Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the Agri-Food Industry

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the agri-food industry plays a strategic role in the overall management of the company by ensuring that financial and administrative aspects are well-managed, compliant with regulations, and aligned with the company’s growth objectives.

Main Responsibilities of the CFO

Financial Management

• Supervise the company’s accounting and financial operations.
• Develop the company’s budget in collaboration with other departments.
• Analyze the company’s financial performance and provide regular reports to top management.
• Ensure financial control and forecasting to optimize financial results.

Cash Flow and Liquidity Management

• Supervise the company’s cash flow, including liquidity management.
• Assess financing needs and negotiate with financial institutions to obtain credit if necessary.
• Optimize working capital management and minimize liquidity risks.

Tax and Compliance

• Ensure that the company complies with all tax and regulatory obligations.
• Supervise the preparation and filing of tax declarations.
• Manage external financial audits and ensure compliance with accounting standards.

Administrative Management

• Supervise the company’s administrative operations, including human resources, information technology, and facilities.
• Implement effective policies and procedures to optimize operations.
• Manage contracts with suppliers and service providers.

Strategy and Advisory

• Participate in the development of the company’s financial strategy in collaboration with management.
• Provide financial advice to senior management to support the company’s growth and expansion.
• Assess financial risks and propose mitigation measures.

Reporting and Communication

• Present clear and accurate financial reports to management and shareholders.
• Effectively communicate with various internal and external stakeholders, including investors, banks, and regulatory bodies.

Required skills for a CFO in the Agri-Food Industry

• Advanced finance and accounting skills, budgeting, in-depth knowledge of financial risk management and cash flow management.
• Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate a team, make strategic decisions, solve complex problems, and collaborate with other departments.
• Knowledge of financial, tax, and regulatory laws, with the ability to ensure compliance with accounting standards and legal requirements.
• Project Management
• Communication: Ability to present financial information clearly and comprehensibly to non-financial stakeholders / strong negotiation and relationship management skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• IT Skills: Ability to use an ERP and financial management software.
• Strategic Planning: Contributing to the development of the company’s overall strategy.

Required experience to be a CFO in the Agri-Food Industry

• Significant experience in finance and accounting, ideally in an industrial sector.
• Understanding of seasonal cycles and fluctuations in raw material prices in the agri-food industry is also an advantage.
• The ability to manage cross-functional projects and analyze financial data to make strategic decisions is an important aspect of the CFO role.