The event last week was sponsored by Deloitte, Silicon Valley Bank and Taylor Vinters, and took place at the Soho Hotel, London.
Key points emerging from the discussion were:
- The role of the CFO depends on the skillset of the CEO, and the CFO must counterbalance the CEO
- The CFO has a political role, able to both challenge and support in equal measure
- There are four main areas of focus - stewardship, catalyst, strategist, operator
- The CFO is a facilitator, whose role is much broader than simply being in control of the finances; operating across the business to ensure collaboration
- In effect the role is that of COO, but the title CFO carries more weight.
Companies represented ranged from VC-backed high-growth businesses to listed companies, with CFOs attending from across the UK from companies including Skimlinks, MoPowered, Oxsensis, Net Names, Uci2i, Bango plc, Brady plc & Amlib Holdings plc, amongst others.
Discussion was hosted by Andrew Moore, Partner & Head of the Finance & Operations Practice at Bailey Fisher. Andrew has 15 years' experience in senior finance & operations recruitment. Recent completions include CFO for a VC backed wireless coverage business, CFO for a solar technology start-up, Head of Finance for an online health & beauty marketplace & Director of Facilities for a FTSE 250 technology company.
Bailey Fisher Executive Search is a leading independent executive search firm specialising in the technology and high-growth sectors. The company was founded in 1998 and operates across the UK from offices in Cambridge and London. www.baileyfisher.com
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Attendance at Bailey Fisher’s CFO Dinner is by invitation. CFOs in the technology and high-growth sectors interested in future events, please contact Andrew Moore andrew@baileyfisher.com
For more information please contact helen@baileyfisher.com
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