CFO / COO – Finance & Operations Leader

CFO / COO – Finance & Operations Leader | Fast-Growing Consultancy

Summary

We’re hiring a CFO/COO for BFY Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing consultancies, a recognised Great Place To Work, and an employee-owned business (EOT). This pivotal role sits on the Senior Leadership Team and the EOT Board, with a six-figure package including bonus, LTIP, and equity. Bring your commercial finance expertise and help shape the future of our employee-owned business.

About Us

Our purpose is enabling the transformation of the utilities industry—innovating with clients to drive exceptional outcomes across people, technology, products, and services.

At BFY, you’ll find us working as trusted advisors with a wide range of organisations, including leading and emerging firms across the utilities sector—covering water, energy services, infrastructure, and more. What sets us apart is our blend of industry expertise and consulting capability. We hire leading experts from the sectors we serve, who bring empathy and a commitment to deliver transformative change. From strategic issues to operational details, our team delivers practical, effective solutions that create lasting results and inspire new ways of working.

We’re proud to have been:

  • Named one of the UK’s Leading Management Consultants by the Financial Times
  • Featured in The Sunday Times Hundred as one of the UK’s fastest-growing private companies
  • Recognised with multiple Great Place To Work awards
  • Selected by Private Equity clients as one of the 50 most ambitious businesses and leadership teams in the UK

Recognised for our hands-on, collaborative style and a people-first culture, we’re fuelled by world-class industry expertise and a commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes.

The Role

We seek a commercially savvy CFO/COO with strong business-partnering skills to lead our Finance, People & Culture (HR), and Internal Operations/Practice Management functions. Reporting to the Managing Partner, this role is integral to executive leadership and the EOT Board.

The role will require an excellent leader, capable of coaching teams to create a future-ready internal function which underpins BFY’s growth ambitious, and the vision of the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

You’ll also:

  • Lead on legal and commercial matters, including contracts, risk management, and governance
  • Drive financial and operational strategies that support our growth ambitions
  • Be part of the team championing employee ownership, embedding EOT values in decision-making

Your Team

  • Finance: Head of Finance, Finance Manager, Bookkeeper, external Audit/Accounting partner
  • HR & Legal: Head of People & Culture, outsourced HR/Legal support, external legal advisors
  • Operations: Practice Manager, Business Support Manager

Key Responsibilities

  • Financial leadership: Own planning, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and actionable insights to drive commercial outcomes
  • Operational oversight: Manage internal operations, process efficiency, and systems to support scalable growth
  • Commercial influence: Partner with practice leads and directors, aligning financial insight with business development
  • Leadership & governance: Serve on the EOT Board, reinforcing employee-ownership values and financial integrity
  • Legal & contracts: Oversee commercial contracts, supplier agreements, and legal compliance, supported by external advisors
  • People & Culture: Lead HR strategy, talent development, inclusion, and performance management
  • Team leadership: Lead a lean, high-impact Finance team, People & Culture professionals, and Ops staff

About You

  • Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), ideally with relevant professional services experience
  • Deep commercial acumen; able to translate numbers into strategy
  • Hands-on operator who’s comfortable in the detail as well as the strategy
  • Strong business-partnering skills—collaborative, insightful, and able to help shape financial outcomes
  • Experience partnering with founder-led businesses is beneficial

What’s On Offer

We’re a high-performing team that looks after each other, putting real effort into creating an environment that offers meaningful work, the opportunity to develop and grow, and the chance to have fun whilst doing it.

  • Competitive six-figure package, aligned with your capability and experience
  • Biannual bonus scheme (linked to performance reviews)
  • LTIP and equity scheme
  • EV car scheme via salary sacrifice
  • 33 days holiday (25 days plus 8 bank holidays) with a holiday purchase scheme
  • 1 additional day of holiday per year after 2 years of service (up to 5 extra days)
  • Private medical insurance for you, your cohabiting partner, and children under 18
  • Access to high-quality wellbeing support through our specialist partners
  • Option for additional pension savings via salary sacrifice
  • Influence over the employee-owned future of BFY Group

To Apply

Email Tanya.Thewlis@bfygroup.co.uk with:

  • Your CV
  • A brief covering note on your fit, motivation for the role, and target package range
  • A reference from a previous employer/senior referee