Chief Financial Officer

Ross & Co Executive Search • Full-time • Greater Toronto Area, Canada, CA • 1w ago

OUR CLIENT

With headquarters in the GTA, clients around the globe, and offices in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, our client is a fast growing, mid-size science and technology company with industry leading products and services.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the senior leadership team. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic finance leader to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the company.

This is a rare opportunity to work in close partnership with the CEO and as part of the senior leadership team to shape the future of a world-class science and technology company. Our client has industry leading products, a strong commitment to invest in the future, cohesive teams, and is proud of their culture of caring. Together, the 250+ employees continue to push boundaries, unlock human potential, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.

THE ROLE

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and reporting to the CEO, the CFO will be a trusted advisor and business partner to the CEO and work closely with the CEO and Advisory Board to help chart and navigate the company’s financial future. Acting as a strategic co-pilot, the CFO’s primary responsibility is to optimize financial performance, enable sustainable growth, and provide strategic insight to guide business decisions.

This role requires a forward-thinking and innovative leader who can anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and deliver creative financial strategies that support the company’s mission. The CFO will be deeply engaged in stakeholder presentations, lead capital and fundraising efforts if needed and ensure sound cash flow and overall compliance practices.

Just as importantly, the CFO will serve as a true business partner across the organization by bringing financial clarity to every corner of the business and helping teams stay aligned with strategic growth and transparency goals through clear metrics and data-driven insights. To succeed in this role, the CFO will need to lead with a strong sense of purpose and collaboration, mentor and empower a high-performing finance team, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities include:

Strategic Financial Leadership

Work with the CEO and Advisory Board to optimize the company’s financial and growth performance
As the primary financial advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team, develop financial strategies that support growth and long-term objectives
Serve as a strategic partner in developing and implementing the company’s long-term direction, aligning financial strategies with organizational goals
Build and lead a scalable financial infrastructure that aligns with the company’s business model and expansion plans
Develop and maintain multi-year financial models, forecasts, and strategic business plans
Present clear, data-driven financial reports and insights to leadership
Promote financial literacy across leadership by supporting budget ownership and leading or delegating structured financial training

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Lead company-wide budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis
Lead the development and implementation of key business metrics and key performance drivers across the organization, ensuring every department is aligned and understands what drives success
Establish and monitor financial KPIs and dashboards, providing actionable insights that drive growth and operational efficiency
Identify risks and opportunities, proactively recommending adjustments to maintain financial health
Direct the organization’s financial planning, accounting practices, and relationships with external professionals
Deliver timely, accurate reporting on the company’s financial health, performance against budget, and progress toward strategic objectives
Identify and implement innovative ways to improve cash flow and overall financial efficiency
Oversee the company’s audit process, ensuring compliance and strong internal controls
Stay informed on financial regulations and market trends and advise the Advisory Board and Senior Leadership accordingly

Cash Flow, Capital, and Stakeholder Relations

Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to support operational needs and strategic investments
Partner with the CEO on fundraising strategy, advisory board communications, and capital structure optimization
Lead capital and fundraising efforts if needed
Oversee M&A activities in collaboration with other senior leaders
Provide financial due diligence and analysis for strategic initiatives, contracts, and acquisitions including overseeing company hedging practices
Prepare and deliver exceptional written and verbal communication for Advisory Board level presentations, quarterly and annual reports, and strategic recommendations

Accounting, Compliance, and Controls

Develop and maintain policies to strengthen internal controls and risk mitigation
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards
Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks to safeguard the company’s assets and reputation
Oversee all accounting, payables, receivables, financial reporting, tax compliance, and regulatory filings
Collaborate with external professionals to ensure proper tax structures and planning
Ensure GAAP compliance and maintain robust internal controls and risk management frameworks
Work closely with external accounting firms and fractional accounting agencies for tactical execution and compliance support
Develop, monitor, and manage goals and metrics for the Finance team while fostering a culture of innovation, trust, and operational excellence

Organizational Growth Support

In partnership with the Senior Leadership Team, guide the annual budgeting process and long-range financial planning
Partner with key business leaders to align financial strategy with growth initiatives
Support the creation and refinement of competitive, sustainable compensation strategies
Lead financial system selection and implementation as the company scales
Mentor and develop internal finance team members as the organization grows
Collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as Marketing, Sales, Product, Technology, and Customer Support by providing financial clarity and strategic insight to support decision making
Leverage advanced financial software and data analysis tools, championing the adoption of innovative technologies such as AI to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education: An Advanced degree (MBA, CPA, CFA) is required
Experience: Minimum of 7 years in a senior executive finance leadership role, preferably within high-tech or highly regulated industries and experience working in a public company environment is beneficial
Capital Raising: Demonstrated success in raising capital through private, public, and institutional funding avenues
Financial Planning: Proven ability to lead financial planning, analysis, and business performance initiatives
Leadership Style: Strategic thinker with hands-on, collaborative leadership skills and a commitment to teamwork
Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to forge strong relationships with executives, direct reports, and cross-functional teams
Technical Skills: High proficiency in financial software, advanced analytics, modeling, and data-driven decision-making tools
Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience with Board-level reporting and presentations
Regulatory Experience: Familiarity with the regulatory landscape specific to high-tech and highly regulated industries, and ability to ensure ongoing compliance and manage risk
Change Management: Track record of success in leading organizations through periods of change, growth, and transformation

WHY JOIN?

Be part of a visionary executive team driving industry-leading innovation on a global scale
Lead transformative projects that shape the future of finance within our organization
Work in a collaborative culture that promotes growth and learning
Make a direct impact on the company’s success and long-term strategic direction

To apply for this role, please send a resume and cover letter in confidence to:

Mark Ross