Client Overview

Our client, a PE backed AdTech scaleup, operates as a "Best in Class" leader in its niche, developing tailored creative narratives across sectors. Founded by renowned industry figures, the business experienced rapid growth, driven by its innovative approach and strong market presence.

Reason for the Role

Amid rapid scaling, the CFO required additional support for the small finance team, comprising themselves and an FP&A analyst. The Financial Controller role was created to:

• Drive the development of the internal accounting function.
• Manage day to day finance operations, freeing the CFO to focus on high-level strategy.
• Support strategic initiatives such as M&A and international expansion.

The Brief

The ideal candidate needed:

• Experience in high growth tech companies, particularly early-stage startups.
• A proven track record in building and improving finance functions.
• Strong technical financial control skills paired with commercial finance exposure.
• The ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and support international scaling.

The Process

An initial shortlist of qualified candidates was submitted within 24 hours, with two progressing to interviews in the same week. Due to the exceptional quality of one candidate, the CFO decided to make an offer after the first interview.

Timeline: The entire process,  from brief to placement, was completed in under a week.

Success and Impact

The selected Financial Controller, a Big 4 ACA with three years of experience in fast growth startups, delivered immediate value by:

• Implementing and improving processes and controls.
• Supporting the CFO in managing the finance function during rapid growth.
• Contributing to technical reporting and operational excellence.

Key Takeaways

This swift and successful placement highlights the importance of aligning technical expertise, industry experience, and cultural fit to meet the demands of a scaling business. By identifying the right candidate quickly, we enabled the client to maintain momentum during a critical growth phase.