Role Overview for Chief Financial Officer with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized Tier 1 automotive supplier in their search for a visionary and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Based in the dynamic automotive hub of Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to shape the financial future of a multi-billion dollar organization renowned for its innovation, quality, and deep-rooted industry partnerships. Our client is at the forefront of automotive technology, supplying critical components and systems to the world’s leading OEMs. In an era of unprecedented transformation within the automotive sector—driven by electrification, autonomous technology, and connected vehicles—this position offers a unique platform to navigate complex market dynamics and drive sustainable, profitable growth.
As the Chief Financial Officer, you will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and acting as a strategic advisor to the Board of Directors. You will have ultimate responsibility for the company’s entire financial apparatus, overseeing all aspects of financial strategy, management, and operations on a global scale. This role extends far beyond traditional accounting and reporting; it demands a forward-thinking leader who can provide critical insights, foster a culture of financial discipline, and champion initiatives that enhance shareholder value. You will be the financial conscience of the organization, ensuring robust controls, rigorous analysis, and strategic capital allocation to fuel innovation and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on yet strategic leader, capable of mentoring a high-performing global finance team and collaborating effectively across all business functions to achieve ambitious corporate objectives.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Detroit, MI
Strategic Financial Leadership & Corporate Strategy
- Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, providing financial insights and guidance on all major business decisions, long-range planning, and strategic initiatives.
- Lead the development and execution of the company’s financial strategy to support long-term growth, including capital structure optimization, investment priorities, and risk management.
- Drive the end-to-end mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lifecycle, including target identification, financial modeling, due diligence, negotiation, and post-merger integration to ensure seamless transitions and value realization.
- Oversee investor relations activities, effectively communicating the company’s financial performance, strategy, and outlook to investors, analysts, and the financial community.
- Provide financial leadership on key commercial negotiations, including customer pricing strategies, supplier agreements, and strategic partnerships.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Direct the annual budgeting process, quarterly forecasting, and long-range financial planning, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.
- Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to support strategic planning, scenario analysis, and decision-making for new investments and business opportunities.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to drive performance, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to business leaders.
- Lead the preparation of comprehensive financial analysis and presentations for the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
Controllership, Accounting & Reporting
- Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial reporting, maintaining a robust system of internal controls and ensuring timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
- Guarantee full compliance with a deep understanding of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), IFRS, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
- Oversee all accounting operations including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting, and Revenue Recognition.
- Manage relationships with external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient annual audit process.
- Oversee global tax strategy and compliance, minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring adherence to all local, state, federal, and international tax laws.
Treasury & Capital Management
- Direct all treasury functions, including cash management, liquidity planning, debt management, and foreign exchange risk mitigation.
- Optimize the company’s capital structure, managing banking relationships and securing financing as needed to support operational needs and strategic growth initiatives.
- Develop and implement effective risk management policies and procedures, including oversight of insurance programs and hedging strategies.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber global finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Structure the finance organization to effectively support the evolving needs of the business, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and career development paths.
- Champion the adoption of new financial technologies and systems (ERP, BI tools) to drive efficiency, improve data analytics, and enhance financial controls.
Requirements for the Chief Financial Officer with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Detroit, MI
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required.
- An MBA from a top-tier institution is highly preferred.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior executive role (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance) for a complex, global organization.
Crucial
Demonstrable experience within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive manufacturing environment is mandatory. A deep understanding of the industry’s cost structures, supply chain dynamics, and OEM relationships is essential.
- Proven track record of managing the full scope of financial functions for a company with revenues exceeding $1 billion.
- Extensive experience with M&A, including due diligence and successful post-acquisition integration.
- Experience in a private equity-backed environment is highly advantageous.
- Experience managing international finance operations and dealing with complexities of foreign currency and global tax regulations.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable business strategies.
- Impeccable communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of building credibility and influencing stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with a history of recruiting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent.
- Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and a commitment to transparent and principled leadership.
- Advanced proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and modern financial planning and business intelligence tools.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, and constantly evolving industry environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
- An attractive and competitive base salary.
- A significant Short-Term Incentive (STI) or Annual Bonus Plan tied to company and individual performance.
- A compelling Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), including equity or phantom stock options.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Executive perquisites such as a vehicle allowance.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and executive coaching.
How to Apply
JRG Partners specializes in placing top-tier executives in the world’s most innovative companies. If you are a results-driven financial leader with a passion for the automotive industry and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. This is a chance to make a significant impact on a leading company during a pivotal moment in the automotive sector’s history.
To express your interest, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a JRG Partners executive recruiter for a preliminary discussion. Explore more opportunities within our esteemed Automotive & Manufacturing Practice Area or apply today to be considered for this premier CFO role.
