Industrial / Distribution Company
Birmingham, Alabama
A growing, privately held company in the industrial / distribution sector is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to build and lead the finance function during a critical phase of growth and operational scaling.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role for someone who can move beyond traditional accounting oversight and build a forward-looking finance infrastructure. The organization is transitioning from a historically outsourced and lean accounting model to a more robust, internally led finance function.
The CFO will partner directly with ownership and play a key role in shaping financial strategy, operational performance, and long-term scalability.
Position Overview
This role is responsible for establishing financial discipline, improving reporting and forecasting capabilities, and supporting strategic decision-making across the business. The CFO will oversee all aspects of accounting, FP&A, cash management, and operational finance, while building processes and systems to support a growing, multi-entity platform.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Reporting
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with a focus on accuracy and timeliness
- Oversee financial statements, management reporting, and KPI development
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and external reporting requirements
- Lead audit processes and manage external advisors
FP&A / Strategic Finance
- Build and lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
- Deliver variance analysis, scenario modeling, and strategic insights
- Partner with ownership on growth initiatives and capital allocation decisions
- Analyze profitability, margins, and cost structures across operations
Cash Flow & Treasury
- Manage cash flow forecasting, liquidity, and working capital optimization
- Oversee banking relationships, credit facilities, and capital structure
- Improve AR/AP processes and cash conversion cycles
Operational Finance
- Oversee transactional accounting while implementing scalable processes and controls
- Support project-based / job costing and cost-of-completion accounting
- Provide financial insights into inventory, pricing, and operational efficiency
- Partner with operations to drive margin improvement
M&A & Growth
- Support acquisition strategy, including financial diligence and valuation
- Lead post-acquisition integration efforts
- Build infrastructure to support a scalable, multi-entity platform
Systems & Infrastructure
- Improve ERP and reporting systems, driving automation and efficiency
- Establish scalable internal controls and financial processes
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a lean accounting team
- Build out the finance organization over time
- Establish a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Qualifications
- Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or project-based environments
- Strong foundation in accounting and operational finance
- Proven ability to build or improve finance infrastructure in a growing business
- Hands-on leadership style with willingness to operate in a lean environment
- Experience partnering closely with ownership or executive leadership
- Background in inventory, job costing, or operationally complex environments preferred
- Experience with ERP systems and process improvement initiatives
- Prior M&A exposure is a plus
