Ned Capital

Chair of the Finance Committee Recruitment

Strategic Stewardship Begins Here

At NedCapital, we believe that financial stewardship is at the heart of sustainable business success. In this context, few roles are as vital—or as nuanced—as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Tasked with overseeing financial governance, shaping fiscal strategy, and managing financial risk, the Chair of the Finance Committee plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the long-term health of the organization.

Our bespoke recruitment approach is designed to identify leaders who are not just technically competent, but also strategically visionary, stakeholder-savvy, and aligned with the organization’s values and objectives. With over 15 years of experience in board-level placements, we provide unrivalled expertise in recruiting for this mission-critical position.

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The Role: Chair of the Finance Committee

A Multifaceted Responsibility

The Chair of the Finance Committee is much more than a numbers person. They are:

• A Strategic Advisor: Partnering with the CEO and CFO to shape and challenge financial strategy.

• A Governance Guardian: Ensuring that the board and organization adhere to the highest standards of financial oversight.

• A Risk Manager: Providing assurance that financial risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated effectively.

• A Performance Enabler: Supporting organizational growth through sound capital allocation, budgetary discipline, and financial transparency.

Core Responsibilities

While the scope may vary by organization, key duties typically include:

• Leading and facilitating Finance Committee meetings and agendas.

• Reviewing and challenging budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.

• Assessing funding strategies and capital structures.

• Overseeing audit processes in collaboration with the Audit Chair.

• Monitoring internal controls and compliance frameworks.

• Evaluating major investments and capital expenditure proposals.

• Providing financial guidance to the board on strategic decisions.

• Ensuring transparency and clarity in financial reporting to stakeholders.

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Why This Role Matters

Financial Oversight Is a Strategic Imperative

In a world marked by economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, ESG requirements, and increased regulatory scrutiny, financial governance has never been more vital. The Chair of the Finance Committee ensures that an organization’s financial narrative is not only accurate but aligned with its values, strategy, and stakeholder expectations.

The Role Is Evolving

Gone are the days when this role was purely technical. Today’s Chair of Finance must possess:

• Commercial Acumen: A deep understanding of business drivers, not just accounting mechanics.

• Stakeholder Gravitas: The ability to explain complex financial decisions to diverse audiences, including investors, regulators, and partners.

• Technological Literacy: Familiarity with digital transformation, fintech trends, and data-driven decision-making.

• Ethical Backbone: A commitment to integrity, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

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The Ideal Candidate

At NedCapital, we help organizations define what ‘excellent’ looks like in context. The following competencies and attributes typically form the benchmark for success:

1. Professional Expertise

• A background as CFO, senior finance executive, investment banker, or non-executive director with deep financial experience.

• ACA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent credentials are often expected.

• Experience in sectors relevant to the organization (e.g., financial services, private equity, public sector, or charities).

2. Board-Level Experience

• Prior experience serving on a board or finance/audit committee.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership, fellow NEDs, and regulators.

• Understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and corporate governance best practices.

3. Strategic Insight

• Ability to see beyond the numbers to the underlying trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Sound judgment in assessing financial implications of business decisions.

4. Leadership Style

• Inclusive, diplomatic, and capable of building consensus.

• Calm under pressure, especially during financial turbulence or restructuring.

• Constructively challenging while maintaining trust and mutual respect.

5. Diversity and Integrity

• A commitment to diversity of thought, experience, and background.

• An unwavering dedication to ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

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NedCapital’s Recruitment Process

Tailored, Transparent, and Thorough

Our Chair of Finance Committee recruitment service follows a tried-and-tested methodology, tailored to your organizational needs:

Step 1: Discovery and Role Definition

We begin by engaging with the Board Chair, CEO, and/or Nomination Committee to define:

• The organization’s financial context and strategy

• Specific committee responsibilities

• Required skills, experience, and personal attributes

• Cultural and ethical alignment

We then produce a detailed Role Specification, which serves as the foundation for the recruitment campaign.

Step 2: Market Mapping and Talent Identification

Using a mix of in-house research, network referrals, and proprietary databases, we identify a longlist of high-calibre candidates. Our search spans:

• Experienced finance professionals seeking their first or next NED role

• Sitting or former CFOs with governance exposure

• Current NEDs looking for leadership within board committees

• Sector-specific talent from regulated industries (e.g., FS, healthcare, education)

We prioritise candidates with diversity in gender, ethnicity, thought, and background.

Step 3: Evaluation and Shortlisting

Candidates are screened through rigorous interviews, CV evaluation, and psychometric tools where appropriate. We assess them on:

• Financial acumen

• Governance experience

• Cultural alignment

• Committee leadership potential

• Communication and influence

Shortlisted candidates are presented with detailed profiles and reference notes.

Step 4: Client Interviews and Final Selection

We support the board or nominations committee in:

• Structuring interviews

• Designing competency-based assessment panels

• Facilitating feedback sessions

• Advising on remuneration and terms

Once a preferred candidate is selected, we assist with due diligence and negotiations to ensure a seamless appointment.

Step 5: Onboarding and Integration

Our value extends beyond appointment:

• We help structure onboarding plans and induction programmes.

• Facilitate introductions to key stakeholders and finance teams.

• Offer coaching and mentoring during the first 100 days.

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Embedding Diversity in Financial Leadership

At NedCapital, we are passionate about inclusive recruitment. We actively work to ensure that our Chair of Finance Committee searches reflect a diverse slate of candidates in terms of:

• Gender and ethnicity

• Socioeconomic background

• Functional experience

• Industry exposure

• Global perspectives

We partner with specialist networks and charities to ensure underrepresented groups are given fair opportunities for board-level roles.

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The Value We Bring

Choosing NedCapital means benefiting from:

• Proven Track Record: Successful Chair and Committee Chair placements across FTSE, private, PE-backed, and not-for-profit sectors.

• Sector Insight: Deep understanding of finance, governance, and regulation across key industries.

• Confidentiality: Discreet and respectful handling of sensitive board-level processes.

• Speed with Quality: Ability to execute searches efficiently without compromising diligence or fit.

• End-to-End Support: From job definition to onboarding and post-placement reviews.

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Recent Appointments

A few recent examples of successful Finance Chair placements:

• Chair of Finance Committee at a FTSE 250 retail group navigating digital transformation.

• NED & Finance Chair at a large UK charity undergoing restructuring and governance reform.

• Committee Chair at a private equity-backed SaaS company scaling into international markets.

• Finance Committee leader for a UK NHS Trust focused on operational efficiency and ESG compliance.

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Get Started Today

If your board is seeking a Finance Committee Chair with the rigour, foresight, and leadership to guide your financial future, we are here to help.

Contact Our Board Recruitment Team

📞 Call us: (+44) 020 3951 0912
📧 Email: info@nedcapital.co.uk
📍 Office: 167–169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF

Or visit: www.nedcapital.co.uk