Interim CFO

[axr] Recruitment & Search; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

axr Recruitment & Search is assisting a dynamic, established Melbourne business to appoint an interim CFO for a 4–5 month contract. The role reports to the CEO and liaises with the Board as a strategic partner to the ELT, driving the financial agenda and leading change during the contract period.

The successful candidate will lead FP&A, governance, and a high‑performing finance team, embedding AI, automation and analytics to generate insights and efficiencies while supporting strategic

Qualifications

• Senior finance experience as CFO or equivalent.
• Experience in FMCG/retail and multi‑channel environments.
• Proven ability to lead finance function, including financial control and FP&A.

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial and FP&A requirements.
• Maintain high levels of financial governance, risk and compliance.
• Guide and develop a high‑performing finance team with AI/automation.
• Support M&A, investor relations, capital structuring and funding.
• Forge strong stakeholder relationships with banks, investors and auditors.

Skills

FP&A

Cash flow forecasting

Working capital optimization

M&A experience

Stakeholder management

Education

CA/CPA

MBA advantageous

AICD optional

Job description

About the company

This dynamic, established, and successful business operates in a multi-channel environment across the Eastern seaboard. There is a clear growth trajectory to significantly grow in size through organic growth and targeted M&A. It is entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and driven with a leadership team focused on long-term success.

About the role

This is a 4-to-5-month interim CFO contract reporting to the CEO and liaising closely with the Board as you will be a key member of and strategic partner to the ELT, driving the financial agenda, leading during change and ultimately being a safe pair of hands for the contract period. The role requires a hands-on leader - someone who can operate at both strategic and tactical levels. Key areas include:

• Drive commercial and FP&A requirements
• Maintain high levels of financial governance, risk and compliance
• Guide and develop a high-performing, future-ready finance team. Where possible, embed AI, automation, and analytics to drive insights and efficiencies
• Support M&A, investor relations, capital structuring, funding, and other strategic initiatives if they arise during the period
• Forge strong stakeholder relationships with banks, investors, auditors, and external partners

Ideal profile

• Tech savvy senior finance experience as a CFO or equivalent in a high-growth, fast paced business with diversified operations
• Experienced in FMCG, retail, leading the build-out of the finance function (including financial control and FP&A) to support a business that is scaling rapidly and operating across complex commercial structures (supplier rebates, marketing programs and multi-channel distribution)
• A peer to the CEO and ELT on commercial insights, M&A and growth opportunities, and a driver of working capital optimisation and cashflow forecasting discipline as the business pursues a multi-pronged growth agenda
• Inspirational leadership style with experience leading finance teams. Someone who is close to operational and commercials teams across the business, can turn math into English, a chameleon who can talk to anyone from the Board, analysts, Sales team or to the shop floor
• CA/CPA qualified, with MBA or AICD or equivalent advantageous

This highly successful business is continuing to go places, and the CEO wants a finance partner who is motivated and focused on people, product, and profit. Ultimately, during the contract, you will be expected to keep all aspects of the role tickling along and driving projects/change as required.