Interim Head of Accounting & Finance; CFO

Overview

A private equity–backed manufacturing organization is seeking an Interim Head of Finance and Accounting / Chief Financial Officer to provide hands-on leadership and executional support during a transition period while a permanent CFO search is conducted. The business is in an active growth phase following a recent enterprise systems implementation, with ongoing operational initiatives, potential transactions, and an upcoming year-end audit cycle.

This engagement is highly execution-focused and best suited for a finance leader who remains close to the work, can step into day-to-day accounting and finance operations, and prioritizes timely, accurate financial closes. The primary objective is to maintain continuity, financial discipline, and operational stability across accounting, cash management, and reporting.

Accounting & Close (Primary Focus – ~70%)

• Own and oversee the monthly close process, ensuring consistent and timely close timelines
• Provide hands-on support with journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement review
• Coach and support an internal Controller and lean accounting team
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing
• Oversee core accounting functions, including AP, AR, inventory accounting, and job costing
• Partner with external auditors to support a compressed year-end audit timeline

• Actively manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital in a growth-oriented environment
• Monitor AR trends and support collections discipline
• Support debt compliance and lender reporting requirements
• Review and refine budget and capital planning for the upcoming fiscal year
• Provide basic FP&A support, including variance analysis and management reporting

• Oversee inventory accounting and job costing within a manufacturing setting
• Support PO-to-job revenue and cost tracking
• Partner with operations and inventory teams to ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy

• Operate within a recently implemented ERP environment and support post-implementation stabilization
• Ensure accounting processes and reporting are aligned with new system workflows

• Provide financial oversight and integration support for potential acquisitions
• Support ad hoc diligence, modeling, and post-close integration efforts as needed
• Lean corporate accounting team with a mix of on-site staff and offshore transactional support
• Highly hands-on, operator-driven culture with strong leadership engagement
• Private equity–backed environment emphasizing execution, rigor, and growth

Required

• Senior finance leadership experience (CFO or equivalent) in a manufacturing environment
• Strong hands-on accounting background with the ability to personally engage in the close
• Experience managing inventory and working capital
• Availability for a minimum interim commitment
• Comfort operating in a PE-backed or fast-paced growth setting

Preferred

• Experience working within modern ERP platforms
• Prior interim or consulting CFO experience
• Exposure to M&A integration and lender-facing responsibilities
• Initial on-site presence required for onboarding and knowledge transfer
• Flexible hybrid or remote arrangement thereafter