Our client is a premier, mid-market leader in the global trade and specialized distribution of essential industrial commodities. Operating as a sophisticated international bridge, the firm manages the high-volume movement of bulk materials across multiple continents. They serve as a vital supply chain partner, connecting global manufacturing sources with end-market industrial and agricultural users through expert logistics and market-positioning strategies.
We are seeking a pedigreed, hands-on CFO to lead financial operations and an HQ-based team of 15+ professionals. This role is designed for a strategic "player-coach" who excels in high-volume, global trading environments and is ready to own the full financial landscape of a premier mid-market leader.
Core Responsibilities
Financial Stewardship & Technical Accounting
- Maintain full ownership of the organization’s financial health, overseeing all month-end/year-end closing processes, consolidated international reporting, and GAAP compliance.
- Establish and maintain rigorous internal control frameworks (SOX-lite) to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of global financial data.
- Act as the primary liaison for external auditors, ensuring timely and seamless completion of annual audits across multiple entities.
- Oversee domestic and international tax compliance, transfer pricing, and VAT/customs implications of cross-border trade.
Treasury, Risk & Commercial Strategy
- Optimize cash flow and working capital across global accounts; manage sophisticated trade finance instruments, including Letters of Credit (LCs) and structured trade credit.
- Navigate the complexities of international trade, including FX hedging, interest rate swaps, and protecting margins against commodity price volatility and shifting tariffs.
- Drive strategies to optimize inventory turns and accounts receivable/payable cycles to maximize liquidity for trade opportunities.
Systems, FP&A & Strategic Growth
- Serve as the executive lead for a critical, multi-phase ERP implementation, ensuring seamless data integration between logistics, sales, and financial reporting.
- Build and maintain dynamic budgeting and forecasting models that account for global freight volatility, seasonal agricultural/industrial cycles, and macro-economic shifts.
- Provide the CEO and leadership team with data-driven insights into margin analysis, customer profitability, and geographic expansion opportunities.
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead and mentor a dedicated finance and accounting team of 15+ within the Philadelphia headquarters, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
- Set the standard for reporting accuracy and "first-time right" mentalities across the finance function.
- Drive a high-performance culture through daily on-site presence and active engagement with the executive team.
Qualifications
- Initial career training within a Big 4 or Tier 2 public accounting firm is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting from a top-tier university; a CPA or MBA is highly preferred.
- A successful track record as a CFO within a mid-market organization ($350M–$700M+) or as a Divisional CFO/Finance VP within a larger global enterprise. We are looking for a leader who has mastered the complexities of a $350M+ P&L.
- Deep understanding of the risks associated with currency fluctuations, bulk commodity pricing, and international trade compliance.
- Hands-on experience leading or significantly contributing to a major ERP conversion/implementation is highly desirable.
- A "hands-on" executive who thrives in a collaborative, daily office-based environment in the greater Philadelphia area.
For immediate consideration please send your resume to: cecilia.bjurstrom@randstadusa.com
