THE COMPANY
Located in the Chicago area, this company is a leading designer and manufacturer processing equipment. The company’s sales have grown by 8% annually from 2002 through 2007; projected sales in 2008 are nearly $25 mm and the company has attractive gross margins. The company is backed by a well-known private equity firm.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer will serve as a member of the company’s senior management team with direct responsibility for the overall financial plans, accounting, budget, tax and audit activities. He/She will be responsible for hands on management of the day-to-day financial performance of the company’s manufacturing, operations and sales organizations. Specifically the CFO will:
· Establish, track and improve the key financial metrics for the company and communicate process improvement opportunities to the leadership team and the board of directors.
· Drive cost efficiencies at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Illinois and Belgium.
· Help analyze and develop the company’s strategic growth plans.
· Coordinate and manage the company’s annual budget process.
· Develop meaningful, timely, and accurate monthly reporting for the leadership team and the board of directors; and increase the quality of the reporting and internal control environments of the company.
· Standardize reporting processes, controls, and business analyses across entire company.
· Oversee analyses of investment and acquisition opportunities considered by the company.
As a key member of the relatively small senior management team, the Chief Financial Officer will serve as an important contributor to the strategic direction of the company and as an advisor to the CEO on financial planning and structuring, business performance measurement and analysis, and acquisitions. The position has full financial accountability for the company. He/she will also serve as the company’s primary financial spokesperson to the external financial community and the Board, and will be expected to lead the company’s efforts in developing and executing agreed upon financial strategies and cost realignment programs.
THE INDIVIDUAL
The successful candidate will be an experienced financial executive with a successful track record in a private equity-backed, stand-alone manufacturing business with less than $50 million in revenue. Financial management experience over a manufacturing facility is critical. He/she will bring leadership and creativity to the organization, not simply report the financial health of the company. This person will be comfortable working in a lean organization in a dynamic, competitive industry. It is essential that the successful candidate be a self-starting, self-managing, hands-on individual who fits well within the company’s culture. Critical competencies for success include:
· Able to create controls, processes and systems to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
· Strong control and analytical capabilities in a manufacturing environment. A strong sense of asset and balance sheet management, reasonable tax savvy, and a proven grasp of operations, finance and accounting. Knows standard cost accounting.
· Has ideally been a plant Controller in his/her career, following a CPA from a top tier accounting firm is preferred but not required.
· Good conceptual vision and the intellectual ability to think strategically about the financial requirements of the business three to five years out.
· Visible passion for the business and capability to motivate and have a broad sphere of influence on the overall organization.
· A strong shareholder value focus and a record of increasing value for shareholders; results-driven.
Above all, the individual must be an effective problem solver who is committed to excellence and integrity. Energy and enthusiasm are essential. This position is ideally suited to an individual who has good analytical skills and stays focused on results – someone who enjoys problem solving, loves challenge, and is committed to continuous improvement. Candidates must reflect the following company-wide traits:
· Strong leadership capabilities.
· Highly productive; loves to work at a rapid pace.
· Excellent communication skills.
· Fair in his/her dealings with people; energetic, approachable, and friendly.
· A leader and team player who inspires others, communicates goals clearly and is willing to delegate authority.
· A self-starter who can prioritize quickly and knows how to be successful in a small company.
· Integrity and honesty. Conducts himself/herself with the highest ethical and moral standards.
· Creativity, openness, enthusiasm and humor.
· Independent problem solver.
· Organized, articulate.
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