Chief Financial Officer-Europe

Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group); Italia; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group) is supporting an international automotive client in appointing a Chief Financial Officer – Europe. The position is based in Italy with a remote-friendly setup and requires leading the European finance function across multiple markets, reporting to the Global CFO.

You will drive budgeting, forecasting, financial controls and cash flow management, while partnering with regional leadership to accelerate profitable growth and ensure governance and compliance

Qualifications

• Senior-level finance leadership experience in international multi-country organisation.
• Experience in automotive industry or related industrial sector.
• Proven ability to lead regional finance teams and oversee operations across Europe.
• Fluent English; additional European languages are a plus.
• Based in Italy or willing to be based there with travel across Europe.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional finance team across Europe, overseeing operations, planning, reporting and performance management.
• Partner with regional leadership to shape strategy, support commercial decisions, and drive profitable growth.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, variance analysis and performance reviews.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with local regulatory requirements.
• Drive cash flow optimisation, working capital management, and capital allocation in the region.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, streamline processes and strengthen reporting.
• Build a high-performing regional finance organisation and collaborate with global stakeholders.
• Align financial strategy with the company’s global objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial planning & analysis

Financial control

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

English fluency

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics

MBA or professional accounting qualification

Job description

Reporting to: Global Chief Financial Officer

The Opportunity

Our client is a fast-growing international automotive company with a strong and expanding presence across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. With a global workforce of more than 10,000 employees, the company is continuing to strengthen its regional leadership to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

The company is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer – Europe to lead the finance function across its European markets. Reporting directly to the Global CFO, this role will provide strategic financial leadership, drive regional business performance, and ensure robust financial governance while partnering closely with regional and global stakeholders. The position is based in Italy and offers a remote working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Regional Financial Leadership: Lead and develop the European finance team, overseeing financial operations, planning, reporting, and performance management across multiple markets.
• Strategic Business Partnering: Partner with regional leadership and business units to shape strategy, support commercial decisions, and drive profitable growth.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, variance analysis, and performance reviews to ensure financial targets are achieved.
• Financial Control & Governance: Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, compliance with relevant accounting standards, and adherence to local regulatory requirements.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital: Drive cash flow optimisation, working capital management, cost discipline, and capital allocation across the region.
• Business Performance & Transformation: Identify opportunities to improve financial efficiency, streamline processes, and strengthen financial systems and reporting capabilities.
• Team Leadership: Build a high-performing regional finance organisation, developing talent and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Global Collaboration: Work closely with the Global CFO and other regional finance leaders to align financial strategy, policies, and processes with the company’s global objectives.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline; an MBA or professional accounting qualification is an advantage.
• Significant senior-level finance leadership experience in an international, multi-country organisation, ideally within the automotive industry or a related industrial sector.
• Proven experience leading regional finance teams and overseeing financial operations across multiple European markets.
• Strong expertise in financial planning and analysis, management reporting, financial control, cash flow, and working capital management.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with senior business leaders, influence strategic decisions, and translate financial insights into business outcomes.
• Experience driving financial transformation, process improvements, and operational efficiencies in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively across cultures and functions.
• Fluent English is essential; additional European languages are an advantage.
• Based in Italy or willing to be based there, with flexibility to travel across European markets as required.