Group Chief Financial Officer

PrivatalPrivatal is a Pan-European specialist headhunting firm placing interim and permanent talent across CFO/finance, value creation & strategy, and transformation into private equity-backed portfolio companies and funds. Unlike generalist firms, each Privatal consultant combines deep private equity expertise with a dedicated functional focus—enabling exceptional speed and quality in deliveryIntroductionPrivatal is partnering with a Pan-European private equity investor in their search for a new group CFO, a leading digital transformation and IT services platform in its next phase of value creation and exit readiness.The OpportunityWe are seeking a Group CFO to partner closely with the CEO and the investor in driving the next phase of the asset's transformation. This is a broad leadership mandate extending beyond traditional finance, with responsibility for strengthening commercial performance, improving operational transparency, and ensuring the business is fully prepared for a successful private equity exit.The successful candidate will inherit a finance organisation that has already undergone significant professionalisation. The focus is no longer on building the fundamentals, but on leveraging strong financial foundations to improve business performance, optimise commercial decision-making, and establish best-in-class governance across a project-based, professional services organisation.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the next phase of the Group's transformation, supporting the execution of the asset's value creation plan.Drive commercial controlling, project administration, utilisation reporting, invoicing, and performance analytics across the business.Further develop financial planning, reporting, forecasting, accounting, tax, treasury, and compliance capabilities.Establish robust KPI frameworks and management reporting to improve commercial decision-making and operational performance.Optimise project profitability, working capital, and cash flow across a complex services environment.Lead governance, data management, compliance, and enterprise-wide control frameworks. Partner with the CEO and shareholders on strategic planning, business performance, and organisational development.Support M&A activities, post-merger integration, and strategic transformation initiatives where required.Build and develop a high-performing international finance organisation.Lead the business through exit readiness, ensuring institutional-quality reporting, governance, and investor communication.CFO ProfileProven Group CFO experience within a private equity-backed portfolio company.Strong transformation and restructuring track record within IT services, professional services, consulting, or other project-based business models.Deep understanding of commercial controlling, project accounting, utilisation management, and customer profitability.Experience partnering directly with private equity investors and executive leadership teams.Demonstrated exposure to M&A, post-merger integration, and value creation initiatives.Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial insight into operational decision-making.Hands-on leadership style with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Experience leading international finance organisations across multiple jurisdictions.Fluent in German and English.Strong cultural fit with an entrepreneurial, high-performance private equity environment.Only successful candidates will be contacted based on the investor's set of requirements.Responsible for the search:Julian HovePartner, CFO Practice
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