posted: 21st March 2024

Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Job Vacancy, Chicago, Illinois

CFO Recruit is partnering with a logistics business in Chicago to appoint an interim CFO for an initial 3 month period.  Our client is keen to benefit from the expertise of a CFO to support them through a business transformation program. The business is implementing business improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing financial operations, enhancing profitability and improving overall business performance. As part of this initiative, we are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer to partner the leadership team and implement a program of change, providing stability and minimizing business disruption during this transitional period.

Engagement Overview:

The Interim CFO will play a crucial role in guiding the financial strategy, financial operations and supporting the business improvement program. The ideal candidate will be an experienced CFO with a track record of supporting businesses on an interim basis and will have extensive experience in financial management within the logistics or related industry.  The CFO will have strong leadership skills, a proven track record of driving financial success during transitional periods and experience of leading programs of change implementing improvements to systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Strategy: Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business goals and the objectives of the business improvement program.
• Financial Planning and Analysis: review budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities, propose and implement improvements to support decision-making and improve financial performance.
• Financial Operations: review current processes across accounting, treasury, tax, and financial reporting functions with proposal for change to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks, implement internal controls, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Business Improvement Support: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, cost optimization, and revenue growth.
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate financial insights, performance metrics, and recommendations to executive leadership, board members, and key stakeholders.
• Interim Leadership: Provide interim leadership and mentorship to finance and accounting teams as needed during the transition period.

Skills and experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• Proven experience as a CFO, VP of Finance, or senior finance executive in the logistics or transportation industry.
• Excellent project management experience with a track record of delivering change programs.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in financial planning, analysis, reporting, and budget management.
• Experience leading financial operations, including accounting, treasury, tax, and compliance functions.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align financial goals with overall business objectives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.