Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer will provide strategic leadership for all financial functions of the company. This executive role combines financial planning, risk management, capital strategy, and operational finance to support rapid growth, complex supply chains, capital-intensive operations, and long-term profitability. The CFO will collaborate closely with the CEO and executive leadership to drive sustainable growth, scalable processes, and stakeholder confidence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership:
- Lead the development and execution of the company's financial strategy in alignment with business goals.
- Provide financial insights to the CEO and Board to support decision-making, investment prioritization, and capital allocation.
- Evaluate market trends, cost factors, product pricing, and expansion opportunities.
Financial Planning & Analysis:
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling to support planning at all company levels.
- Drive long-range financial planning that incorporates demand forecasts, operational cash flow, and capital requirements.
- Monitor financial performance versus budget and market expectations.
Capital & Treasury Management:
- Lead capital sourcing strategy for growth, including equity, debt, project finance, and incentives/subsidies.
- Manage relationships with banks, investors, rating agencies, equity analysts, and financial partners.
- Optimize working capital, cash flow, and treasury functions across multiple jurisdictions.
Risk Management & Compliance:
- Establish robust risk management frameworks related to commodity price exposure (e.g., lithium pricing risk), FX, credit, and interest rate exposures.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, reporting standards (IFRS/GAAP), tax laws, and corporate governance best practices.
- Oversee internal audit and control functions.
Operational & Performance Finance:
- Partner with supply chain, production, engineering, and commercial teams on cost accounting, margin analysis, and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Support capital project evaluation (e.g., refinery expansion, plant commissioning) with cost validation and ROI metrics.
- Implement performance measurement systems for manufacturing & operational excellence.
Financial Reporting & Controls:
- Lead consolidated financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Ensure timely delivery of high-quality financial information for internal and external stakeholders.
- Strengthen internal control systems and scale reporting processes to match business growth.
Leadership & Talent Development:
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance organization.
- Develop succession plans, career paths, and training frameworks within the finance team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience:
Education:
- MBA or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline preferred.
Experience:
- 15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience.
- Minimum 7+ years at a senior finance leadership role (e.g., CFO / VP Finance / Head of Finance) ideally in:
- Chemicals / Mining / Metals / Refining
- Automotive / Battery Manufacturing / Energy Storage
- Heavy manufacturing or capital-intensive industries
- Proven track record managing complex financial operations, large capital projects, and investor relations.
Technical Skills:
- In-depth financial modelling, treasury management, tax planning, and risk mitigation experience.
- Strong familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced financial reporting tools.
- Expertise in IFRS/GAAP financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies:
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
- Strong communicator capable of engaging investors, board members, and cross-functional leadership.
- High ethical standards and integrity.
- Results-driven, collaborative, and adaptable in dynamic environments.
