Position Summary:
The Director of Finance & Administration will serve as a senior finance leader and a key business partner to the CFO and CEO, helping to drive the company’s strategic growth initiatives. This role oversees finance, accounting, HR, IT, and administrative functions while supporting the organization through its transition to third-generation family ownership.
This newly created role is part of a planned succession strategy. The Director will work closely with the current CFO, who plans to transition toward retirement over the next 12–24 months, gaining deep exposure to the company’s operations, financial processes, and product lines while gradually assuming broader leadership responsibilities. The Director will support this growth by strengthening financial infrastructure, enhancing strategic planning capabilities, and helping evaluate potential opportunities, including M&A.
Over time, the role is expected to evolve into full CFO-level financial leadership, with responsibility for financial strategy, operational finance, and long-term planning.
Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership & Operational Oversight
- Partner with the CFO to oversee all financial operations, including accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
- Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reporting, banking relationships, audits, tax coordination, and other compliance activities.
- Gain hands-on familiarity with accounting systems, workflows, and billing processes, ensuring accurate reporting and strong controls across U.S. and international operations.
- Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes, enhance reporting, and improve internal controls.
Strategic Growth & Corporate Development
- Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making, product expansion, market development, and growth initiatives.
- Evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships, and assist leadership in building financial infrastructure to support revenue growth and operational scalability.
Team Leadership & Administrative Management
- Oversee finance and administrative functions, including accounting staff, HR coordination, IT, and office operations.
- Support long-tenured employees through organizational transitions and retirement planning.
- Promote a collaborative leadership style, building trust and strong working relationships across the organization.
CFO Succession & Leadership Transition
- Gradually assume broader financial leadership responsibilities under the guidance of the current CFO, including operational oversight, strategic planning, and reporting.
- Prepare to transition into a full CFO role, leading financial strategy and driving organizational growth over time.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Finance Leader with Hands-On Operational Experience
- 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing, distribution, commodities, metals, or industrial environments.
- Hands-on experience in companies with $25M–$150M in revenue, balancing strategic planning with operational finance execution.
Entrepreneurial & Mid-Size Company Experience
- Comfortable in lean organizations, capable of rolling up sleeves to support day-to-day finance operations while maintaining strategic oversight.
- Able to balance structure and discipline with flexibility required in a growing business.
International & Commercial Awareness
- Experience with global customers or suppliers, foreign currency transactions, and trading-oriented business models.
People Leadership & Organizational Fit
- Proven ability to lead small teams and support long-tenured employees through transitions.
- Collaborative and trustworthy leadership style, capable of building strong relationships across the organization.
Strategic Thinking & Growth Orientation
- Skilled in financial modeling, strategic planning, and evaluating growth initiatives, including potential M&A activity.
Succession Mindset
- Interested in a planned transition into a CFO role while learning the business alongside a seasoned finance leader.
- Demonstrates humility, curiosity, and adaptability.
Education and Technical Skills:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Strong accounting and financial management experience
- Middle-market business experience
- Ability to manage financial reporting, cash flow, and operational finance
- Comfortable working in lean organizational structures
- Ability to grow into CFO-level leadership responsibilities
- Ability to travel within the US and internationally when necessary
Preferred:
- Industrial or manufacturing industry experience
- CPA certification
- Public accounting background
- Experience with M & A analysis
- Experience overseeing HR and IT functions
- Exposure to international operations
