Lucey Fund - Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

LUCEY FUND - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Position Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Location: Flexible, but ideally proximity to ManchesterDepartment: FinanceEmployment Type: Full-timeSalary: Competitive/Commensurate with experience

About Lucey Fund:

Ian Lucey is the founder of the Lucey Fund, a Venture Technology firm that builds, sells and finances products for early-stage startups.

Lucey Fund invests in exceptional people who have ideas with the potential to change the way we do business. What makes The Lucey Fund unique is on top of investing, they will also help build a team around the founder(s). Their model works well for startups that are looking for a tech partner or for tech development.

Lucey Fund invests in entrepreneurs who understand their industry but may not have done technology before. Lucey funds the acceleration of these startups by funding the development of their first scalable, secure, fully viable product, affording the founder time to do what they’re best at, business. They will put a team of tech, marketing & sales industry experts around you to research, spec, design, build, host, finance and sell your product and business.

Position Overview:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the company, driving financial strategy and planning, and ensuring the organization’s financial health. The CFO will be a strategic partner to the CEO, focused on evaluating and updating the financial management of newly acquired businesses, raising capital and managing costs and cash flow to establish and maintain financial good health. This role demands a dynamic leader with a strong background in finance, accounting, and executive management.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Reporting

• Establish and oversee all financial operations including budgeting, cash flow management, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Establish and then lead timely and accurate financial reporting to the Board of Directors, investors, and regulatory authorities.
• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Risk Management and Compliance

• Monitor and manage the company's risk profile, including operational, financial, and regulatory risks.
• Ensure full compliance with local, national, and international regulations, financial reporting standards, and company policies.
• Develop and oversee internal control systems to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Maintain a balanced approach to risk: approach opportunities with curiosity and aim to realise potential.

Investment and Capital Management

• Lead capital raising efforts including equity and debt financing.
• Evaluate and manage mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures to support growth objectives.
• Oversee the management of company assets and investment strategies.

Budgeting and Cost Control

• Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with business objectives and financial goals.
• Develop cost control initiatives to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
• Provide oversight of financial projections, identifying key drivers of business performance.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement the company’s financial strategy in alignment with overall business goals.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and executive management team on financial performance, risk management, and business planning.
• Drive the company's financial planning processes, including long-term financial models and forecasting.

Relationship management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with investors, banks, auditors, and other external partners.
• Serve as a point of contact for financial discussions with external partners, including auditors, regulatory agencies, and analysts.
• Communicate financial performance and strategies to key internal partners in a transparent and effective manner.

Technology and Systems

• Embrace new technologies including AI and ML where they can drive efficiencies in finance operations.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Drive initiatives to leverage technology in enhancing financial analytics, reporting, and decision-making capabilities.

Leadership and Team Development

• Foster collaboration across departments to ensure financial processes and decision-making are aligned with company objectives.
• Serve as a key representative of the finance function in executive meetings and Board presentations.
• Work with an offshore team to deliver necessary finance processes for the business where necessary.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required. Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Finance is preferred.
• Professional Certifications: Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in financial management.
• Industry Knowledge: Proven experience in small businesses across a range of industry sectors is highly desirable.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of financial reporting standards, accounting principles, and regulatory requirements (e.g., IFRS, GAAP).
• Analytical Ability: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with a strategic mindset.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills; able to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Technological Proficiency: Proficiency in financial software, ERP systems, and advanced knowledge of Excel and financial modelling tools.