Role Overview for Chief Financial Officer with a Specialty Chemicals Producer – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth specialty chemicals producer in their search for a strategic and operationally-focused Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Based in the industrial heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, our client is a leader in developing and manufacturing innovative chemical solutions for a diverse range of global industries. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the senior management team. The successful candidate will be a true business partner to the CEO, providing critical financial insight, strategic guidance, and hands-on leadership to drive the company’s ambitious growth objectives.
As the CFO, you will be responsible for the entire spectrum of financial management, from strategic financial planning and capital allocation to controllership, treasury, and risk management. You will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future, guiding investment decisions, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring the company’s financial health and regulatory compliance. This role requires a dynamic leader who can thrive in a fast-paced, capital-intensive manufacturing environment. You will not only manage the numbers but also provide the narrative behind them, translating complex financial data into actionable strategies that support operational excellence and long-term value creation. We are seeking a forward-thinking executive with a strong background in the chemical, manufacturing, or related process industries, who possesses the acumen to navigate market complexities, manage commodity risks, and support large-scale capital projects.
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a thriving organization. You will lead a talented team of finance and accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Your leadership will be crucial in scaling the company’s financial infrastructure, implementing best-in-class processes and systems, and preparing the organization for its next phase of expansion, which may include mergers, acquisitions, and organic growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer with a Specialty Chemicals Producer – Baton Rouge, LA
Strategic Financial Leadership
Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, providing financial leadership and analytical support for all major business decisions. Develop and execute the company’s financial strategy to support long-term growth and profitability.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead the annual budgeting process, long-range strategic planning, and rolling forecast updates. Provide insightful analysis of financial results, key performance indicators (KPIs), and business trends to guide decision-making.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Lead the financial due diligence process for potential acquisitions. Develop complex financial models for valuation, synergy analysis, and integration planning. Present findings and recommendations to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Capital Allocation & Management
Oversee the capital expenditure (CapEx) approval process, ensuring investments are aligned with strategic priorities and meet required return thresholds. Develop strategies for optimizing the company’s capital structure.
Controllership & Accounting Operations
Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets. Ensure the integrity of all financial reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements.
Timely & Accurate Reporting
Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes. Prepare and present comprehensive financial statements, management reports, and board materials that are both timely and accurate.
Treasury & Cash Management
Direct all treasury activities, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, debt management, and banking relationships. Implement strategies to optimize working capital.
Risk Management & Internal Controls
Develop and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance. Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks across the organization. Oversee the corporate insurance program.
Investor & Lender Relations
Serve as a primary point of contact for banks, investors, and other financial stakeholders. Manage covenant compliance and reporting requirements for all debt agreements.
Cost Accounting & Margin Analysis
Champion a deep understanding of product costing, manufacturing variances, and profitability analysis within the complex chemical production environment. Partner with operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve margins.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous professional growth. Structure the department for scalability and efficiency.
Systems & Process Improvement
Drive the continuous improvement of financial systems, tools, and processes. Evaluate and lead the implementation of new technologies, such as ERP enhancements or business intelligence tools, to improve efficiency and analytical capabilities.
Tax & Compliance
Oversee all corporate tax planning and compliance activities, coordinating with external tax advisors to minimize tax liabilities and ensure adherence to federal, state, and local tax laws.
Requirements for the Chief Financial Officer with a Specialty Chemicals Producer – Baton Rouge, LA
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA and/or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is strongly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance, Corporate Controller) for a company of significant scale and complexity.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience within the specialty chemicals, commodity chemicals, manufacturing, energy, or a related capital-intensive process industry is absolutely essential. A deep understanding of cost accounting, inventory valuation, and supply chain finance in a manufacturing setting is required.
M&A and Capital Markets
Proven experience leading financial due diligence, deal structuring, and post-merger integration. Experience with debt financing, refinancing, and managing lender relationships is critical.
Technical Acumen
Expert-level knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls. Strong proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
Strategic Mindset
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act as a true business partner to the CEO and operations leaders. Must be able to translate strategy into actionable financial plans.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a proven ability to recruit, mentor, and motivate a high-caliber finance team. Must be a confident and credible communicator.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills. The ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including the executive team, board members, and external stakeholders.
Analytical Prowess
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Location
Must be willing and able to work on-site at the company headquarters in Baton Rouge, LA. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (equity or equivalent).
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you build your financial future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates to ensure a smooth transition to the Baton Rouge area.
Professional Development
Support for continuing education, professional certifications, and attendance at industry conferences to foster your growth.
Additional Benefits
Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a results-driven financial executive with the requisite industry experience and a passion for driving business growth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role.
JRG Partners is a leading executive search firm specializing in placing top talent in key leadership roles. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit JRG Partners’ Finance & Accounting practice. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your skills and experience align with our client’s needs.
