CFO (Fund Raising)
Job Description
Our Client is an innovative, fast-growing startup in the FMCG sector, driven by a vision to connect the dots between Consumers, Brands, and Retail with AI . As they scale, they are looking for a dynamic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with deep experience in fundraising and financial strategy, who will play a critical role in shaping the financial future of our company.
Job Summary:
The Fundraising CFO will be a key member of the executive team, responsible for leading all financial operations and spearheading fundraising efforts to fuel the company’s growth. The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, comfortable in the fast-paced, high-growth environment of a startup. They will build and execute financial strategies that align with our long-term business goals and lead efforts to secure funding from venture capital, private equity, and other investment sources.
Key Responsibilities:
- Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure capital from a variety of sources, including venture capital firms, angel investors, private equity, and strategic partnerships.
- Investor Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential investors, delivering financial updates and pitch presentations that communicate the company’s vision and financial potential.
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Oversee financial forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management, ensuring the company remains on track for short-term goals and long-term scalability.
- Capital Structure & Management: Manage the company’s capital structure, ensuring an optimal balance of equity and debt, and prepare the organization for future rounds of funding or an eventual IPO.
- Financial Operations: Lead the finance function, including accounting, financial reporting, tax compliance, and internal controls, ensuring timely and accurate financial management.
- Strategic Leadership: Work closely with the CEO, COO, and other executives to align financial strategies with business objectives, identifying risks and opportunities to drive growth.
- Pitching & Negotiations: Develop compelling pitch decks and investment narratives for investors. Lead negotiations to secure favorable terms in financing rounds and other funding efforts.
- Risk Management: Identify financial risks and opportunities, developing risk mitigation strategies to protect the company’s financial health and investor returns.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with key stakeholders across the organization (e.g., product, marketing, and operations) to ensure financial goals are aligned with business strategies.
- Scalability: Design and implement financial processes and systems that can scale with the company’s rapid growth, ensuring efficient operations as the company expands.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field required. MBA or CPA preferred.
- Experience: 7+ years of experience in senior finance roles, with 3+ years in a startup environment and significant experience raising capital through venture capital or private equity.
- Proven Fundraiser: Demonstrated track record of successfully raising capital for early-stage or high-growth companies, with deep networks in the investment community.
- Strategic Vision: Strong ability to think strategically about financial planning, growth, and risk management in a high-growth environment.
- Financial Expertise: Expertise in financial modeling, analysis, and reporting, with a deep understanding of the financial mechanics of startups and venture funding.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities, capable of building and mentoring a finance team, and influencing cross-functional leaders within the company.
- Negotiation Skills: Experience negotiating term sheets, debt agreements, and other financing structures with investors.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfort in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment with a willingness to take ownership, wear multiple hats, and work hands-on.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Technology Proficiency: Experience with financial software and tools for startups, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or advanced Excel, along with a good understanding of fundraising platforms.