Chief Financial Officer

Reports to:

CEO

Job Purpose

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a core member of the Main Board and of the Global Operating Board  and is responsible for strategic financial leadership, corporate governance, and finance transformation across the Group.

The CFO is responsible for financial operations, FP&A, finance innovation including the Finance AI and data strategy, supply chain finance, treasury, tax, legal services, risk, insurance, and statutory compliance. The CFO will lead the Group’s multi-jurisdictional finance teams and develop their capabilities and capacity.

The CFO also acts as a company director for various subsidiaries of the CPL Group and as the Company Secretary for the Group’s UK entities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Accounting & Reporting

• Lead and manage day-to-day accounting operations across the Group.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closes, management accounts, and financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and Group finance policies.
• Maintain the Group chart of accounts and ensure consistent accounting practices.
• Drive effective use of D365, automation, and finance systems.
• Ensure accurate intercompany accounting, provisions, accruals, and expense management (SAP Concur).

Treasury

• Manage working capital, cash flow, and treasury operations in line with Board strategy.
• Develop and implement FX, debt, and cash management strategies.
• Oversee cash forecasting and reporting using Panax.
• Ensure divisions have sufficient liquidity while optimizing use of surplus funds.
• Maximize returns on Group cash through appropriate investment strategies.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Provide strategic financial analysis and decision-making support to management and the Board.
• Manage consolidation, reporting, and forecasting using Planful.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes, including long-term financial planning.
• Improve financial data analysis using MS Fabric, AI, and automation tools.
• Develop consistent reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis across divisions.

Commercial Management

• Partner with General Managers to ensure alignment with commercial and financial guidelines.
• Support pricing, quotations, and margin improvement initiatives.
• Ensure effective credit control and reduction of overdue debt.
• Manage supplier and customer commercial terms.
• Establish global trade, supply chain, VAT/GST, and INCO terms standards.
• Support commission, rebate, and incentive scheme design and management.

Investment & Entity Management

• Support M&A activities, entity setup, and market entry planning.
• Oversee property portfolio and capital expenditure processes.
• Track investment performance and benefits realization.
• Oversee the Group’s closed pension scheme.

Data & Innovation

• Improve finance processes through technology, automation, and AI adoption.
• Ensure finance and performance data is structured and used effectively.
• Collaborate with IT to manage and improve finance systems, including D365.

Compliance & Statutory

• Ensure corporate governance, statutory reporting, audit, and legal compliance.
• Maintain compliance with financial regulations, tax, transfer pricing, and e-invoicing.
• Manage risk register and insurance coverage.
• Lead data protection and oversee IPR compliance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team.
• Balance hands-on operational involvement with strategic leadership.
• Ensure strong collaboration across finance and other departments.
• Promote accuracy, accountability, and timely delivery of objectives.
• Partner with senior leadership to support business performance and strategy.

Skills and Attributes Required

• 15+ years relevant industry experience in a technology driven B2B manufacturing environment
• Knowledge and experience of ERP systems and specifically D365
• Significant International trade & operational experience
• Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), strong degree, MBA optional

• Technically strong with proven experience leading finance function
• Attention to detail and result driven
• Evidence of having worked as a true business partner to the Chief Executive Officer of a multinational company
• Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in different countries and cultures
• Experience of successfully partnering with IT to deliver Finance innovation as well as wider business improvements and innovations
• Strong analytical, negotiation, management, leadership, planning, and organisational skills
• High-level written and communication skills