[Hiring] Interim Chief Financial Officer @Charles River CFO

Role Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to support a large-scale manufacturing organization during a critical period of transition, growth, and operational optimization. This role requires a hands-on financial leader who can quickly assess current financial operations, implement improvements, and provide strategic guidance to executive leadership. The ideal candidate brings deep experience within manufacturing environments, including cost accounting, supply chain finance, and operational efficiency, along with a proven ability to lead through change.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level financial leadership and act as a strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team
• Assess and stabilize financial operations, including accounting, reporting, and internal controls
• Oversee preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Lead cash flow management, liquidity planning, and working capital optimization
• Implement and improve cost accounting practices, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory management
• Drive financial planning & analysis (FP&A), including budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement cost reduction and margin improvement initiatives
• Partner with operations to align financial strategy with production, supply chain, and procurement activities
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors, lenders, and stakeholders
• Support ERP optimization or system implementations, if applicable
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and internal policies
• Lead or support special projects, including restructuring, M&A activity, or capital strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced certification preferred
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including CFO or senior finance roles
• Proven experience within a manufacturing environment (required)
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and inventory management
• Strong understanding of supply chain finance
• Strong understanding of capital expenditure planning
• Demonstrated success in turnaround, transformation, or interim leadership roles
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar)
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting private equity-backed or closely held manufacturing companies
• Background in multi-site manufacturing operations

Company Description

Founded in 2003, Charles River CFO, Inc. is a premier FAO (Fractional, Interim, and Outsourced) financial services firm serving clients across life sciences, high technology, manufacturing, professional services, and nonprofit sectors. Our clients range from venture-backed start-ups to middle-market and publicly traded companies. We provide end-to-end financial leadership, including support for IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, financial operations, cloud accounting, tax services, and HR advisory support. CRCFO is known for delivering top-tier financial leadership with flexibility, pairing experienced CFOs and financial professionals with organizations navigating growth, transition, or complexity. Our collaborative, client-centric approach ensures impactful results and long-term value.

Location

Boston, Massachusetts (Remote)

Department

Charles River CFO

Employment Type

Interim

Minimum Experience

Executive