Darwin Space are currently hiring for a CFO on behalf of a business in Italy.

The CFO will assume full responsibility for the organization’s financial leadership, ensuring long-term financial stability, project profitability, disciplined capital allocation, and sustainable value creation. Acting as a strategic partner to the executive team, the CFO will provide financial insight, support strategic initiatives, and reinforce financial governance across the business.

Responsibilities
As a CFO, you will be in charge of:
Project Financial Control & Performance Management
* Lead project-based financial planning and ensure rigorous budget definition and monitoring
* PMO mindset to face current and future projects, with finance acting as a catalyst for decision-making
* Oversee profitability analysis by project and cost center
* Monitor cost and revenue variances, ensuring margin protection
* Control labor costs, direct and indirect cost allocation
* Provide regular reporting on order portfolio, backlog, and financial performance

Financial Management & Cash Flow Oversight
* Lead financial planning aligned with project milestones and staged payments
* Oversee advances, milestone billing, and collection processes
* Manage the cash planning and forecasting
* Monitor financial exposure at project level and overall company liquidity
* Optimize working capital and cash flow structure
* Manage relationships with banks and oversee credit facilities

Risk Management & Commercial Support
* Assess financial risks related to new contracts and business opportunities
* Support pricing strategy and bid evaluation from a financial sustainability perspective
* Evaluate contractual financial terms and long-term viability
* Monitor cost overruns, change orders, and financial impacts of project variations

Accounting, Governance & Compliance
* Oversee general and management accounting processes
* To grant book integrity: financial controls and reconciliations are in place
* Coordinate external advisors (auditors, tax consultants, legal advisors)
* Lead statutory financial statement preparation and tax compliance
* Supervise the financial aspects of contractual documentation

Cross-Functional Leadership
* Partner with Project Management and Operations to ensure effective resource allocation and financial discipline
* Support the Commercial function in financial evaluation of bids and strategic opportunities
* Build, lead, and develop the finance and administration team, ensuring accountability and performance

Background
* Degree in Economics, Finance, or a related field (MBA is a plus)
* Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role, preferably within structured SMEs and/or the aerospace sector, or companies working in engineering development projects
* Strong expertise in financial planning & analysis, treasury, and statutory reporting
* Demonstrated experience in business planning and strategic financial management
* Solid knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations
* Experience managing banking relationships and financial instruments
* Fluent spoke and written English

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

James Godfrey