Are you a finance leader who combines hands‑on execution with strategic perspective? Do you earn credibility by being close to the numbers and close to the business—while also helping ownership make better, higher‑impact decisions? Are you motivated by building strong fundamentals today while shaping the direction of the business for tomorrow?
Our client is a Montreal‑based manufacturer experiencing solid growth and preparing for its next stage of scale. The business operates primarily in Canada with selective international exposure and is in the midst of an ERP transition. This is a hands‑on yet strategic CFO role for a finance leader who thrives in entrepreneurial, owner‑managed environments and enjoys being a true business partner.
The Role
Reporting directly to ownership and working closely with the senior leadership team, the CFO will lead the finance function end‑to‑end while acting as a trusted advisor to the ownership group. This role blends execution and strategy: ensuring the financial foundation is strong and reliable, while also helping guide growth, margin expansion, and investment decisions.
You will be actively involved in day‑to‑day financial leadership—setting standards, solving problems, and supporting the team—while also stepping back to provide clear insight, perspective, and direction to ownership. Success in this role requires both getting things done and elevating the conversation.
What You Will Own
- Hands‑On Team Leadership – Lead, coach, and develop the finance team as a player‑coach, remaining actively engaged in execution, problem‑solving, and decision support.
- Financial Fundamentals – Own accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and controls, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and credibility with ownership.
- Cash & Working Capital Management – Drive disciplined cash‑flow forecasting, working capital optimization, and liquidity planning to support growth with confidence.
- ERP Enablement – Lead the financial aspects of the NetSuite implementation, ensuring clean data, strong controls, and practical reporting that improves decision‑making.
- Margin & Cost Insight – Apply standard costing, margin analysis, and SKU‑level insight to support pricing decisions, margin improvement, and operational trade‑offs.
- Strategic Business Partnering – Convert financial results into clear “so what” insights, helping ownership and leaders prioritize opportunities, manage risk, and allocate capital.
- Risk & Exposure Management – Identify and manage financial risks related to FX, pricing, tariffs, and supply chain dynamics.
- Multi‑Site Consistency – Establish and maintain disciplined processes, controls, and reporting across multiple locations.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven Finance Leader – Experience as a CFO, VP Finance, or senior finance leader in manufacturing or distribution, with a reputation for reliability and delivery.
- Hands‑On Mindset – Comfortable rolling up your sleeves while leading others and setting clear standards.
- Strategic Perspective – Able to step back, connect the dots, and help ownership make informed, forward‑looking decisions.
- Costing & Margin Expertise – Practical experience using standard costing and margin analysis to guide the business.
- ERP Experience – Strong, hands‑on involvement with ERP systems (NetSuite a strong advantage).
- Cash & Risk Focus – Well‑grounded instincts around liquidity, working capital, and financial risk.
- Professional Credentials – CPA strongly preferred; bilingual English and French required.
- On‑Site Commitment – Willing to work on‑site full‑time in the Greater Montreal Area.
- Constructive Challenger – Able to challenge respectfully, provide clear advice, and build trust through facts and follow‑through.
Why This Role?
- Meaningful Influence – Shape both how the business runs today and how it grows tomorrow.
- True Partnership with Ownership – Work directly with owners who value insight, clarity, and accountability.
- Build for Scale – Lead a team and modernize systems during a critical growth phase.
- Entrepreneurial Culture – Action‑oriented environment where results matter more than bureaucracy.
If you are a hands‑on finance leader with strategic instincts who wants to be a genuine partner to ownership, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
