Blair West are supporting PSSG, a high growth software business and one of the most exciting Private Equity backed businesses in the North East, with the search for a Chief Financial Officer.
The business is seeking to appoint a CFO to play a key role in delivering the next phase of growth following a planned equity event in the near-medium term.
The newly appointed CFO will replace an incumbent and provide commercial and analytical insight as the business delivers an ambitious growth plan.
Based in Newcastle, PSSG provides software and outsourcing solutions for HR, Payroll and Business Support in the UK and to some international clients. It was acquired by Tenzing in 2019 as part of a roll-up strategy and has successfully completed and quickly consolidated 10 acquisitions to date, scaling to c.200 people and profitably generating £20m revenue. The business faces significant market opportunity and has a clear plan to capitalise on it following exceptional, consistent year-on-year growth.
PSSG benefits from a high calibre executive board, the guidance of an experienced Non-Exec Chair, and Non-Exec Director support from Tenzing. The incumbent CFO is strong and strategic, she will leave the financial operations and team in a good position for future growth.
The appointment of a dynamic, ambitious high calibre CFO, who fits with the culture of a high performing, highly collegiate board room and is motivated by equity value creation, is a key element to the growth plan. The successful candidate will be strong at presenting and pulling together meaningful reports that help articulate the story and support decision making. They will have experience in SaaS and recurring revenue environments, bring knowledge of leading M&A processes and an understanding of how to grow a Private Equity backed business. It is essential that the incoming CFO recognises the opportunity that this role represents.
This is the opportunity to join the board of an established, PE backed, high growth business, providing key contribution through board level leadership in delivering an ambitious growth plan.
The opportunity:
- Overall responsibility for the design and delivery of the finance and legal strategies that support the mission, vision and wider business strategy, aligned to Company values.
- Lead and develop the finance function, bringing an in-depth knowledge of commercial finance, fund raising, corporate structuring and M&A.
- Take a lead role in ongoing and future M&A projects, driving analysis, financial modelling, strategic insight and post deal integration workflows.
- Act as an inspirational leader, driving accountability for achieving measurable shareholder value, developing internal talent and building the team as required.
- Accountable for delivering commercial insight, using data and analytics to drive business performance.
- Provide strategic financial advice and support to the Leadership Team, providing insight to aid decision making.
- Drive financial performance and improve business profitability, maintaining a relentless focus on cash flow.
- Deliver robust and accurate financial information and KPIs.
- Identify areas requiring improved robust financial controls and processes that drive stakeholder accountability, maintaining a cost control culture.
- Manage external stakeholder relationships where appropriate, including banking and investors, and play a part in promoting and representing the company to external organizations.
You’ll be the ideal candidate for this position if you are:
- Someone who can not only work with the numbers but also interpret and present them in a clear, compelling narrative to guide decision-making.
- Someone grounded in day-to-day financial management while supporting the strategic vision.
- A proven finance leader, either at CFO or high-performing FD level in a growing or transforming business with a recurring revenue business model.
- Bringing strong skills in operational finance management, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting with a focus on interpreting the numbers and presenting clear, meaningful insights.
- Having a background of team development and leadership in a Private Equity backed or highly leveraged environment, where management of bank debt, funding covenants and cash are under scrutiny.
- Having a background in businesses that have experienced significant growth or operational transformation.
- Having M&A experience; understanding of integration and related processes is a plus.
- Able to focus on operational detail while supporting the broader business agenda.
- This is a Newcastle based role. The CFO will need to be within a commutable distance of the head office. There is a requirement to be 5 days per week in the office (and a minimum of 3).
- Having the self-confidence and intellect to constructively challenge strategic decision making and support the senior team in decision making.
Our commitment
Blair West is an equal-opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give our candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us, please speak to their consultant.
