CFO (Automotive Industry)

Our client, a well-established automotive supplier, is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join their executive management team. This is a strategic leadership role reporting directly to the President, with responsibility for all financial operations across their North American facilities.

This organization is known for its dedicated workforce and strong management team, offering a highly visible position within a stable manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will lead a fully staffed finance department and play a critical role in driving the financial success of the business whilst providing sound financial reporting and strategic guidance to the executive team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the executive management team, partnering closely with the President to drive organizational success
• Lead strategic and financial planning in alignment with corporate guidelines and objectives
• Optimize profitability to ensure sustained growth and adequate returns to shareholders
• Develop and coordinate mid-range plans (MRP) and annual budgets across all operations
• Prepare quarterly forecasts and respond to corporate reporting requirements

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee all finance and administration functions, including financial and cost accounting, controlling, treasury, and budgeting
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the parent company
• Manage treasury functions and cash flow forecasting
• Review and approve capital appropriation requests according to the approval matrix
• Analyze part profitability in conjunction with the Cost Accounting Manager
• Ensure all tax returns are filed timely and coordinate tax planning efforts

Department Leadership

• Manage a fully staffed finance team
• Define and implement personnel policies for the finance department
• Develop annual bonus program targets and oversee benefit program changes
• Serve as Trustee for the employee 401(k) benefit program

Business Partnership & Analysis

• Prepare financial projections and business cases for major new programs and capital expenditure (CapEx) projects
• Review and analyze the financial impact of major contracts
• Monitor and resolve customer collection issues, particularly with OEM invoicing requirements
• Coordinate special projects and analyses as identified by the President
• Create and maintain executive-level reporting dashboards

Legal & Compliance

• Coordinate administration of legal proceedings with corporate counsel
• Review key contracts with applicable departments (sales, purchasing, tooling)
• Maintain and ensure compliance with the authority and approval matrix

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• MBA or advanced degree in Finance/Accounting (preferred)

Experience

• Automotive industry experience, particularly as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier
• Proven experience as a CFO or senior finance leader in a manufacturing organization with annual revenues exceeding the $250 million range
• Strong background managing finance departments within manufacturing environments
• Experience with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Demonstrated success in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning

Technical Skills

• Proficiency working within ERP systems (Plex ERP system experience highly preferred)
• Advanced financial modeling and analysis capabilities
• Strong reporting and dashboard creation skills

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership and communication abilities
• Strategic thinker with strong business partnership skills
• Trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality
• Proven ability to work effectively with executive teams
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel annually to Europe approximately 4-6 times per year, plus occasional travel to Tennessee

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with German business practices (German language skills a plus)
• Experience working with international parent companies and matrix reporting structures
• Knowledge of metal stamping or formed parts manufacturing

Compensation & Benefits Package

Base Salary: $200,000 - $235,000

Bonus: Performance-based bonus, tied to financial metrics and personal goals

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Dental and vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• Car allowance

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.