CFO (Chief Financial Officer)

Ajax Distributing Company; Clarksville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Health benefits

Job summary

Ajax Distributing Company in Clarksville, TN, seeks a senior financial leader to oversee corporate finance, FP&A, accounting operations, and risk management. The role partners with the CEO and family ownership to drive profitability, expansion, and operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow optimization, inventory management, and controls across the distribution network, while delivering timely, accurate reporting and strategic recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Experience in distribution, wholesale, or supply chain industries.
• Experience in family-owned or privately held business environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, ERP systems, and distribution metrics.
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with growth objectives.
• Lead FP&A: budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
• Oversee accounting operations, GAAP compliance, and internal controls.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and financing relationships.
• Collaborate with operations and family ownership on strategic decisions.
• Provide financial reporting to CEO and family shareholders.
• Support risk management, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate pricing, margins, and cost efficiency in supply chain.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Hands-on leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting

MBA or CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the company’s growth objectives.
• Partner with the CEO and ownership to drive profitability, expansion, and operational efficiency.
• Provide financial modeling and scenario planning for new markets, acquisitions, and product lines.

2. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
• Monitor KPIs including gross margin, inventory turnover, working capital, and cash flow.
• Deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to executive leadership and owners.
• Analyze distribution cost structures (logistics, warehousing, transportation).

3. Accounting & Controls

• Oversee accounting operations, including general ledger, AR/AP, payroll, and inventory accounting.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and risk management processes.
• Manage external audits and tax filings.

4. Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Optimize cash flow, credit lines, and banking relationships.
• Manage inventory financing and supplier payment terms.
• Oversee credit policies and customer risk management.

5. Operations & Supply Chain Finance

• Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to improve cost efficiency.
• Evaluate warehouse investments, fleet management, and distribution center performance.
• Analyze pricing strategies and margin optimization.

6. Family Governance & Communication

• Provide clear financial reporting to family shareholders.
• Support family board meetings with financial insights and strategic recommendations.
• Balance reinvestment strategies with dividend expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in family matters.

7. Risk Management & Compliance

• Oversee insurance, legal compliance, and enterprise risk management.
• Assess economic risks, supplier concentration, and market fluctuations.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and industry-specific requirements.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: CEO / President
• Direct Reports: Finance Manager, Accounting Staff, IT (if applicable)
• Works closely with: Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, Family Ownership Group

Success Metrics

• Improved cash flow and working capital efficiency
• Accurate and timely financial reporting
• Margin expansion and cost control
• Successful execution of growth initiatives
• Strong governance and trust with family stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in distribution, wholesale, or supply chain industries.
• Experience in a family-owned or privately held business environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, ERP systems, and distribution metrics.
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution capability
• High integrity and discretion
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to navigate family dynamics professionally
• Hands-on leadership style

401k and Health Benefits