Gate One is an award-winning business transformation consultancy, founded to create a challenger consulting model. We deliver meaningful change to our clients and offer our team a transparent, equitable and inclusive culture, to create a platform for them to do their best work yet. We joined the Havas Group in 2019 – one of the world’s largest digital, creative and entertainment networks. Together with Havas, we can provide greater value and services to clients while delivering meaningful, societal impact. 

We are now seeking a CFO to join our business as a key member of the ExCom, SLT and Gate One Board, leading the financial strategy of the Gate One Group and ensuring all financial goals are met. The role requires a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence and emotional intelligence in order to partner effectively with a range of stakeholders to achieve our growth and international expansion plans. This role will cover all our territories – our largest team is in London but we are building small teams in Dublin, New York, Paris and Bangalore and some limited international travel may be required. 

As our CFO you will lead and manage our internal finance team, and also work closely with dedicated indirect reports within the central Havas finance team, who handle the core management accounting and customer invoicing for Gate One. 

Responsibilities

This role will require both a strategic and hands on approach to the following:  

• Strategic Financial Planning and Leadership:  Developing and implementing a forward-looking financial strategy aligned with the company's long-term growth, international expansion and sustainability objectives.  Collaborating closely with the board and leadership teams to align financial plans with strategic business goals, setting detailed annual expenditure budgets and appropriate company, sector and account revenue targets. Providing strategic oversight and accountability for financial operations, taking a hands-on approach when necessary to address critical issues. 

• Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):  leading the development and implementation of robust FP&A processes, providing accurate and actionable financial insights.  

• Risk Management:  Identifying financial and company risks and opportunities and developing strategies to mitigate risks while maximizing opportunities and growth.  

• Financial Reporting and Compliance:  Oversee financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, ensuring accurate and timely submissions. Ensure compliance with UK and overseas financial regulations, accounting standards, and best practices. Preparing the company for external financial audits and collaborating with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies as needed.  

• Team Leadership:  Leading, mentoring, coaching and developing team members, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  Setting clear performance objectives, conduct regular performance evaluations, and providing professional development opportunities for team members.   

• Strategic Financial Projects:  Leading, driving and participating in strategic financial projects that support the company's growth, international expansion and sustainability goals. Taking a lead role in major projects and in our mergers & acquisitions and international expansion strategy.

• Stakeholder Engagement:  Collaborating in a partnership model with multiple Gate One partners and client directors focused on different sectors and capabilities, as well as Havas stakeholders  

• Commercial and pricing strategy: Supporting the Commercial and Operations Director in the development and application of commercial rules / priorities based on the annual Gate One business plan, our commercial strategies and company performance status. 

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an experienced senior finance leader and fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) who can act as a trusted business partner to our Managing Partner, Board and ExCom. The suitable candidate will be enthusiastic, highly motivated, and willing to roll up their sleeves when needed.

To be successful in this role we’re looking for:

• Recent substantial experience in a similar senior financial leadership role within a management consultancy with responsibility for developing and implementing financial strategies aligned with long-term business goals.

• Previous involvement in setting up international offices and overseeing their financial support, reporting and analysis.   

• Proven track record in FP&A including budgeting and forecasting and leadership experience in overseeing these activities. Ability to clearly communicate financial information on a timely basis, highlighting risks and opportunities.  

• Experienced in preparing accurate and timely financial reports, compliant with financial regulations and UK accounting standards (and overseeing relevant finance teams doing the same abroad).  

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills to cultivate and sustain key stakeholder relationships. 

• Proficient coaching skills to support team members and get the best from them.  

• Strong problem-solving skills for addressing complex financial challenges and opportunities. 

• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with financial best practice (via relevant publications and attendance at relevant events). 

• High ethical and professional standards via a commitment to transparency and integrity in financial practices. 

Our team are based in our vibrant office – Havas Village London, in Kings Cross. You may choose to spend part of each week working from home.

Life at Gate One is founded on collaboration and entrepreneurial creativity. We meet as a firm regularly for ‘gateaways’ to workshop elements of the business plan and collectively shape and grow the company. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where we can all do our best work.

We are an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce and a barrier-free recruitment process for those who need reasonable adjustments. If you require any reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please let us know.