Chief Financial Officer - Strategic Finance & ESOP Leadership

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Strategic Finance & ESOP Leadership

Salary Range: $250k-270k total compensation

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

About our client

Our client is an importer and manufacturer of high‑quality marine products. Since 1952, they have provided quality solutions and products that meet the needs of our customers in commercial, industrial, and leisure marine energy and transportation settings.

Their employees are passionate about our culture, customers, and the future of the organization. They pride themselves on being 100% employee‑owned, operating with integrity, and building long‑lasting relationships with their customers and supply partners.

Each employee benefits from the ownership through earning company stock, year‑end bonuses, and a voluntary 401(k) plan with a robust match. Imtra takes pride in offering employees and their families a diverse range of health and wellness programs.

Their people‑focused culture enables them to provide a comprehensive employee experience that allows each employee to achieve their full potential and thrive personally and professionally while enjoying their work.

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for leading the organization’s financial strategy, planning, and operations, ensuring long‑term financial health and alignment with the company’s mission, values, and ownership structure.

As a key member of the executive team, the CFO will play a critical role in supporting an incoming CEO, contributing to enterprise‑wide strategy, and helping guide the organization through its next phase of leadership and growth.

This role requires a unique balance of strategic thinking and hands‑on execution. The CFO will lead a small accounting team, develop internal talent, and remain actively engaged in day‑to‑day financial operations while also addressing complex financial planning needs, including the management of a mature Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), its valuation process, and oversight of repurchase obligations.

Essential Functions

1. Financial Strategy & Planning

   Lead the development and execution of the company’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

   Provide forward‑looking financial insights to support strategic decision‑making and capital allocation.

   Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial modeling.

   Create tools and worksheets to simplify team input into budgeting and forecasting efforts.

   Partner with the CEO and executive team on growth initiatives, investment decisions, and risk management.

2. ESOP Stewardship & Capital Management

   Oversee the financial management of the company’s ESOP, with a particular focus on long‑term sustainability.

   Develop and manage strategies related to ESOP repurchase obligations, including forecasting, funding approaches, and scenario planning.

   Serve as a key internal resource on ESOP‑related matters, supporting Board discussions and employee‑owner communication as needed.

   Ensure alignment between ESOP structure, company performance, and long‑term financial health.

3. Financial Operations & Controls

   Oversee all accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions.

   Ensure accurate, timely financial statements and maintain strong internal controls.

   Manage the annual audit and tax process and relationships with external auditors, lenders, and advisors.

   Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and financial best practices.

   Review customer credit risk, maintain A/R reserves and oversee credit terms.

   Manage foreign exchange risks including currency transactions and other currency‑related strategies.

4. Legal

   Serve as the front line for corporate legal matters including contract review, litigation, non‑disclosure agreements and all benefits plans.

   Coordinate engagement & management of outside counsel for matters that extend beyond basic legal review.

   Responsible for relations with all Federal and State governments including filing of required annual reports and certifications to maintain the company’s availability to conduct business and vie for government contracts.

5. Leadership & Team Development

   Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting/finance and IT teams, building capabilities and preparing team members for increased responsibility.

   Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.

   Ensure the finance function is appropriately structured and resourced to support organizational needs.

   Play an active role in leadership development activities across the organization.

6. Hands‑On Execution & Process Improvement

   Actively engage in day‑to‑day accounting and financial operations as needed, given the size of the team.

   Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and reporting to increase efficiency and scalability.

   Support implementation and optimization of financial systems and tools.

   Directly engage in management of all company benefit plans including annual contract renewals.

   Provide stewardship for all employee benefit plans and ensure they deliver meaningful support to the entire employee base.

7. Executive Partnership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

   Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the CEO and executive team.

   Support the transition from outgoing CEO to identified successor.

   Collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, Product Management and HR leaders to align financial goals with operational performance and organizational priorities.

   Contribute to enterprise‑level decision‑making, planning, and governance.

   Assist with development and tracking of KPIs and other financial measurements to enhance company performance.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Financial Acumen – Ability to translate financial data into insights that drive long‑term business success.
• Hands‑On Leadership – Willingness to engage directly in the details while leading at a strategic level.
• Team Development – Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop finance and accounting professionals.
• Business Partnership – Acts as a collaborative, solutions‑oriented partner across the organization.
• Ownership Mindset – Understands and embraces the responsibilities of an employee‑owned company, including long‑term sustainability and stewardship.

Success Measures

• Financial performance is well‑managed, with accurate forecasting and strong financial discipline.
• The ESOP and repurchase obligations are proactively managed with a clear, sustainable long‑term plan.
• The finance team is high‑performing, well‑developed, and capable of supporting organizational growth.
• Leadership demonstrates confidence in financial insights, reporting, and strategic guidance.
• The CFO effectively supports the CEO and contributes meaningfully to enterprise‑wide strategy and execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience, including senior‑level financial management responsibilities.
• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain environments strongly preferred.
• Experience with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), including repurchase obligation planning and long‑term financial sustainability, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Experience managing audits, tax compliance, banking relationships, and external advisors.
• Knowledge of foreign exchange transactions and risk management strategies preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing finance and accounting teams.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and business partnership skills, with the ability to influence executive and Board‑level decision‑making.

EEO Statement

Our client provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.