The company
Our client is a U.S.-based industrial manufacturing company specializing in the design and production of large-scale, highly engineered mechanical equipment for industrial applications. The company operates in an engineer-to-order, project-based environment and conducts business globally as part of an international Italian industrial Group.
Position Overview
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the senior financial leader of the U.S. organization, responsible for ensuring strong financial governance, transparency, and performance management in alignment with Group strategy and policies.
Reporting to the CEO, the CFO acts as a strategic business partner, supporting profitable growth, driving financial discipline, and enabling sound decision-making in a complex, project-driven manufacturing environment. The role serves as a critical interface between local leadership and Divisional / Group Finance.
Cross-functional collaboration is essential; the CFO partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Project Management, Sales, and Supply Chain to support project profitability, cash flow discipline, and risk management across the project lifecycle.
Reporting Line
Hierarchical: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – U.S.
Functional: Divisional Chief Financial Officer – Group Business Division
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Control
- Lead all accounting, financial reporting, and controlling activities.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial statements in compliance with U.S. GAAP and Group policies.
- Oversee financial close and reporting to Divisional and Group headquarters.
Business Performance & Strategic Support
- Act as a trusted financial advisor to the CEO and leadership team.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Monitor performance, analyze variances, and drive corrective actions.
- Provide financial insights to support pricing, investments, and operational decisions.
Project Economics, Contracts & Commercial Support
- Lead financial review of major commercial offers and contracts, including pricing, margins, payment terms, guarantees, and risk allocation.
- Evaluate project profitability, cash flow impact, and financial risk prior to contract approval.
- Partner closely with Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Project Management to monitor project performance and financial exposure.
Cash Flow & Working Capital
- Own cash flow planning and liquidity management.
- Optimize working capital, with focus on project cash cycles, receivables, inventory/WIP, and supplier terms.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Group financial policies and governance frameworks.
- Coordinate internal and external audits.
- Manage banking and financial institution relationships.
- Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
Leadership & Group Coordination
- Lead and develop the U.S. finance team.
- Act as a key member of the U.S. executive leadership team.
- Serve as the primary financial liaison with Group / Division Finance in Italy.
Qualifications
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Finance, Accounting, or Business (CPA a plus)
Experience
- 10–15 years of senior financial leadership experience, ideally in:
- Industrial manufacturing
- Capital equipment/machinery
- Project-based or engineer-to-order environments
- Experience within multinational and matrix organizations
Technical & Leadership Skills
- Financial controlling, project accounting, and contract margin analysis
- Cost accounting in manufacturing environments
- Budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Strong understanding of complex project-based contracts
- ERP and financial systems experience
- Strategic, business-oriented leader with strong cross-functional influence
Key Success Factors
- Ability to balance financial rigor with commercial pragmatism
- Strong understanding of project economics and cash discipline
- Effectiveness in international matrix organizations
- Trusted partner to the CEO, functional leaders, and Group Headquarters
