Fractional Chief Financial Officer - Events business

Note: This is a confidential search project for a client of Collingwood. Further details will be made available under NDA to shortlisted candidates. 

Fractional Chief Financial Officer
Events & Media Business
Fractional (1–1.5 days per week initially, rising to 2-3 days a week after 12 months)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Remuneration – Market rate day rate plus exit orientated incentive. Outside IR35.

Location – Remote but attendance required at Board meetings.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Fractional Chief Financial Officer to oversee, professionalise and scale the finance function of a growing events and B2B media business.

The CFO will supervise a finance team of two and ensure delivery of accurate, timely and decision-useful financial information, alongside strong financial control and governance.

In addition, the CFO will play a central role in preparing the business for a planned exit within approximately two years. This will include ownership of financial readiness, development of robust and credible financial narratives, and support of all transaction-related activity in close coordination with the CEO and appointed advisors.

The role requires a balance of operational rigour, commercial insight and transaction experience.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Leadership

• Lead and supervise the finance team (2 staff)
• Enhance financial processes, controls and systems to a standard suitable for investor scrutiny
• Ensure scalability of the finance function in line with planned revenue growth, particularly in events
• Establish clear ownership, accountability and timelines across all finance outputs

Financial Reporting & KPIs

• Deliver monthly management accounts with clear variance analysis and actionable commentary
• Prepare Board-level reporting packs aligned to investor expectations
• Develop and maintain a KPI framework aligned to value creation
• Improve speed, accuracy and usability of reporting outputs, using AI where appropriate 
• Implement automated and standardised reporting where appropriate

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes with clear linkage to strategic objectives
• Build and maintain rolling 12–24 month integrated financial models
• Develop scenario models (base, upside, downside), including:
  • Event scale-up assumptions
  • Revenue mix shifts
  • Cost base evolution
  • Sensitivity analysis on key drivers
• Support commercial decision-making with structured financial analysis (pricing, packaging, ROI)
• Establish forward-looking visibility on revenue quality and sustainability

Treasury & Cash Management

• Oversee cashflow and liquidity with a focus on forward visibility
• Implement robust, rolling cashflow forecasting
• Manage working capital, including receivables discipline and event-related cash cycles
• Manage banking relationships and funding requirements as needed

Tax, Audit & Compliance

• Ensure VAT, corporation tax and payroll compliance
• Oversee statutory accounts and audit process (we are audited despite being below threshold - a requirement of investors)
• Manage Auditors and external advisors efficiently and cost-effectively
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and governance standards

Exit Preparation & Transaction Readiness

• Assess and continuously monitor readiness for exit
• Upgrade financial reporting, controls and documentation to meet buyer expectations
• Develop clear and defensible financial narratives, including:
  • Quality of earnings
  • Revenue visibility and predictability
  • Margin sustainability
• Identify and address gaps that could impact valuation or transaction risk
• Support preparation for vendor due diligence processes

Data Room & M&A Support

• Build, structure and maintain a transaction-ready data room
• Prepare and validate financial data books and supporting schedules
• Ensure consistency between management reporting, statutory accounts and transaction materials
• Work closely with advisors on all financial aspects of the transaction process
• Support management through due diligence queries and buyer interactions

Systems, Data & Automation

• Improve management information through better use of systems and data integration
• Drive automation of recurring reporting and analysis processes
• Ensure finance systems support accurate, scalable and timely reporting
• Introduce appropriate use of tools (including AI-enabled processes where relevant) to reduce manual workload and improve insight quality

Candidate Profile

• Proven CFO or senior finance leadership experience in a growth environment
• Demonstrable experience supporting or leading M&A / exit processes
• Strong commercial and analytical capability, with ability to link financial outputs to strategic decisions
• Experience in events, media or B2B information businesses desirable
• Track record of building scalable reporting, modelling and financial infrastructure
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, resource-constrained environment
• Able to challenge constructively and operate as a true partner to the CEO
• Strong attention to detail combined with pragmatism and pace