Division CFO

Ascension Search Partners has been engaged by a rapidly growing, investor-backed industrial organization seeking a strategic and commercially minded Chief Financial Officer to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence enterprise strategy, drive operational excellence, and partner closely with executive leadership to accelerate growth and enhance shareholder value.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of finance, accounting, planning, treasury, and performance management while serving as a trusted advisor to business leaders across operations, sales, supply chain, and corporate functions.

This role is ideal for a hands-on finance executive who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with operational execution in a fast-paced environment.

Position Overview


The CFO will lead the financial strategy and performance of a complex manufacturing and distribution business. Reporting directly to the President and partnering closely with corporate finance leadership, this executive will provide insight-driven decision support, help shape growth initiatives, and ensure the organization maintains sound financial discipline.

The position will play a critical role in forecasting, cash flow management, financial planning and analysis, business performance improvement, acquisition integration, and long-term value creation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership

• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on financial and operational decisions.
• Lead financial strategy and support initiatives focused on revenue growth, profitability, and enterprise value creation.
• Partner with business leaders to evaluate strategic investments, growth opportunities, and operational improvements.
• Support merger, acquisition, and business integration activities as needed.
• Develop financial frameworks that enable data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Drive accountability through performance metrics, dashboards, and KPI reporting.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Oversee annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes.
• Provide timely analysis of financial performance, operating trends, and business drivers.
• Lead revenue, margin, backlog, and profitability forecasting efforts.
• Develop actionable recommendations to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.
• Present financial results and strategic insights to senior leadership.

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Lead all accounting, reporting, and finance functions.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard organizational assets.
• Oversee cash management, liquidity planning, and treasury activities.
• Manage relationships with banking institutions, lenders, and external advisors.
• Coordinate annual audits and compliance activities.
• Ensure tax filings and regulatory reporting requirements are completed accurately and on time.

Operational Excellence

• Partner with operations, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve productivity and profitability.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and margin enhancement efforts.
• Collaborate with commercial leadership on pricing strategies and profitability optimization.
• Evaluate business processes and implement scalable systems, controls, and best practices.
• Lead process improvement and transformation initiatives across the finance organization.

Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Establish clear performance expectations and development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Risk Management & Governance

• Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, governance standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain effective relationships with external auditors, legal advisors, and financial institutions.
• Oversee insurance, control frameworks, and risk management processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA designation strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, distribution, or related operating environments.
• Demonstrated success partnering with executive leadership teams.
• Strong background in FP&A, financial reporting, treasury, and operational finance.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and business performance initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.

Preferred Experience

• MBA or advanced business degree.
• Experience within private equity-backed or investor-owned organizations.
• Track record supporting acquisitions, integration efforts, and business transformation initiatives.
• Experience leading complex, multi-location operations.
• Background combining public accounting and corporate finance leadership.

What We're Looking For


The ideal candidate will be:

• A strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Comfortable operating in high-growth, fast-paced environments.
• Data-driven, analytical, and action-oriented.
• A collaborative leader who can influence across functions.
• Capable of balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day execution.
• Skilled at building teams, processes, and scalable financial infrastructure.
• An executive who can challenge assumptions, drive accountability, and help shape the future direction of the business.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Executive leadership position with significant visibility and influence.
• Opportunity to drive strategy and enterprise value creation.
• Exposure to acquisitions, transformation initiatives, and growth planning.
• Collaborative leadership team and entrepreneurial environment.
• Attractive compensation package including performance-based incentives.