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<h4 style="text-align: left;">Senior Accounting and Finance Recruitment Partners since 2011</h4>We support businesses with their finance teams, whether it's due to transformational change, new investment, revenue growth or simply enhancing the team.There&rsquo;s no shortage of quality talent at Harper May, with an extensive pool of candidates developed over a decade ranging from Qualified Accountants through to Finance Directors and CFOs.Our clients include PLCs, Private Equity and VC backed businesses, growing SMEs and start-ups across commerce &amp; industry.We strive to be proactive rather than reactive both with clients and candidates by offering a consultative approach led by your requirements and our expertise.&nbsp;

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63-66 Hatton Garden, London, EC1N 8LE UK+44 (0)20 3900 1811<a href="mailto:info@harpermay.com" style="color: #34495e;">info@harpermay.com</a>

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Understand what a CFO does in a private equity company, from value creation and investor reporting to cash flow, growth strategy, and exit planning.

What Does a CFO Do in a Private Equity Company? A Guide to the Private Equity CFO Role

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Case study showing how a Head of Finance was repositioned to CFO in a £25m SaaS scale-up by improving financial visibility and leadership impact.

CFO Case Study: Improving SaaS Finance Leadership in a £25m Scale-Up

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Case study on a CFO appointment in a £100m manufacturing business, improving forecast accuracy, restoring confidence and strengthening decision-making.

CFO Appointment in Manufacturing: Restoring Forecast Confidence in a £100m Business

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A CFO case study showing how strategic positioning helped a finance leader secure a CFO role in a private equity-backed £80m services business.

Private Equity CFO Case Study: Securing a CFO for an £80m Services Business

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Retail case study showing how a Finance Director introduced forecasting discipline, stock challenge and margin visibility to stabilise margins in a £55m retail business.

Finance Director Appointment for a Retail Business

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Discover CFO salary ranges in London, what influences executive finance compensation, and what companies should expect when hiring a CFO.

CFO Salary London: 2026 Guide for Companies Hiring a CFO

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Dan Co-Founded Harper May in 2011 with a vision to provide an outstanding service that strives to really listen to Clients needs

Dan Co-Founded Harper May in 2011 with a vision to provide an outstanding service that strives to really listen to Clients needs and do everything possible to provide them with the right solution for the long term.&nbsp;Dan has worked in Finance Recruitment for 12 years and prior to that worked in Investment Banking, he has grown successful teams and developed and implemented growth strategy whilst maintaining a strong relationship with his Clients.

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Hi I'm Alex and founded Harper May alongside Dan in 2011.

Hi I'm Alex and founded Harper May alongside Dan in 2011. Not only are we great friends but we are really passionate about the product we deliver for you. In my spare time you can catch me on the golf course or enjoying all forms of sport!

Alex Hathiramani

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Chief Financial Officer Job in Greater London

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<div class="home-about-text">Set up by Alex Hathiramani and Daniel MacKenzie in 2011, Harper May offers recruitment services to the Accountancy and Finance sector in Greater London.</div>

Meet the Founders

Harper May is a specialist finance recruitment agency in London placing CFOs, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers and Heads of Finance across the UK. Speak to our expert recruiters today.

Finance Recruitment Agency London – CFO, Finance Director & Financial Controller Recruitment

Finance Recruitment Agency London | CFO & Finance Director Recruiters | Harper May

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Learn about Harper May, a London finance recruitment agency specialising in CFO, Finance Director and Financial Controller recruitment across the UK.

About Harper May – Finance Recruitment Specialists

Founded in 2011 by Alex Hathiramani and Daniel MacKenzie, Harper May is a specialist finance recruitment agency based in London. We focus exclusively on placing senior finance professionals including CFOs, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers and Heads of Finance.Our team works closely with high-growth businesses, private equity backed companies and established organisations across London and the UK. We understand that hiring the right finance leadership is critical for strategic growth, operational performance and long-term business success.Harper May provides specialist recruitment services across a range of senior finance positions including:&bull; CFO recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Finance Director recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Financial Controller recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Head of Finance recruitment &nbsp; &bull; FP&amp;A and Finance Manager recruitment &nbsp;Since launching, we have built long-term partnerships with businesses across multiple industries including financial services, technology, professional services, property, media and private equity backed organisations.Our consultants combine deep sector knowledge with an extensive network of finance professionals, enabling us to identify and secure exceptional candidates quickly and efficiently.If your organisation is looking to hire senior finance leadership, our team of specialist finance recruiters in London can help you find the right talent.Our specialist recruitment services include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london" title="CFO Recruitment Agency London">CFO Recruitment</a></li><li><a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/finance-director-recruitment-london" title="Finance Director Recruitment London">Finance Director Recruitment</a></li><li><a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/financial-controller-recruitment-london" title="Financial Controller Recruitment London">Financial Controller Recruitment</a></li><li><a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/head-of-finance-recruitment-london" title="Head of Finance Recruitment London">Head of Finance Recruitment</a></li></ul>

About Harper May | London Finance Recruitment Agency

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Is Your Business Ready to Hire a Finance Director or CFO?

Specialist finance director recruitment agency in London helping businesses hire experienced finance leaders across the UK.

Finance Director Recruitment London

Harper May is a specialist finance director recruitment agency based in London, focused on placing experienced finance directors across a wide range of sectors.Finance Directors play a critical role in driving financial strategy, managing risk and supporting long-term business growth. Hiring the right finance leader can significantly impact a company&rsquo;s financial performance and operational success.Our experienced recruitment consultants work closely with growing businesses, private equity backed companies and established organisations seeking high-calibre finance leadership.Our finance director recruitment services include:&bull; Permanent Finance Director recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Interim Finance Director recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Executive finance search &nbsp; &bull; Senior finance leadership hiring &nbsp;With a strong network of finance professionals across London and the UK, Harper May is able to identify and secure exceptional finance director candidates quickly and efficiently.If your organisation is looking to hire a Finance Director, our specialist recruitment team can help you find the right candidate.Harper May also supports businesses hiring across the wider finance function.Related Finance Recruitment Services:&bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london">CFO recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/financial-controller-recruitment-london">Financial Controller recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/head-of-finance-recruitment-london">Head of Finance recruitment</a>

Finance Director Recruitment London | Harper May

Specialist financial controller recruitment agency in London helping businesses hire experienced finance professionals across the UK.

Financial Controller Recruitment Agency London

Harper May is a specialist financial controller recruitment agency helping businesses hire experienced finance professionals across London and the UK.Financial Controllers are responsible for overseeing financial reporting, managing internal controls and ensuring strong financial processes within an organisation.Our recruitment consultants work with companies across multiple industries seeking highly capable finance professionals who can strengthen financial operations and support strategic growth.Our financial controller recruitment services include:&bull; Permanent Financial Controller recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Interim Financial Controller recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Senior finance hiring &nbsp; &bull; Financial reporting leadership roles &nbsp;We partner with a wide range of organisations including technology companies, private equity backed businesses and established enterprises.If your business is looking to hire a Financial Controller, Harper May&rsquo;s specialist recruitment team can help identify the right candidate.Harper May also supports businesses hiring across the wider finance function.Related Finance Recruitment Services:&bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london">CFO recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/finance-director-recruitment-london">Finance Director recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/head-of-finance-recruitment-london">Head of Finance recruitment</a>

Financial Controller Recruitment London | Harper May

Financial Controller Recruitment

Specialist head of finance recruitment agency helping businesses hire senior finance professionals across London and the UK.

Head of Finance Recruitment London

Harper May is a specialist head of finance recruitment agency based in London placing senior finance professionals across the UK.The Head of Finance role is crucial for organisations seeking strong financial management, operational leadership and strategic insight.Our experienced consultants work with growing businesses, private equity backed companies and established organisations to identify talented finance leaders who can oversee financial operations and support long-term growth.Our head of finance recruitment services include:&bull; Permanent Head of Finance recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Interim Head of Finance recruitment &nbsp; &bull; Senior finance leadership hiring &nbsp; &bull; Finance operations recruitment &nbsp;With extensive experience in senior finance recruitment, Harper May helps businesses secure exceptional finance professionals who can strengthen financial management and support business success.If you are looking to hire a Head of Finance, our specialist recruitment consultants are ready to help.Harper May also supports businesses hiring across the wider finance function.Related Finance Recruitment Services:&bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london">CFO recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/finance-director-recruitment-london">Finance Director recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/financial-controller-recruitment-london">Financial Controller recruitment</a>

Head of Finance Recruitment Agency London | Harper May

Head of Finance Recruitment

Harper May is a specialist finance recruitment agency in London placing CFOs, Finance Directors and senior finance professionals across the UK.

Finance Recruitment Agency London

Harper May is a specialist finance recruitment agency in London focused on placing high-calibre finance professionals across the UK. We work with high-growth businesses, private equity backed organisations and established companies seeking exceptional finance leadership.Our experienced recruitment consultants specialise exclusively in accountancy and finance recruitment. This focused expertise allows us to identify outstanding candidates for a wide range of senior finance roles.Our finance recruitment services include:&bull; CFO recruitment &bull; Finance Director recruitment &bull; Financial Controller recruitment &bull; Head of Finance recruitment &bull; Finance Manager recruitment &bull; FP&amp;A recruitmentWe understand that hiring the right finance leader is critical for business success. Senior finance professionals provide strategic insight, financial leadership and operational control that supports long-term growth.Harper May works closely with clients to understand their organisation, culture and strategic goals. This allows us to identify candidates who not only have the right technical skills but also the leadership qualities required to drive financial performance.Our team has built an extensive network of finance professionals across London and the UK, enabling us to deliver fast and effective recruitment solutions for businesses seeking senior finance talent.If your organisation is looking to hire finance professionals in London or across the UK, Harper May&rsquo;s specialist finance recruiters can help you find the right candidate.

Finance Recruitment Agency London | Harper May

Specialist fractional CFO recruitment helping businesses hire experienced part-time and interim CFOs to support growth, fundraising and financial strategy.

Fractional CFO Recruitment

Harper May specialises in fractional CFO recruitment, helping businesses hire experienced part-time and interim Chief Financial Officers who provide strategic financial leadership.Many growing businesses require senior financial expertise but do not yet need a full-time CFO. Fractional CFOs provide organisations with high-level financial leadership on a flexible basis, supporting strategic decision-making, financial planning, fundraising and operational improvement.Our fractional CFO recruitment services support businesses across London and the UK including startups, scale-ups, private equity backed companies and high-growth organisations.A fractional CFO can support your business with:Financial strategy and forecasting &nbsp; Fundraising and investor reporting &nbsp; Financial modelling and growth planning &nbsp; Cash flow management &nbsp; Board and stakeholder reporting &nbsp; Finance team leadership &nbsp;Harper May works with a network of highly experienced CFOs who have supported businesses through rapid growth, fundraising, international expansion and operational transformation.Our recruitment consultants carefully identify finance leaders who combine strong commercial insight with the leadership skills required to guide businesses through complex financial decisions.If your organisation is looking to hire a fractional CFO or part-time finance leader, Harper May can help you identify the right candidate to support your business.

Fractional CFO Recruitment | Harper May

Private equity CFO recruitment specialists helping portfolio companies hire experienced finance leaders to drive growth, value creation and exit readiness.

Private Equity CFO Recruitment

Harper May specialises in private equity CFO recruitment, helping portfolio companies and private equity backed businesses hire experienced financial leadership.Private equity investors rely on strong finance leadership to drive value creation, manage complex financial structures and prepare businesses for successful exits. The role of a CFO in a private equity backed company is critical to delivering financial discipline, strategic insight and operational performance.Our recruitment team works closely with private equity firms and their portfolio companies to identify CFOs with the commercial and financial expertise required to support growth and investment strategies.We recruit CFOs for private equity backed businesses across a wide range of sectors including technology, professional services, financial services, consumer brands and high-growth companies.A private equity CFO typically supports organisations with:Financial strategy and value creation planning &nbsp; Investor reporting and board engagement &nbsp; Financial modelling and forecasting &nbsp; Operational performance improvement &nbsp; M&amp;A and acquisition integration &nbsp; Exit preparation and transaction readiness &nbsp;Harper May understands the unique requirements of private equity backed businesses and the importance of appointing finance leaders who can operate effectively within fast-paced investment environments.If your portfolio company is seeking a CFO with private equity experience, Harper May can help you identify and secure exceptional financial leadership talent.

Private Equity CFO Recruitment | Harper May

Interim finance director recruitment specialists helping businesses hire experienced finance leaders to support transformation, growth and financial stability.

Interim Finance Director Recruitment

Harper May specialises in interim Finance Director recruitment, helping businesses hire experienced financial leadership during periods of transition, growth or transformation.Many organisations require interim finance leadership to manage critical projects, support restructuring initiatives or provide stability while permanent finance leaders are recruited.An interim Finance Director can provide immediate financial expertise and leadership, ensuring that businesses maintain strong financial management and strategic direction.Harper May works with experienced interim Finance Directors who have successfully supported organisations through periods of rapid growth, restructuring, investment and operational change.Our interim finance recruitment services support businesses with:Financial leadership during organisational change &nbsp; Managing finance teams and operational finance functions &nbsp; Financial planning and strategic forecasting &nbsp; Supporting fundraising and investment processes &nbsp; Financial transformation and systems implementation &nbsp; Managing financial performance and reporting &nbsp;Interim Finance Directors provide organisations with experienced leadership and commercial insight when it is needed most.If your organisation requires interim finance leadership, Harper May can help you identify highly experienced Finance Directors who can make an immediate impact.

Interim Finance Director Recruitment London | Harper May

Finance executive search specialists helping organisations hire CFOs, Finance Directors and senior finance leaders across London and the UK.

Finance Executive Search London

Harper May provides specialist finance executive search services to help organisations identify and secure exceptional finance leadership talent.Senior finance leaders play a critical role in shaping business strategy, managing financial performance and supporting long-term growth. Our executive search process is designed to identify high-calibre candidates who bring strong commercial insight and proven leadership capability.Our finance executive search services support organisations recruiting for senior leadership roles including:Chief Financial Officer (CFO) &nbsp; Finance Director &nbsp; Group Finance Director &nbsp; Head of Finance &nbsp; Financial Controller &nbsp;Harper May works with organisations across London and the UK including private equity backed companies, high-growth businesses, established corporates and international organisations.Our executive search methodology focuses on identifying candidates with the leadership, technical expertise and strategic mindset required to drive organisational performance.Through our extensive network and targeted search process, we identify finance leaders who align with the culture, strategy and long-term objectives of the organisations we support.If your organisation is seeking exceptional finance leadership talent, Harper May&rsquo;s executive search consultants can help you secure the right candidate.

Finance Executive Search London | Harper May

Harper May is a specialist CFO recruitment agency in London placing Chief Financial Officers across high-growth and established businesses throughout the UK.

CFO Recruitment Agency London

Harper May is a specialist CFO recruitment agency based in London, focused on placing high-calibre Chief Financial Officers across a wide range of industries.Our experienced consultants work with growing businesses, private equity backed companies and established organisations seeking strategic finance leadership.Hiring a CFO is one of the most important decisions a business can make. The right Chief Financial Officer provides financial strategy, leadership and operational oversight to support sustainable growth.Our CFO recruitment services include:&bull; Permanent CFO recruitment &bull; Interim and fractional CFO recruitment &bull; CFO succession planning &bull; Executive finance searchWe work closely with clients to understand their strategic objectives, organisational structure and growth plans to ensure we identify the right finance leader.If your organisation is looking to hire a CFO in London or across the UK, Harper May&rsquo;s specialist recruitment team can help you secure exceptional finance leadership talent.Harper May also supports businesses hiring across the wider finance function.Related Finance Recruitment Services:&bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/finance-director-recruitment-london">Finance Director recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/financial-controller-recruitment-london">Financial Controller recruitment</a> &bull; <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/head-of-finance-recruitment-london">Head of Finance recruitment</a>

CFO Recruitment Agency London | Harper May

CFO Recruitment

Knowing when to hire a CFO is key to business growth. Learn the signs your organisation needs a CFO and how Harper May helps companies hire finance leaders.

When to Hire a CFO

Harper May specialises in <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london">CFO recruitment</a>, helping businesses secure senior financial leadership to support growth, improve financial visibility and strengthen strategic decision-making.Hiring a Chief Financial Officer is a key step for organisations reaching a stage where financial complexity, reporting requirements and commercial demands require dedicated leadership at board level.Many businesses begin to consider hiring a CFO when growth accelerates, financial operations become more complex, or when reporting and forecasting require stronger oversight.The right CFO brings both technical expertise and commercial judgement, ensuring finance plays a central role in driving performance, managing risk and supporting long-term business objectives.Harper May works closely with businesses to understand their current structure, growth plans and financial challenges, identifying CFOs who can operate effectively within their environment and provide clear financial leadership.Our team supports organisations at different stages, from scaling businesses building out their finance function, to more established companies requiring stronger financial control, reporting and strategic oversight.A CFO typically supports organisations with:<ul data-start="1500" data-end="1805"><li data-section-id="79dyd" data-start="1500" data-end="1545">Financial strategy and long-term planning</li><li data-section-id="1tru0tc" data-start="1546" data-end="1603">Improving reporting accuracy and financial visibility</li><li data-section-id="1whkahl" data-start="1604" data-end="1649">Cash flow management and funding strategy</li><li data-section-id="xq7b6m" data-start="1650" data-end="1701">Strengthening financial controls and governance</li><li data-section-id="5d93h6" data-start="1702" data-end="1748">Board reporting and stakeholder engagement</li><li data-section-id="1f69ycf" data-start="1749" data-end="1805">Supporting investment, M&amp;A and transaction readiness</li></ul>We recruit across a range of sectors including technology, financial services, professional services, consumer businesses and private equity-backed companies, ensuring candidates bring relevant experience aligned to each organisation&rsquo;s needs.We also support senior finance appointments across:<ul data-start="2104" data-end="2172"><li data-section-id="emk2oz" data-start="2104" data-end="2125">Finance Directors</li><li data-section-id="dxgamm" data-start="2126" data-end="2151">Financial Controllers</li><li data-section-id="8hvle" data-start="2152" data-end="2172">Heads of Finance</li></ul>Our process is built around understanding the specific requirements of each role, combining market mapping with targeted search to identify CFOs with the technical capability, commercial awareness and leadership experience required to support business growth.If your organisation is looking to hire a CFO, <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/team">Harper May&rsquo;s specialist team</a> can help you identify and secure exceptional financial leadership talent.

Learn how to hire a Finance Director and what to consider when appointing senior finance leadership. Harper May helps businesses secure experienced Finance Directors.

How to Hire a Finance Director

Harper May specialises in <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/finance-director-recruitment-london">Finance Director recruitment</a>, helping businesses secure experienced financial leadership to support growth, strengthen financial controls and improve reporting accuracy and overall performance.Hiring a Finance Director is a key step for organisations facing increasing financial complexity, scaling operations or preparing for investment.The right appointment brings both technical expertise and commercial judgement, ensuring finance supports strategic decision-making at board level, with clear reporting and financial visibility across the business.Harper May works closely with businesses to identify and secure Finance Directors with the leadership, technical capability and commercial awareness required to make a long-term impact.Our team works closely with businesses to understand their structure, growth plans and leadership requirements, identifying Finance Directors who can operate effectively within their environment and deliver long-term value.We recruit across a wide range of sectors including technology, professional services, financial services, consumer businesses and private equity-backed companies.We focus on senior finance appointments, ensuring candidates have the experience and leadership capability to match each organisation&rsquo;s needs.We appoint finance leaders who combine technical strength with commercial awareness, particularly in fast-moving or high-growth environments where financial leadership plays a critical role in improving reporting, forecasting and overall business performance.Our expertise covers a broad range of senior finance leadership appointments, including:<ul><li>Chief Financial Officers</li><li>Finance Directors</li><li>Financial Controllers</li><li>Heads of Finance</li></ul>We also have deep expertise in sourcing and placing finance leaders across a range of sectors, including:<ul><li>Private equity</li><li>Technology</li><li>Financial services</li><li>Property</li><li>Media</li><li>Professional services</li></ul>We follow a structured approach to deliver successful Finance Director appointments, beginning with talent mapping and defining the brief, followed by targeted candidate search, shortlisting, interview management and offer negotiation.This ensures our clients are introduced to high-quality candidates with the technical expertise, commercial awareness and leadership capability required to strengthen financial oversight and support business growth.If your organisation is looking to hire a Finance Director, <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/team">Harper May&rsquo;s specialist team</a> can help you identify and secure exceptional financial leadership talent.

Compare Finance Director vs CFO responsibilities, strategic focus and hiring needs to determine the right finance leadership role for your business.

Finance Director vs CFO

Harper May specialises in <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/finance-director-recruitment-london">Finance Director recruitment</a> and <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london">CFO recruitment</a>, helping businesses secure senior financial leadership aligned to their structure, growth stage and long-term objectives.Many organisations reach a point where they need to decide whether to hire a Finance Director or a CFO, particularly during periods of growth, investment or increasing financial complexity.Understanding the difference is not just about job titles &mdash; it is about appointing the right level of financial leadership at the right time.A Finance Director is typically focused on managing the finance function, improving reporting, maintaining financial controls and supporting day-to-day business performance.A CFO operates at a more strategic level, shaping financial direction, supporting board decision-making and guiding the business through growth, investment or transformation.The decision between hiring a Finance Director or a CFO depends on how developed the finance function is and what the business needs next.Businesses with stable operations and established finance teams often benefit from a strong Finance Director who can improve reporting, controls and operational performance.Businesses experiencing rapid growth, preparing for investment or managing more complex financial structures typically require CFO-level leadership to provide strategic direction, financial oversight and support funding or transaction activity.Both roles strengthen financial visibility, reporting and performance, but appointing the wrong level of leadership can slow decision-making or create gaps in financial control.Harper May works with businesses at different stages of growth to determine whether a Finance Director or CFO is the right hire, based on their structure, objectives and future plans.We recruit across a range of sectors including technology, financial services, professional services, consumer businesses and private equity-backed companies.We also support senior finance appointments across:<ul data-start="2387" data-end="2484"><li data-section-id="bw4y1t" data-start="2387" data-end="2415">Chief Financial Officers</li><li data-section-id="emk2oz" data-start="2416" data-end="2437">Finance Directors</li><li data-section-id="dxgamm" data-start="2438" data-end="2463">Financial Controllers</li><li data-section-id="8hvle" data-start="2464" data-end="2484">Heads of Finance</li></ul>If your organisation is deciding whether to hire a Finance Director or a CFO, <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/team">Harper May&rsquo;s specialist team</a> can help you assess the right approach and secure financial leadership aligned to your business objectives.

What does a CFO do? Learn about CFO responsibilities, strategic leadership and when businesses hire a Chief Financial Officer.

What Does a CFO Do?

Harper May specialises in <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london">CFO recruitment</a>, helping businesses secure senior financial leadership aligned to their structure, growth stage and long-term objectives.A Chief Financial Officer plays a central role in shaping the financial direction of a business, but what that role looks like depends on the stage and complexity of the organisation.For growing businesses, a CFO is often brought in to build financial structure, improve reporting, strengthen controls and introduce greater financial visibility as operations scale.For more established or investment-backed businesses, the role becomes increasingly strategic, focusing on long-term planning, performance tracking, capital allocation and supporting key decisions around funding, transactions and growth.In many organisations, the CFO operates at board level, working closely with senior leadership to guide decision-making, manage risk and ensure the business has clear financial oversight.A CFO typically supports organisations with:<ul data-start="1284" data-end="1659"><li data-section-id="79dyd" data-start="1284" data-end="1329">Financial strategy and long-term planning</li><li data-section-id="1tru0tc" data-start="1330" data-end="1387">Improving reporting accuracy and financial visibility</li><li data-section-id="1tg3qb2" data-start="1388" data-end="1441">Managing cash flow, funding and capital structure</li><li data-section-id="xq7b6m" data-start="1442" data-end="1493">Strengthening financial controls and governance</li><li data-section-id="5d93h6" data-start="1494" data-end="1540">Board reporting and stakeholder engagement</li><li data-section-id="o2gys4" data-start="1541" data-end="1603">Driving performance through financial insight and analysis</li><li data-section-id="1plsmua" data-start="1604" data-end="1659">Supporting investment, M&amp;A and transaction activity</li></ul>The scope of the role varies significantly depending on the business, which is why appointing the right CFO at the right time is critical to supporting growth and maintaining financial control.Harper May works with businesses at different stages, from companies hiring their first CFO to organisations requiring more experienced financial leadership to support investment, scaling or transformation.We recruit across a range of sectors including technology, financial services, professional services, consumer businesses and private equity-backed companies, ensuring candidates bring relevant experience aligned to each organisation&rsquo;s needs.We also support senior finance appointments across:<ul data-start="2361" data-end="2429"><li data-section-id="emk2oz" data-start="2361" data-end="2382">Finance Directors</li><li data-section-id="dxgamm" data-start="2383" data-end="2408">Financial Controllers</li><li data-section-id="8hvle" data-start="2409" data-end="2429">Heads of Finance</li></ul>If your organisation is looking to hire a CFO, <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/team">Harper May&rsquo;s specialist finance recruiters</a> in London can help you identify and secure the right financial leadership for your business.

Fractional CFO vs full-time CFO: understand the key differences, responsibilities and when businesses hire each financial leadership role.

Fractional CFO vs Full-Time CFO

Harper May specialises in <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/cfo-recruitment-agency-london">CFO recruitment</a>, helping businesses secure the right level of financial leadership based on their structure, growth stage and long-term objectives.Many businesses reach a point where founders, CEOs or leadership teams need to decide between hiring a fractional CFO or appointing a full-time CFO, particularly as financial complexity increases.A fractional CFO, sometimes referred to as a part-time or interim CFO, is typically engaged where a business requires senior financial support without committing to a full-time appointment.This is often relevant for growing businesses where founders or CEOs need to improve reporting, strengthen financial visibility and introduce greater control, but do not yet require a permanent board-level hire.A full-time CFO is usually required once the business reaches a stage where financial complexity, reporting demands and strategic priorities require consistent leadership and oversight.This typically includes businesses preparing for investment, managing funding, scaling operations or requiring ongoing board-level support.The decision between a fractional and full-time CFO is not just about cost or structure, but about ensuring the business has the right level of financial leadership to support its next stage of growth.Appointing a CFO too early can create unnecessary cost, while delaying the hire or relying on insufficient support can lead to gaps in reporting, control and decision-making.Harper May works with businesses at different stages, from those seeking flexible CFO support to organisations ready to hire a full-time CFO to lead finance through growth, investment or transformation.We recruit across a range of sectors including technology, financial services, professional services, consumer businesses and private equity-backed companies.We also support senior finance appointments across:<ul data-start="2212" data-end="2309"><li data-section-id="bw4y1t" data-start="2212" data-end="2240">Chief Financial Officers</li><li data-section-id="emk2oz" data-start="2241" data-end="2262">Finance Directors</li><li data-section-id="dxgamm" data-start="2263" data-end="2288">Financial Controllers</li><li data-section-id="8hvle" data-start="2289" data-end="2309">Heads of Finance</li></ul>If your organisation is deciding between a fractional CFO or full-time CFO, <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/team">Harper May&rsquo;s specialist finance recruiters</a> in London can help you determine the right approach and secure the right financial leadership for your business.

Explore key Finance Director interview questions to help businesses assess financial leadership, strategy and experience when hiring a Finance Director.

Finance Director Interview Questions

Harper May specialises in <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/employers/finance-director-recruitment-london">Finance Director recruitment</a>, helping businesses secure senior financial leadership aligned to their structure, growth stage and long-term objectives.Many businesses reach a stage where founders, CEOs or leadership teams need to hire a Finance Director, and preparing the right interview questions is a key part of identifying the right candidate.The strongest Finance Director interview processes focus not only on technical capability, but also on leadership, commercial judgement and the ability to support strategic decision-making.The right questions help businesses assess whether a Finance Director can improve reporting, strengthen financial controls and operate effectively at senior level.Typical Finance Director interview questions often focus on:<ul data-start="924" data-end="1332"><li data-section-id="10x0kd6" data-start="924" data-end="993">How the candidate has improved financial reporting and visibility</li><li data-section-id="ddx7y8" data-start="994" data-end="1056">Experience strengthening financial controls and governance</li><li data-section-id="fl0gpe" data-start="1057" data-end="1123">Involvement in budgeting, forecasting and performance tracking</li><li data-section-id="lew8lo" data-start="1124" data-end="1199">Ability to partner with senior leadership and influence decision-making</li><li data-section-id="1v2x3ie" data-start="1200" data-end="1278">Experience supporting business growth, restructuring or operational change</li><li data-section-id="13s86ml" data-start="1279" data-end="1332">Approach to managing and developing finance teams</li></ul>While these areas provide a useful framework, the most effective interview process is tailored to the specific needs of the business, including its stage of growth, financial complexity and strategic priorities.In growing businesses, a Finance Director is often required to build structure, improve reporting and introduce stronger controls, while in more established or investment-backed organisations the role becomes more focused on performance, strategy and leadership at board level.Harper May works with businesses to define the right brief, shape an effective interview process and identify Finance Director candidates who align with both the technical and commercial requirements of the role.We recruit across a range of sectors including technology, financial services, professional services, consumer businesses and private equity-backed companies.We also support senior finance appointments across:<ul data-start="2253" data-end="2350"><li data-section-id="bw4y1t" data-start="2253" data-end="2281">Chief Financial Officers</li><li data-section-id="emk2oz" data-start="2282" data-end="2303">Finance Directors</li><li data-section-id="dxgamm" data-start="2304" data-end="2329">Financial Controllers</li><li data-section-id="8hvle" data-start="2330" data-end="2350">Heads of Finance</li></ul>If your organisation is looking to hire a Finance Director, <a href="https://www.harpermay.com/cm/team">Harper May&rsquo;s specialist finance recruiters</a> in London can help you identify and secure the right financial leadership for your business.

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Finance Recruitment – Right People, Right Culture

We want to build a lasting relationship with you by being a fountain of knowledge you&rsquo;ll want to keep coming back to.​Our core principles:We provide the right people&ndash;not just the right skills but the right cultural fit.We develop a full understanding of your business and the type of people you look for.Our search criteria&ndash;we match all these every time:Company atmosphere&nbsp; |&nbsp; Career progression&nbsp; |&nbsp; Location&nbsp; |&nbsp; Role &amp; job duties&nbsp; |&nbsp; Personality&nbsp; |&nbsp; Compensation requirementsThis not only provides you with the right candidate, it means your new hire will be happy and want to stay with you, even in today&rsquo;s competitive job market. Understanding what makes candidates happy is key to everything we do&ndash;it&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re here.So why use us?<ol style="text-align: left;"><li>You&rsquo;ll fill a role 80% faster than using direct advertising.</li><li>We handle the stress for you. You spend no time on advertising or pre-screening candidates, and we arrange interviews at a time to suit you​.</li><li>We vet over 36,000 finance candidates per annum</li><li>We combine headhunting, direct applicants and our database to place each role</li><li>We offer psychometric testing on request.</li><li>We also ensure each candidate is signed to NDA if requested (confidential hire)</li><li>We shortlist up to 50 candidates for each role of which you will receive a handful of top talent</li><li>We build strong relationships with candidates throughout the recruitment process leading to a higher acceptance rate</li></ol>For more information on specific roles &amp; industries we work within please <a href="/cm/jobs" title="jobs">click here</a>:<div class="calendly-inline-widget" data-url="https://calendly.com/danmackenzie?hide_landing_page_details=1&amp;hide_gdpr_banner=1" style="min-width: 320px; height: 700px;"></div>

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Candidate - UK Accounting Recruitment Agency since 2011. With over 40,000 candidates ranging from Junior Finance roles through to Finance Directors and CFOs. Our clients include Blue Chip FTSE 100 clients through to SMEs and Start-ups in Commerce & Industry, Public Sector, Not for Profit and Financial Services.We are proactive in our thinking, identifying outstanding talent at speed is in our core ethos. Not only do we use traditional recruitment techniques we also use leading-edge technology to find you the best solution. We are always in touch with current news and market trends, so not only can we add value in terms of an immediate solution, we also add value when it comes to career, team and business planning. We strive to be a long term partner to your success. Finding the right solution can be very time consuming and difficult, however, our success is built upon fresh ideas and lateral thinking, therefore providing you with outstanding solutions that may not have been in your initial thoughts.  

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The one question we ask ourselves is: if we were in your shoes, how would we want to be treated?Our relationship with you is the foundation of our business. That&rsquo;s why we want to stay in touch throughout your career. We&rsquo;re not just here when you need a job&ndash;we want to update you regularly so you know your value in the marketplace.What we do for you<ul><li>Understand your needs and what makes you happy in a job</li><li>Contact you with new opportunities</li><li>Help you perfect your CV</li><li>Prepare you for interview</li><li>Give you feedback after interviews</li><li>Conduct thorough salary surveys so you know what your skills are worth</li></ul>Your career comes first&ndash;always. All the opportunities we offer you are based on your bespoke requirements. To find a role that makes you happy, we look for a match in six dimensions:<ul><li>Company atmosphere</li><li>Career progression</li><li>Location</li><li>Role</li><li>Salary requirements</li><li>Your personality</li></ul>If your current job isn&rsquo;t making you happy in two or more of these areas, you deserve better. We&rsquo;ll help you review the market and understand your value within it. Give us a call today to discover how you can transform your career.For more information on specific roles &amp; industries we work within please <a href="/cm/jobs" title="Latest jobs">click here</a>:&nbsp;

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