Are you energized by leading a finance function in a growing company? Do you build trust with senior leadership through clear reporting and solid controls? Do you enjoy turning complex information into clear direction for the business? Can you make systems work harder, get more from an ERP, and turn data into practical insight that guides decisions? If so, this could be the right next step.
Our client is a Toronto‑based, private equity–backed company with operations in Canada and the U.S. conducting a confidential search for a Chief Financial Officer to lead the next stage of growth and modernization. This is a build‑and‑scale role for a CFO who can be both strategic and hands‑on—tightening discipline, improving visibility, and shaping a capable finance team. You will partner closely with the CEO, leadership team, board, and investors to create clarity, drive progress, and prepare the company for future capital events.
The ideal leader brings confidence in the boardroom and a steady, practical approach day to day. They are as comfortable digging into forecasts as they are setting direction and aligning people around a plan. They know how to build a finance team that supports the business, and they take pride in creating clarity where it’s needed most.
The Mandate
The CFO will be responsible for building a finance function that can support the company’s next stage of growth. Create reliable, practical systems and processes that scale with the business. Strengthen forecasting, tighten controls, improve the quality of financial information, and ensure leaders have a clear view of performance. Improve how core systems are used, make reporting consistent, and set a planning rhythm so leadership, the board, and investors work from the same information.
Beyond the finance function itself, this role works hand‑in‑hand with leaders across the company—explaining the story behind the numbers, shaping pricing and profitability decisions, and supporting growth plans. It also involves being the steady voice representing the company with investors and lenders. The long‑term aim is to build a finance team that stays ahead of the curve, gives the business confidence in its decisions, and helps lay the groundwork for the company’s next stage of growth.
What You’ll Lead in the Short-Term
From the outset you will be able to make an impact. You’ll drive a set of critical priorities that will help the company operate with greater confidence, discipline, and insight.
- Establish a modern FP&A cadence: rolling forecasts, standardized KPIs, and leadership‑ready performance packages.
- Improve margin visibility, costing and unit economics to drive profitability
- Strengthen governance, controls, cash discipline, and lender reporting.
- Improve ERP adoption, data quality, and BI dashboards.
- Build and develop the finance team.
- Create an integration playbook for tuck‑in acquisitions.
What You’ll Lead in the Long-Term
With the foundation in place, the next stage is about thoughtful growth. The CFO will help guide the company toward steady organic progress while exploring acquisitions that fit well and add real value.
- Guide steady organic growth by focusing time, people, and resources where they matter most.
- Evaluate acquisitions carefully, selecting only those that truly strengthen the company.
- Maintain focus on long‑term value while managing day‑to‑day needs.
- Build strong relationships with owners, lenders, and partners.
Leadership DNA
The company needs a CFO who leads with maturity, common sense, and a genuine focus on people. The right individual will earn trust through their actions and guide the organization with a calm, steady hand and:
- Acts as a pragmatic enterprise builder.
- Leads with humility but can challenge and decide.
- Is data‑driven, commercial, and calm under pressure.
- Operates with transparency and integrity.
- Partners with operators to enable the business.
Core Characteristics
The successful CFO will combine operational excellence with a strong finance and business background, building a disciplined, forward‑looking function, and is:
- Collaborative, people‑focused, and able to raise financial acumen across the business.
- High‑performance orientated with a practical path to “great.”
- Sharp at prioritization and strong at execution.
- A clear communicator with executive presence.
Ideal Background
The most successful candidates will bring experience that allows them to support a business that is evolving quickly while keeping the fundamentals strong.
- Experience as a CFO in PE backed organization is a must
- Familiarity with both Canadian and US operations
- Exposure to project accounting, inventory/warehousing flows, or multi‑site models.
- Hands‑on experience improving/implementing ERP systems and strengthening reporting/analytical tools
- M&A evaluation and integration experience.
- Proven team builder and mentor; history of building and developing high performing finance teams
This is a rare chance to shape a finance function during a meaningful stage of a company’s evolution. The role offers real influence, close partnership with committed owners and leaders, and the ability to make decisions that truly move the business forward.
Ready to make an impact and shape the future? Don't wait and apply in confidence.
