Chief Financial Officer

RHH202222

Manufacturing

THE COMPANY

Our client is a multi-generational family-owned and led company that for 50 years has provided engineering and design, prototyping, testing/validation, and production/manufacturing services for the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. Their vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities allow them to manage any project from concept to production. Dedicated to meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations in cost, service, and technology strong emphasis is placed on teamwork and respect for employees. Their values, along with a never-ending quest to provide customers with excellent quality, service, and value set them apart from competitors.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Financial Officer will organize and manage all finance and accounting activities, systems, and resources. This role is part of the company’s leadership team and will participate cross-functionally in both leading and supporting the overall performance and growth of the business. They will provide both financial and operational support to the company and the entire leadership team. The CFO will report on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to GAAP, accounting functions, budget management, cost-benefit analysis, compliance, and forecasting. The CFO will prepare or direct the preparation of reports which summarize and forecast business activity and the company’s financial position in areas of income, expenses, earnings, and cash flow. The position incorporates essential duties and responsibilities that involve reviewing past performance, management of daily and monthly activities, and financial forecasting. The CFO will lead the finance team promoting efficient departmental and system operations. This is an opportunity to have a big impact on an already successful company.

This position reports to the CEO and has 4 direct reports.

JOB DEFINITION

The ideal candidate will be passionate about helping to steward the organization with responsibility as they move into the future. A career history will include meaningful cross-functional experience in finance, operations, and strategic planning. In alignment with the company culture, the candidate will be humble, respectful, integrous, cooperative, responsible, and hands-on. The CFO’s responsibilities will be broad and include coaching and mentoring a collaborative team, as well as helping the company’s leadership build a roadmap for a successful future.

SKILLS

Partners with individuals on the leadership team to provide consultative support to departmental planning initiatives through financial information analyses, recommendations of financial planning, and business models.
Provides leadership in the development of the continuous evaluation of short and long-term strategic financial objectives.
Clear communication and liaison efforts between finance and operations. Will proactively bring strategic finance thought partnership through financial expertise to ongoing tactical and strategic business initiatives as well as insights from industry.
Working with the owners and business leaders, utilize the company’s ERP data as well as other information to create forward-looking models and activity-based analyses to provide greater financial insight into the company’s plans and operating budget.
Participate in pivotal decisions as they relate to strategic initiatives and operational models.
Partner with the owners and leadership team to help create dashboards from the ERP system that provide greater visibility into the company’s and individual departments’ performance.
Manage all aspects of the Finance and Accounting functions of the organization.
Create and establish yearly financial objectives that align with the company’s plan for growth and expansion.
Set financial and/or performance goals for each department in the finance area which are aggressive, achievable, and tied to long-term strategic goals. Monitor department performance against performance goals to ensure that progress is being made within the organization.
Direct the company’s risk management programs and systems to safeguard corporate/financial assets, assuring property and liability risks are appropriately insured, and legal/contractual relationships do not have undue risk.
Establish and implement short and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
Ensure company credibility by providing timely and accurate preparation and analysis of budgets, financial trends, and forecasts. Manage and oversee the production of monthly reports as well as financial statements and cash flow projections.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial key performance indicators (KPIs).
Establish and maintain continuity of appropriate program costing models/controls. Analyze cash flow, cost controls, and expenses to guide business leaders.
Manage and oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, ensuring adequate cash flow to meet the company’s needs.
Represent the company with banks and other financial institutions, CPAs, attorneys, insurance and benefits providers, and other business stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting.
Passionate about coaching and mentoring a team. Effective at setting, evaluating, and inspiring individual and team goals that develop people to promote a result-driven culture.
Direct and train Accounting and Finance staff raising awareness and knowledge of accounting and financial-related matters and best practices.

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE

Must have 15+ years of experience in the Manufacturing and/or Heavy Industrial Industry.
Privately held or family-owned business experience is a must.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in senior-level finance positions with the day-to-day financial operations of an organization of at least $100M+ in annual sales.
Possess a “do what it takes to get the job done” mindset while dedicated to the timely delivery of work.
Must know about automated financial and accounting reporting systems; Direct experience with ERP systems implementation (Epicor a plus) and integrating reporting.
Proactive with creative problem-solving skills. Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and financial management.
Proven experience assisting operations with inventory management, WIP accounting, and BOM.
Proven ability in finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including GAAP.
Must be able to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects. Strong work ethic, e.g., “roll-up your sleeves” leader.
Highly focused on execution and results, organized and analytical; initiates as opposed to reacts.
Successful experience with the financial management of labor and operational planning costs.
Displays stamina, and energy and is committed to personal growth and development for self and others. Doesn’t take oneself too seriously, can work in a lively small company atmosphere without the resources of a large company.
Direct experience evaluating and building strong Finance and Accounting teams.
Forecasting, budgeting, and management of banking relationships. Established and maintained processes for accurately closing the books within 5 business days of month-end.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline is required, MBA is desired.
Accounting designation of CPA or CMA or equivalent combination of related experience and education is a plus but not required.

If you have these qualifications and are looking for a challenging career, please submit your Resume using the button below.

Eric Hohauser

President & Lead Consultant

Kate Scott

Director, Executive Recruitment