Chief Financial Officer (m/f/d) – in portfolio company
For a few current and prospective mid-market portfolio companies (producing industry / app. €200-400Mio. revenue) in Western-/ Central Europe we are looking for a Chief Financial Officer (m/f/d).
The CFO will have responsibility for leading and managing the company’s financial function. He/she will be a strategic advisor and business partner to the top management team on financial and business issues. As CFO, this person will manage the company’s balance sheet, capital structure, and overall reporting and control processes as well as will be responsible for cash management, control, audit, financial planning and analysis, tax, treasury, accounting. As a key figure within a carve-out the CFO will build up a best-in-class finance organization and implement efficient strategies, processes and structures with a strong strategic and business focus. In conjunction with the CEO, the CFO will be expected to develop and manage the implementation of a pragmatic strategic plan that will continue to improve short-term results as well as position the company for profitable long-term global growth and shareholder value creation. The CFO will be expected to perform his/her duties in a manner that balances strategic thinking with hands-on and engaged operational and functional leadership.
Responsibilities
- Setting Strategy: Work in partnership with the CEO, the senior management team and the investors to drive the growth and performance of the business to achieve maximum value creation. Contribute to the strategic direction of the overall business through the creation and delivery of effective business plans.
- Treasury/Cash Management: Develop financial models to forecast the Company’s cash/liquidity position. (13-week cash flows). Enable corporate strategy through global capital and cash management, treasury operations, and risk management. Manage relationships with banks and credit institutions across the global footprint.
- Financial Reporting & Control: Ensure the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of financial reporting and ensure compliance with any relevant reporting standards. Maintain appropriate internal financial controls and risk management processes across all operations.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Oversee the budget process, collecting the inputs, and comparing the company’s actual performance against the budgeted targets. Ensure a strong control on costs and cash, whilst continuing to enable the growth of the business including the development of a rolling liquidity plan. Develop a robust forecasting system.
- Financial Analysis & Performance Management: Understand the company’s business model and translate the operational metrics into key performance indicators. Challenge the business plans and ongoing financial performance, and interpreting information quickly to ensure that action is agreed and carried out effectively.
- Growth acceleration: Support the potential identification, assessment, and execution of investment opportunities, including strategic partnerships, acquisitions and divestments. Manage the financial integration of merged or acquired entities and build best-in-class scalable Performance Management systems and processes.
- Financial Relationships & External Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with the investors, providing accurate and relevant analysis which special focus on Free Cashflow, Net Working Capital and EBITDA. Develop banking reporting to present compliance with formal debt agreements (covenants).
- Organization Leadership: Recruit, assess, develop, and lead talent in finance as well as across the business to build a world-class organization and deliver business results. Ensure there is a comprehensive and effective succession and talent management strategy within the finance organization.
Qualifications required
CFO Leadership: Finance executive with more than 15 years of experience in a producing industry and a proven track record in finance, accounting, controlling and M&A processes, including post-merger integration and financing. Proven experience as CFO in a mid-sized company with min. €200Mio. revenue.
Industrial and International Background: Experience in the industrial manufacturing sector within a global organization. Ideally track record in cross-culture and cross-country working.
Private Equity Experience: Experience in a Private Equity environment with a proven track record of successful sponsor interactions. Carve-Out experience is considered a plus.
Educational Background: Excellent academic background, successfully completed Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Business Administration or Economics. Fluent in English, German is a plus.
Further capabilities:
- Commercially minded and technically highly qualified CFO with excellent analytical skills.
- Combining strategic vision and strategic thinking with excellence in operational execution.
- Strong business acumen.
- Strong drive for performance – sets and executes stretch targets.
- Demonstrates a sense of urgency and instills this in others – values speed of action.
- Commitment to quality and compliance.
- Capability to influence different stakeholders by demonstrating competence and confidence, being a good listener, using fact-based persuasion, dedication and persistence as appropriate to the audience.
- Ability to develop valuable collaborations and build strong relations within a complex environment.
- Ability to develop team members and generate high performance results.
- Fostering teamwork and collaboration with the broader team; excellent communication skills, positive can-do attitude.
- High energy level; ability to drive an organization and to create passion and inspiration.
Please apply online including all relevant application documents and stating your earliest possible starting date and salary expectation.
What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?
To manage a challenging task in an utterly favourable environment: Unlike what one would expect from private equity, alongside its impressive professionalism, AURELIUS has a people-focused approach which can be felt in a portfolio company as well.
Describe your job
In my role, I take the overall responsibility for Hanse Yachts. I’m passionate about being in charge for the company’s fortunes in order to have a real impact.
Best thing about AURELIUS
Operational excellence is the core driver. It’s really about numbers, data, facts and the best ideas. You have a lot of freedom whilst also getting the support you need.
Personal statement
It is a real pleasure to have such an impact with my own work and to lead a company with like-minded people based on a values-based management model and an appreciative corporate culture.
It is a real pleasure to create so much impact in my job.
What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?
Together with AURELIUS, I have been able to develop the company not only organically but also inorganically – something which would have not been possible on our own.
Describe your job
My everyday tasks vary quite a lot, starting from managing daily business, constantly communicating with the team, collaborating very closely with AURELIUS as an investor, through to implementing new business ideas.
Best thing about AURELIUS
In our partnership with AURELIUS, everyone respects and appreciates each other, even if we occasionally have different ideas. This is how we move the company forward.
Personal statement
I enjoy my work so much that I have never set limits here.
AURELIUS means full responsibility from day one.
What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?
Although I initially lacked experience with the private equity industry, I soon realised that the no-nonsense approach taken by AURELIUS fitted well with my own way of working and was an excellent professional fit.
Describe your job
As a CEO, my responsibility lies in defining the strategy, setting goals for the team, and making sure we achieve value for all our stakeholders. The really exciting part of the job is when you succeed in outperforming the sector and staying one step ahead of the competition, even more so when faced with difficult market conditions.
Best thing about AURELIUS
As an investor, AURELIUS works closely with the portfolio companies, to define and execute a strategy for success. Whether financial or close operational support, if the plan is right, you get what you need to transform the business.
Personal statement
Running a business in construction merchanting can often be very challenging. Nonetheless, thanks to a great team of colleagues, we managed to overcome these challenges successfully within the past years.
When I do have some time off, I love spending it with my family and friends, practicing sports or taking long hikes with my dog.
Hard work, often tough, but always fulfilling and fun.
What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?
When considering the next step in my career, I was looking for three things: A truly entrepreneurial task, a challenge with the opportunity to move the needle, and working with inspiring, intelligent, and supportive colleagues. When getting in touch with AURELIUS, it was clear that I had found it all.
Describe your job
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Best thing about AURELIUS
The best thing about AURELIUS is the team – a perfect blend of professionalism, team spirit, encouragement, challenge, support, and fun.
Personal statement
In my spare time, I love spending time with family, friends, and above all, my kids. I also like mountain sports – hiking, climbing, skiing, and paragliding.
With great power comes great responsibility.
What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?
Above all, we were drawn to the AURELIUS team owing to their operational approach and willingness to support the group-wide execution of our strategy with their expertise and tailored investment.
Describe your job
I believe that the LSG Group is one of the most international and multicultural companies anyone could aspire to work for, which is a bonus in itself. We are a people business and it is clearly ingrained within our DNA to work together to overcome even the most challenging of tasks.
Best thing about AURELIUS
The best thing about AURELIUS is their entrepreneurial spirit. For the first time, the focus is clearly on our company’s growth and value-creation. With their support, we are confident that we will drive decisive change within our industry.
Personal statement
I have a passion for Spain: its language, food and wine. That is why Andalusia has become my second home, a place where I can recharge my batteries. My second passion is soccer and, of course, I am a big fan of Real Madrid.
Getting things done is the true meaning of satisfaction.