Chief Financial Officer

REF: A000757

• Global Innovative Industry Leading Firm
• Successful, Profitable and Growing Business
• Pivotal role as it moves to a successful exit
• Strategic: Partner with the CEO & Board on Financial Strategy
• Hands On: Leading a Small Team

Robert Half Executive Search has been exclusively retained to identify an experienced and commercial Head of Finance / Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join a dynamic and growing industrial manufacturing business. With a focus on expanding its global market presence, this firm is an innovative leader in its field and delivers significant efficiencies to the industry it serves.

The newly created CFO role, based at the company's manufacturing site in Warragul, Southeast Victoria, will report to the CEO and is a key leadership position overseeing Finance and Information Technology. This hands-on role requires the CFO to be onsite five days a week to foster strong team relationships and drive a forward-looking financial strategy, suited to the dynamic needs of a small business environment.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a commercially astute and influential CFO to lead strategic growth and drive operational improvements during a critical phase of the company's expansion. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and Board as the business diversifies and scales, with a clear path toward a successful liquidity event within the next 3 to 5 years.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is currently serving as a CFO or Divisional CFO with end-to-end responsibility for a relevant business unit. A Head of Finance, Finance Director, or Financial Controller who has held full financial accountability and is now ready to step into their first CFO role is also of interest.

The incoming CFO will be a proven leader in all aspects of Finance & Accounting and, ideally has had previous oversight for IT teams, though this is not a pre-requisite. A sound understanding of industrial manufacturing/engineering, import/export business encompassing inventory planning and foreign currency transactions would be highly advantageous.

The CFO will actively contribute to the strategic planning and decision-making of the business and will be responsible for the management of all finance functions, including financial and management reporting, board reporting, Capex, AP & AR, Treasury, Tax & Legal Compliance, 3-way cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and occasional M&A activities.

Information Technology will form a small part of the role, with responsibility for developing and implementing the company's IT strategy to enhance operational efficiency.

Managing a small team, the successful CFO will demonstrate the ability to shift seamlessly between strategic planning and hands-on execution, while being collaborative and results-driven, fostering a culture built on trust and respect.

Functional Expertise Sought

The successful individual will have gained the following experiences as part of their professional journey:

• CA or CPA Qualified.
• Prior CFO or equivalent senior finance role within a small to medium manufacturing environment with revenues of between $30M and $100M.
• Industry sector experience in Engineering or Manufacturing (Hi-Tech Industrial, Robotic Automation Equipment, Machinery Manufacturing - Eg for Aftermarket Automotive Parts; Aviation; Defence etc.), Industry 4.0, Industrial Product Development) or similar.
• Proven leadership experience of a finance function.
• Deep understanding of all financial principles, budgeting, 3-Way forecasting and financial analysis.

Advantageous but not essential:

• Experience in IT infrastructure, software, and cybersecurity.
• Prior experience of working with PE/VC-backed businesses and taking companies to exit.
• Prior experience in M&A.
• Prior experience of R&D tax incentives and funding initiatives.
• Experienced in working with a Board of Directors and corporate stakeholders.

Apply Today

Please send your resume by clicking on the apply button. Your application will be assessed within 3-5 working days. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY APPLICANTS WITH FULL WORKING RIGHTS IN AUSTRALIA WILL BE CONSIDERED