Director of Finance and Accounting

Director of Finance and Accounting

MW Talent is partnering with a well-established international manufacturing company to hire a Director of Finance and Accounting for its North American operations. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced finance executive who wants to lead the full accounting and finance function while serving as a key partner to the President and Board of Directors. The Director of Finance and Accounting will lead a team of seven and oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, internal controls, audit relationships, operational analysis, and financial support for acquisitions and business development.

The right candidate will bring strong manufacturing finance experience, deep knowledge of accounting and sales controlling, and the ability to operate effectively within an international organization. Experience working with a German-based parent company is strongly preferred.

Position Overview:

As a member of the North American leadership team, the Director of Finance and Accounting will oversee all accounting and finance activities for the organization.

This person will manage the financial close process, reporting, budgeting, cash management, internal controls, financial modeling, and communication with senior leadership and the Board.

The role requires a hands-on leader who is comfortable managing daily financial operations while also supporting long-term strategy, organizational growth, acquisitions, and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accounting and Financial Reporting
• Lead the monthly and annual financial close process.
• Prepare and review financial statements, including the income statement, balance sheet, cash-flow statement, account reconciliations, and general ledger analysis.
• Maintain accurate financial reporting and ensure the integrity of the company's financial records.
• Oversee accounting, finance, tax, treasury, and related financial functions.
• Partner with external auditors and support the company's internal audit activities.
• Maintain strong internal controls and risk-management practices to protect company assets and stakeholder interests.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Planning:

• Develop the company's annual operating plan and budget for leadership and Board review.
• Partner with operational teams to monitor financial performance and ensure progress against the approved plan.
• Prepare financial forecasts, operating models, and business analysis to support company decisions.
• Identify changes in operating trends, budgets, and forecasts and communicate material issues to executive leadership.
• Analyze operations to identify opportunities for cost reduction, improved performance, and stronger financial systems.

Executive and Board Support:

• Provide the President and Board with accurate, timely, and clear financial information.
• Prepare financial reports, key performance indicators, forecasts, and analysis for leadership and Board meetings.
• Advise company leaders on the financial impact of strategic and operational decisions.
• Present financial information in a practical and understandable manner to financial and nonfinancial stakeholders.

Treasury and Working Capital Management:

• Manage daily treasury activities and ensure the company meets its financial obligations.
• Oversee cash flow, borrowing, debt, capital management, and banking relationships.
• Monitor cash balances, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory.
• Support acquisition-related financial integration and capital planning.

Acquisitions and Business Development:

• Provide financial leadership for acquisitions and business-development initiatives.
• Support financial due diligence, integration, onboarding, and accounting-system conversions.
• Develop financial models for potential acquisitions and growth opportunities.
• Monitor post-acquisition performance against financial plans and projections.

Leadership and Process Improvement:

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a finance and accounting team of approximately seven employees.
• Build a collaborative, accountable, and performance-focused team culture.
• Partner closely with operations, business development, and other functional leaders.
• Improve financial processes, reporting systems, controls, and operating procedures.
• Support organizational change and help strengthen the company's finance infrastructure as the business grows.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of industry accounting experience, with approximately 15 to 20 years of total professional experience preferred.
• Significant leadership experience within accounting and finance.
• Strong manufacturing industry experience.
• Deep experience in financial reporting, sales controlling, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, and internal controls.
• Strong working knowledge of SAP or comparable enterprise financial systems.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, financial integration, and accounting-system conversions.
• Experience working with an international organization or German-based parent company is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, inventory, working capital, and cost structures.
• Experience communicating with executive leadership and Boards of Directors.

Leadership Profile:

• The successful candidate will be:
• A hands-on and strategic finance leader.
• A strong communicator with sound business judgment.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a leadership team.
• Skilled at influencing leaders across multiple functional areas.
• Focused on continuous improvement and operational discipline.
• Able to lead through change and develop future leaders.
• Committed to integrity, accountability, safety, customer focus, and respect for others.

Why Consider This Opportunity:

• Serve as a key member of the North American leadership team.
• Report directly to the President.
• Lead the complete finance and accounting function.
• Manage and develop an established team.
• Work closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Influence strategy, acquisitions, operational performance, and company growth.
• Join an established international manufacturing organization with a strong market presence.