Chief Financial Officer

Willowglen Systems is the leading rail automation company in Canada and an emerging force internationally with an installed base on all continents, providing best-in-class integration services streamlined by innovative technology solutions for the metro-rail and pipelines industries. As we navigate a critical turnaround phase, we seek an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to drive financial stability, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the CEO, the CFO will be a key member of a tightly integrated executive leadership team, acting as a partner to the CEO and the operations team, providing financial guidance on all matters related to the finance function including strategic business planning, budgeting and forecasting, and business analysis. Take ownership for results along with the management team. Responsible for stabilizing the company’s financial health, optimizing cash flow, strengthening financial controls, and guiding strategic decision-making. This role demands a proactive leader with extensive turnaround experience, strong financial acumen, and the ability to execute financial strategies that align with business recovery and growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Implement cost control and cost containment measures, operational efficiencies, and EBITDA improvement initiatives.
• Provide financial leadership in business restructuring, debt management, cost realignment, and financial strategies.
• Lead banking relationships, drive the evolution of operational accounting, provide executive leadership on legal and regulatory issues, and mentor financial aptitude throughout the company.
• Oversee financial planning and analysis (FP&A), risk management, and internal controls.
• Support the CEO and Board with strategic financial insights.
• Effectively convey complex financial information.
• Champion initiatives that connect financial and managerial accounting practices.

Financial Reporting & Budgeting:

• Strengthen financial reporting, budgeting, and performance tracking to support data-driven decision-making.
• Prepare accurate and relevant financial reports for various stakeholders, including management, shareholders, financial partners, and regulatory bodies.

Cash Flow Management:

• Lead cash flow management, forecasting, and working capital optimization to ensure liquidity.
• Monitor cash flow, plan for future cash needs, and identify potential risks or opportunities.
• Explore ways to optimize cash flow, such as improving collection times, reducing payment times, and managing working capital effectively.
• Identify potential financial risks, such as market volatility, credit risks, operational risks, and liquidity risks.
• Ensure that robust internal controls are in place to prevent financial losses and ensure financial stability.
• Assess insurance coverages to ensure the company has adequate resources to respond to potential losses.
• Collaborate with department heads to align financial goals with operational execution.
• Lead a small but effective financial team by providing mentorship and guidance.
• Take on other administrative leadership roles as deemed appropriate.

Strategic Financial Management:

• Develop and execute financial strategies to drive profitability and sustainable growth.
• Develop the required resources, priorities, and key performance metrics.
• Negotiate with financial institutions, investors, and vendors to secure favorable terms.

Audit and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with financial laws, standards, and reporting requirements, crucial for managing regulatory risks.
• Work with external auditors and the financial teams of investors as the point person for all financial processes and issues.

Investor Relations:

• Communicate with investors and shareholders, providing information about the company’s financial situation.
• Ensure transparency in financial reporting and communication, building trust with stakeholders.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• CPA, CA, CMA, CFA, or MBA in Finance or a related field. CPA is strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with a proven track record in financial restructuring, implementing financial processes, and developing operational financial processes.
• Deep expertise in financial restructuring, cost reduction strategies, and cash flow optimization.
• Strong understanding of project-based financial management and R&D.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, analytical capabilities, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills to drive organizational alignment, including working collaboratively with the operations team and other internal stakeholders as required.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and execute in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Strong business acumen, understanding of the industry and competitive landscape to make informed financial decisions.
• Ability to adapt to changing business conditions.
• Strong negotiation skills with lenders, investors, and suppliers.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information simply.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to drive execution.
• Ability to foster a culture of financial discipline, transparency, and accountability.

Nice to Have:

• Experience leading companies through restructuring, mergers, or acquisitions.
• Experience with technology-enabled service companies, especially in the automation sector.
• International experience.

Why Join Us?

This is a pivotal opportunity for a results-driven CFO to make a transformative impact on a company poised for growth. We offer a dynamic environment where leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking are valued. If you are passionate about driving financial and operational excellence in a high-stakes turnaround scenario, we invite you to apply.

Are you up for the challenge? Join Our Team.

Our Mission:

Willowglen’s mission is to be a global leader in delivering visionary, customer-driven industrial automation solutions.

Our Values:

Respectful: We take the time to listen and understand each other, fostering feelings of mutual trust, safety, camaraderie, and well-being.

Agile: We are a customer-centric, responsive, and collaborative organization. We are quick to learn, adapt, and respond to changing circumstances.

Innovative: We value and support innovation, allowing people to be creative. We are always striving to deliver superior solutions.

Willowglen Systems Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by our recruitment team.