IMMEDIATE INTERIM OPPORTUNITY
Interim Senior Vice President, Finance
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Duration: 6-12 Months
Hybrid
A global organization is seeking a Senior Vice President, Finance to strengthen its administrative and financial leadership capacity and support continued growth. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this executive will provide overall direction for finance, accounting, tax planning, credit and treasury activities worldwide.
The Senior Vice President will also provide financial support and analysis for strategic initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and integration, and the implementation of new technology systems and tools.
The Mandate
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Vice President of Finance will:
Global Finance Leadership
- Together with the CFO, contribute to the development of strategic goals and objectives by managing and developing high-performing finance teams around the world.
- Provide overall direction for finance, accounting, tax, planning, credit, and treasury functions globally.
- Lead the Vice President of Financial Planning & Analytics, the Vice President - Group Controller, and other members of the finance leadership team.
- Act as a strategic partner to the executive team and Strategic Business Unit Managers, providing insights and decision support on commercial and operational matters.
- Participate in global governance committees and contribute collaboratively to enterprise-wide decision-making.
Planning, Reporting and Performance Management
- Prepare and implement financial plans aligned with the global strategy, including annual business plans and budgets that support profitable growth.
- Lead the long-range plan, three-year strategic plan, annual operating plan and budget, quarterly closing, monthly reporting, and Board meeting preparation.
- Prepare and present financial budgets, monthly profit and loss results, forecast-versus-budget analyses, balance sheets, and cash flow statements to the CFO, CEO, and Executive Committee.
- Evaluate internal investment decisions to maximize returns and promote the efficient use of capital.
- Drive value creation through operational transformation, margin expansion, improved working capital, and disciplined performance management.
Financial Control, Risk and Compliance
- Ensure statutory accounts are published within agreed timelines and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
- Maintain high-quality financial reporting and effective internal controls, including compliance with IFRS and applicable financial and tax regulations.
- Serve as a key contact for external auditors and manage the preparation and support required for external audits.
- Set high standards for internal control, internal audit, and financial risk management, including foreign exchange exposure.
- Monitor debt, maintain control of the balance sheet, and work with the CFO to manage banking facilities and relationships.
Transactions, Systems and Transformation
- Work with the CFO on acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships, ensuring high-quality due diligence, deal execution, and integration.
- Provide financial analysis and support for other strategic initiatives, including the implementation of new technology systems and tools.
- Supervise the effective operation of financial systems, databases, and financial software.
- Enhance and optimize financial and accounting systems, processes, tools, and control frameworks.
- Lead efficiency initiatives that improve quality, reduce costs, and keep critical systems current and secure.
Leadership and Team Development
- Reinforce the global finance organization and establish clear standards of accountability, collaboration, and performance.
- Recruit, interview, and hire finance employees as required.
- Develop culturally sensitive, high-performing teams that can operate effectively across a variety of regions and business environments.
Key Internal and External Relationships
The Senior Vice President of Finance will work closely with:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee
- Strategic Business Unit Managers
- Finance leadership teams and employees globally
- All levels of management and staff
- Banks and external auditors
- Customers, suppliers, insurance brokers, and other professional advisors
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring:
- 15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, ideally beginning in a large international organization recognized for strong financial processes and business performance.
- Experience in a mid-sized organization is considered an asset.
- Proven experience leading finance across a global scope.
- A strong record of strengthening finance organizations and developing effective leadership teams.
- Demonstrated value creation through operational transformation, margin expansion and disciplined execution.
- Experience in life sciences, research and development, or manufacturing is an asset.
- University or master’s degree with a specialization in Finance; an MBA is considered an asset.
- Fluency in English is required; French-language capability is considered an asset.
Leadership Attributes
- Credible and natural leadership with a positive, pragmatic, and hands-on approach.
- Strong commercial judgment, analytical capability, and the ability to identify trends, issues, and opportunities.
- Personal maturity, integrity, accountability, and the ability to operate effectively in a family-owned business.
- A collaborative style and the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of stakeholders and cultures.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and multicultural openness.
- A results-driven mindset with the energy and commitment to deliver meaningful improvements.
The Ideal Interim Executive
This assignment is best suited for a seasoned global finance executive who combines strategic insight with practical execution. The successful leader will be comfortable operating across planning, performance management, controllership, treasury, transactions, systems, and transformation while strengthening the global finance team.
The executive will bring credibility with senior leaders, Board-level finance processes, auditors, banks, and business partners, and will establish the disciplined processes, controls, and decision support required to advance profitable growth.
PLEASE SEND YOUR CV (AS A WORD DOC) TO: Interim.Applications@LHHknightsbridge.com (Subject: Job Title)
LHH Knightsbridge Interim Management is a service to help our clients address a wide range of scenarios including leadership support due to sudden departures, driving key change initiatives or leading transformation projects. Our interim executives step in with minimal downtime to meet specific objectives and deliver results. All have held senior positions in the past and have now chosen to offer their unique depth and breadth of experience to organizations on a limited engagement basis.
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Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge Corp. is committed to providing equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure a barrier-free recruitment process. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and our AODA policy, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the hiring process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please provide your accommodation needs in advance to the Recruitment Lead for this opportunity.
We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.
September 2026
