Sinclair James
Interim Chief Financial Officer

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Interim CFO - Business Turnaround & Portfolio Company Support
Sinclair James has been retained by a London-based investment portfolio holding company to identify an Interim CFO with a demonstrable track record in leading business turnarounds and driving financial stabilisation across complex, multi-entity structures.
This is a rare opportunity to operate at group level for a client with significant scale and reach, providing CFO-grade leadership to portfolio companies navigating financial distress, underperformance or operational disruption.
The Mission
The successful candidate will provide hands-on financial leadership to the parent entity and, where required, to portfolio companies within its wider group. The role demands a finance leader who can rapidly assess a business's financial position, establish control, and deliver a credible path to stabilisation and sustainable performance.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting rapid financial diagnostics across underperforming or distressed portfolio companies
- Leading cash flow management, working capital optimisation and cost restructuring programmes
- Rebuilding financial governance, reporting infrastructure and forecasting capability
- Partnering with the board, investors and senior stakeholders to drive turnaround strategy
- Providing consistent, high calibre financial leadership across multiple portfolio situations as required


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Candidate Profile
- Proven track record delivering turnarounds within complex or distressed trading environments
- Prior experience operating in a portfolio, group or multi site CFO capacity is highly desirable
- Comfortable operating at pace and under pressure, with the gravitas to lead through ambiguity
- Strong track record engaging with boards, private equity stakeholders and lenders
- Based in London or within commuting distance of the city
Please note: this mandate is specifically for a turnaround and financial stabilisation profile. It is not suited to candidates whose background is primarily in finance transformation, systems implementation or process improvement.
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