Chief Financial Officer

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy in alignment with corporate objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to the CEO, board of directors, and executive leadership team.
• Evaluate business performance, growth opportunities, acquisitions, investments, and strategic initiatives.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Establish financial objectives, performance targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

2. Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting

• Lead annual budgeting, long-range financial planning, and periodic forecasting processes.
• Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and sensitivity assessments to support strategic planning.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets, forecasts, and business targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve revenue, profitability, cash flow, and operating efficiency.
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards and management reporting for executive leadership.

3. Financial Reporting and Accounting

• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Establish and maintain robust accounting policies, procedures, and internal financial controls.
• Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Coordinate external audits and work with external accounting, tax, and advisory firms as required.

4. Cash Flow, Treasury, and Capital Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital management, liquidity, and treasury activities.
• Develop strategies to optimize cash conversion, collections, payables, and balance sheet performance.
• Manage banking relationships, debt facilities, financing arrangements, and capital structure.
• Evaluate funding requirements and recommend appropriate financing strategies.
• Ensure sufficient liquidity to support ongoing operations and strategic investments.

5. Business Performance and Operational Excellence

• Partner with business leaders to evaluate financial performance and operational effectiveness.
• Analyze revenue trends, cost structures, margins, and profitability by business unit, product, or customer segment.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities while protecting business quality and growth.
• Establish financial accountability and performance management processes across the organization.
• Drive improvements in financial systems, processes, automation, and reporting efficiency.

6. Risk Management, Compliance, and Governance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and strategic risks.
• Maintain effective internal controls and appropriate financial governance frameworks.
• Oversee tax planning, insurance considerations, regulatory reporting, and financial compliance.
• Ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, accounting standards, and company policies.
• Support the board and relevant committees with financial reporting, risk assessments, and governance matters.

7. Investor Relations and Strategic Transactions

• Manage relationships with investors, lenders, shareholders, and other financial stakeholders, as applicable.
• Prepare financial presentations and performance updates for the board and investors.
• Lead financial due diligence and evaluation for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships.
• Assess investment returns, valuation considerations, and capital allocation alternatives.
• Support fundraising, refinancing, and other strategic financing initiatives.

8. Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor the finance and accounting team.
• Build a high-performing finance function focused on accuracy, accountability, business partnership, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and professional development plans.
• Promote collaboration across finance, operations, sales, human resources, technology, and other departments.
• Foster a culture of financial discipline, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA, master's degree in finance, or equivalent advanced qualification preferred.
• CPA, CA, ACCA, CFA, or another relevant professional designation preferred, depending on the company's requirements and jurisdiction.

Professional Experience

• Typically 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, corporate finance, or related functions.
• Significant experience leading a finance organization or major financial function.
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash management.
• Proven track record of supporting business growth, improving profitability, and strengthening financial controls.
• Experience working with executive leadership and presenting financial information to a board or equivalent governing body.
• Experience managing audits, compliance requirements, banking relationships, and external financial advisors.
• M&A, fundraising, investor relations, or capital markets experience is advantageous where relevant.