Fractional Finance Director

Cedar is partnered with a private equity-backed recruitment business in Central London to appoint a Fractional Finance Director. This is an initial 6-month contract, 2-4 days per week, offering a day rate of £800-1,000 per day. The Company This PE-backed recruitment business has established a strong position within specialist technical markets and is entering the next phase of its growth journey. With ambitious expansion plans and a potential transaction anticipated within the next 12-18 months, the business is focused on strengthening its finance function, improving reporting and enhancing commercial decision-making. Operational finance is outsourced, creating an opportunity for an experienced finance leader to build greater financial rigour, partner with investors and founders, and prepare the business for its next stage of value creation. The Role Reporting directly to the founders, the Fractional Finance Director will lead the commercial finance agenda, acting as the primary finance contact for both the Board and private equity investor. The initial priorities will be rebuilding cash flow forecasting, redesigning management reporting and developing meaningful operational KPIs. Longer term, you'll support strategic decision-making, improve financial governance and help prepare the business for an anticipated transaction. This role would suit an experienced PE-backed Finance Director or CFO who enjoys operating autonomously, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering practical improvements within a fast-growing business. Key responsibilities include: • Rebuilding rolling cash flow forecasts and improving working capital visibility. • Redesigning monthly management accounts, Board packs and investor reporting. • Developing KPI dashboards covering revenue, EBITDA, margin, consultant productivity, contractor performance and cash generation. • Partnering closely with the founders and private equity investor, providing commercial insight and financial challenge. • Overseeing the outsourced finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. • Supporting budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling and long-term financial planning. • Analysing business performance, profitability and operational KPIs to support strategic decision-making. • Improving finance processes, reporting quality, controls and governance. • Supporting transaction readiness, including financial due diligence, Quality of Earnings preparation and investor reporting. • Working alongside external advisers throughout the exit preparation process. Your Profile • ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified. • Previous Finance Director or CFO experience within a private equity-backed business. • Strong commercial finance, FP&A and financial modelling experience. • Demonstrable experience improving reporting, forecasting and cash flow management. • Comfortable partnering directly with founders, Boards and investors. • Experience overseeing outsourced finance providers. • Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to operate independently. • Experience within recruitment, staffing, professional services or other people-led businesses would be advantageous. • Previous experience supporting a sale process, refinancing or private equity exit would be highly desirable. Compensation & Working Arrangements The day rate for this Fractional Finance Director role is £800-1,000 per day. The contract is for an initial 6 months, with an expected commitment of 2-4 days per week. The role is based in Central London with hybrid working. Working closely with the founders and private equity investor, you'll play a pivotal role in strengthening the finance function, enhancing commercial performance and preparing the business for a successful transaction.