mehr als 6 Jahren Erfahrung in einer ähnlichen Position, idealerweise in der Versicherungsbranche, im Finanzdienstleistungssektor oder einem verwandten Bereich.
• Aktuelle oder frühere Erfahrung in der Beratung (idealerweise 1st/2nd Tier/Big 4)
• Fundierte Kenntnisse in den Bereichen M&A-Integration und Zentralisierung der Buchhaltung.
• Fachkenntnisse in IFRS, German GAAP und Vertrautheit mit PE-gestützten Umgebungen sind sehr wünschenswert.
• Erfahrung mit LucaNet wäre von Vorteil.
• Nachgewiesene Fähigkeit, selbstständig in einem schnelllebigen, dynamischen Umfeld zu arbeiten.
• Flüssige Deutsch- und Englischkenntnisse.

*Deputy CFO / Head of Financial Planning & Analysis / Head of Controlling (m/f/d) – Healthcare (Private Equity-Backed)*

Location: Essen, Germany

Industry: Healthcare

Level: Senior Leadership

I am exclusively supporting a private equity-backed healthcare portfolio based in Essen, Germany, in hiring a Deputy CFO / Head of Financial Planning & Analysis / Head of Controlling/ Head of Controlling (m/f/d).

The company is looking for a strong finance leader who can professionalise the finance function, improve decision-making, and bring structure to financial reporting and data management.

You will report directly to the CFO and act as their right hand, deputising in their absence. Over time, there is a clear path to stepping into the CFO role. This is a hands-on, high-impact position offering exposure to M&A, PE stakeholders, and strategic growth initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, analytical finance professional with strong FP&A and controlling experience in a complex environment — someone who enjoys solving problems, improving systems, and driving change.

Key Responsibilities

• Professionalise the Finance Function: Build and scale the finance function, introducing robust processes, controls, and governance frameworks to support a growing, multi-entity business.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling to provide actionable insights for decision-making at the executive and board level.
• Business Partnering: Act as the CFO’s right hand and trusted partner, supporting operational teams with commercial insights, performance monitoring, and profitability analysis.
• PE Reporting: Ensure timely, accurate, and structured reporting for private equity owners, including KPI dashboards and board packs.
• Process & Systems Improvement: Drive improvements in data quality, reporting efficiency, and financial systems adoption (including LucaNet, PowerBI) across the finance function.
• M&A & Integration Support: Assist with the integration of newly acquired entities and track post-acquisition performance, aligning financial reporting and operational metrics.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor, coach, and develop finance team members, fostering a culture of high performance, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Deputise for CFO: Take ownership of key finance responsibilities in the CFO’s absence, positioning yourself as a natural successor for future CFO progression

Your Profile

• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Controlling, or similar discipline.
• Proven leadership experience in a controlling or FP&A role, ideally in a multi-site, service-based business.
• Strong business acumen, analytical mindset, and hands-on execution skills.
• Proficient in MS Excel; experience with LucaNet and Power BI is highly desirable.
• Fluent in German and English (written & spoken).

Feel free to apply directly, message me directly or email me at onam.agarwal@phippscameron.com.

Head of Group Accounting

Business Services 

Munich, Germany 

Salary : 120,000 - 150,000 EUR Base + Bonus + Equity 

I am partnered with a high growing PE Backed Business Services portfolio looking for a experienced and hands-on Head of Group Accounting to join their team in Munich, Germany.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing all accounting operations as the company embarks on an ambitious plans and strategy.

As the Head of Group Accounting, you will work closely with the CFO and finance team in managing and optimizing financial operations, supporting the business undergoing multiple acquisitions and driving growth. You will be critical player in shaping and managing the financial accounting processes, consolidating group-wide financial reports and ensuring compliance with international accounting standards (IFRS/ German GAAP). You will support strategic growth initiatives and scale financial operations to accommodate acquisitions and primarily organic growth.

It is an absolute fantastic opportunity to progress very quickly in your career and opening many doors within the private equity space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local and international standards (IFRS/German GAAP/ HGB).
• Support the CFO in integrating acquisitions into the business, consolidating and centralizing accounting functions across different locations.
• Manage the preparation of financial statements, consolidation, and reporting.
• Work closely with the M&A, finance team and CFO to optimize processes, streamline workflows, and ensure timely and efficient financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and tax requirements in Germany and across relevant jurisdictions.
• Act as a key finance partner, contributing to the overall financial strategy and assisting with audit and due diligence activities.

Your Profile:

• A hands-on, detail-oriented accounting professional with over 9+ years of experience in a similar role, ideally from a Private Equity backed business.
• Current or prior experience in Consulting (1st/2nd Tier)
• Strong knowledge of M&A integration and accounting centralization.
• Expertise in IFRS, German GAAP, and familiarity with PE-backed environments is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Fluent in German (must-have) and English.

If you or anyone is interested, apply directly or email me with your CV at onam.agarwal@phippscameron.com

Head of Finance (m/f/d) 

Location: Greater Frankfurt Area (4 days/week on-site)
Team: 2–3 direct reports | Group size approx. 40 employees
Contract Type: Permanent 
Industry: Hazardous Materials Remediation

The Role:
Responsibility for the entire finance function of a growing, private-equity-backed company. Close collaboration with the management team and the investor. Focus on professionalising finance processes, increasing transparency in reporting, and steering projects and company performance. Clear perspective to step into the CFO role within 1–2 years.

Responsibilities:

• Further development and optimization of planning, reporting, and controlling
• Project controlling as well as budget and profitability analyses
• Liquidity management & process optimization (including ERP)
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Management reporting & acting as a sparring partner to the executive team

Profile:

• Degree in Finance/Controlling/Accounting
• At least 6 years of finance experience, including several years in leadership
• Strong skills in controlling, treasury, and accounting
• Hands-on, analytical, execution-oriented

Senior FP&A Manager (Contract) – Global Supply Chain & Industrial Services Group (Listed)

Salary: £100,000 (pro rata)

Contract: 6-Month FTC

Location: Central London (Hybrid – 2–3 days per week in office)

Reports: 3–4

Start: ASAP

A large, internationally recognised, listed organisation operating within the global supply chain and industrial services sector is seeking an experienced Senior FP&A Manager to join its high-performing Group Finance team on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract.

The company is a major player in its field, supporting some of the world’s largest manufacturers, retailers and consumer brands. With operations across multiple regions and a complex, asset-heavy operating model, this role offers significant scale, challenge and senior stakeholder visibility.

The Role

Reporting into Group Finance, the Senior FP&A Manager will lead a team of 3–4 analysts and managers, delivering high-quality insight, forward-looking analysis, and robust financial planning at the Group level.

This is not a month-end role — the focus is on strategic decision support, scenario modelling, forecasting and performance analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Group FP&A team.
• Own the Group budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning cycles.
• Deliver insightful performance reporting and commentary for senior leadership.
• Build and refine complex financial and scenario models.
• Partner with regional and functional leaders across a global network.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes and analytical capability.
• Support strategic initiatives, investment cases and performance reviews.

Candidate Profile

• Strong FP&A experience within a large corporate or listed business, ideally with exposure to supply chain, industrial services, logistics, manufacturing or other complex, multinational environments.
• Proven people leadership experience.
• Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Confident communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholders.
• Forward-looking mindset — comfortable in a planning and insight-focused role.
• ACA qualification desirable; ACCA or CIMA also considered strongly.
• Able to start at short notice and commit to a 6-month FTC.

What’s on Offer

• £100,000 salary (pro rata).
• Hybrid working — 2–3 days per week in a Central London office.
• High-level exposure within a global listed organisation.
• Strategic, senior FP&A responsibilities with real influence.
• Opportunity to shape Group-wide planning and analytical capability.

A fast-growing, tech-enabled platform backed by a leading private equity investor is entering a new phase of transformation and international expansion. The business provides digital infrastructure and workflow solutions to a broad professional services client base and is scaling rapidly through organic growth and strategic initiatives.

The Chief of Staff will act as a force multiplier to the CEO, supporting execution of the value creation plan and driving operational excellence across the business. Working closely with the leadership team and investors, this person will coordinate strategic projects, track performance metrics, and ensure clear communication and alignment throughout the organisation. The remit spans strategic planning, operating cadence, board preparation, and delivery of cross-functional transformation initiatives focused on digitalisation, scalability, and profitability.

This is a high-impact, visible role suited to someone with strong analytical, commercial, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will bring 3–8 years of experience from management consulting, private equity, or strategic / operational roles within high-growth software, fintech, or tech-enabled environments. They will be comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution, thrive in fast-paced and data-driven settings, and possess the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders.

The role offers exceptional exposure to senior leadership, investors, and key decision-making forums. It’s an opportunity to shape the next chapter of a market leader’s growth journey while building a strong platform for future progression into general management or operational leadership positions.

Locations: Hamburg

Office: Hybrid

Compensation: €100,000 base and bonus

Treasury Analyst – Private Equity-Backed Business

Location: London

Salary: Up to £75,000 + benefits

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office)

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Treasury Analyst to join a dynamic, fast-paced, and growing private equity-backed business headquartered in London. This newly created role will play a key part in supporting the Group Treasury function, with a strong focus on cash management, liquidity forecasting, and risk analysis across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

Cash Management & Forecasting

• Own and enhance the group’s short- and medium-term cash flow forecasting models.
• Monitor daily cash positions and ensure optimal liquidity across entities.
• Support working capital initiatives and cash optimisation strategies.

Treasury Operations

• Assist with bank account management, including openings, closures, and mandate updates.
• Maintain banking relationships and support onboarding of new banking partners.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and treasury policies.

Risk & Reporting

• Support the identification and monitoring of financial risks, including FX and interest rate exposures (no hedging required).
• Prepare regular treasury reports for senior stakeholders and investors.
• Assist with treasury-related input into board packs and investor reporting.

Process Improvement & Projects

• Contribute to automation and digitisation of treasury processes.
• Support treasury-related aspects of M&A integration and system implementations.

Candidate Profile

• Strong experience in a treasury or finance role, ideally within a fast-paced, international environment.
• Solid understanding of cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and treasury operations.
• Advanced Excel skills: experience with treasury management systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable working in a PE-backed environment with evolving priorities.

Why Join?

• Be part of a high-growth, transformation-focused business with strong investor backing.
• Exposure to international operations and strategic treasury initiatives.
• Opportunity to shape and build treasury processes from the ground up.

Head of M&A – Financial Services (East Coast - U.S.) 

Our client, a high-growth, investor-backed financial services firm based in the East Coast of the U.S., is seeking a Head of M&A to lead its inorganic growth strategy. With a strong capital base and ambitious plans, the business is poised for significant expansion and is looking for a senior M&A leader to partner closely with the CEO, Board, and investors to drive value creation.

The Role: Strategic Growth Leadership

The Head of M&A will be responsible for shaping and executing the company's acquisition roadmap, driving proactive origination across the financial services landscape (e.g., wealth management, specialty finance, insurance, regional banking, or payments), and leading transactions end-to-end. This is a highly strategic role requiring a balance of vision, execution, and influence. The successful candidate will:

• Define and Evolve M&A Strategy: Develop and continuously refine the M&A strategy to align with corporate objectives and market trends within the financial services sector.

• Originate Opportunities: Proactively source, evaluate, and prioritize acquisition and partnership opportunities.

• Lead Transaction Execution: Drive due diligence, comprehensive financial modeling, valuation, and complex deal negotiations.

• Manage Deal Structuring & Financing: Oversee deal structuring, financing arrangements, and legal documentation in collaboration with internal and external counsel.

• Support Value Creation: Facilitate thorough integration planning and ensure the successful realization of long-term strategic and financial value from acquired businesses.

• Cultivate External Relationships: Build and maintain deep relationships with founders, intermediaries, investment banks, and private equity funds relevant to the financial services industry.

• Present to Leadership: Clearly articulate strategy and present compelling deal cases to the CEO, Board of Directors, and key investors.

Candidate Profile: Commercially Driven M&A Leader

We are seeking a commercially astute, strategically minded M&A professional with a strong understanding of the financial services industry.

Required Experience:

• Significant M&A Experience: Extensive background (8+ years preferred) in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or strategic consulting, with a focus on financial services deals.

• Proven Deal Track Record: A demonstrable history of successfully sourcing, structuring, and executing transactions from initial contact through to closing. Background in buy and Build roll-ups.

• Financial & Analytical Acumen: Exceptional financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills, with the ability to critically challenge assumptions and drive strategic alignment across diverse business units.

• Executive Engagement: Experience engaging credibly and effectively with Boards, C-suite executives, and sophisticated external stakeholders.

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field is required; an MBA or CFA designation is strongly preferred.