CFO

The organisation

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a dynamic clean-tech start-up. The CFO will help them navigate through the next stage of scale from a financial and operational point of view. In the next 12-24 months, the company will need to raise additional growth capital and/or pursue other strategic options, and the CFO will play a pivotal role in this. At the moment they are in the ‘pilot’ phase leading to first revenue in 2025.

The company is active in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (“SAF”) industry and is developing a unique, patented solution to convert CO2 and renewable electricity to SAF. The main future revenue of the company will be based on licensing the technology to producers.

Their offices in Breda, Utrecht and Maastricht have around 12 employees and are growing rapidly. This company is backed by the EIC (European Innovation Council) - and is actively seeking additional funding to scale and accelerate its technology.

In addition to SAF, the company’s technology platform is capable of producing alternative proteins, PLA polymers and can be used for long-duration electricity storage, illustrating the vast potential of its technology plays.

Why will you love this company?

• Market Leadership: the company’s unique focus is on the main industry issue: the shortage of feedstock to produce SAF. They are creating a new category, and they continue to be a thought leader in SAF industry which is going to a TAM> $20bn in 2030 and >$400bn in 2050.
• Technology & Sustainable: unique technology potential that is competitive. Challenging and fast-paced working environment of talented and results-oriented people that are looking to contribute to a more sustainable future. This is a company that will make a real impact in creating a better and greener world!
• International Team: their management team is composed of various nationalities and has over 100+ years of combined experience in energy markets, electrolyser, chemical and biotech expertise across R&D, business development, operations, legal and project development. The team is used to working in highly demanding international settings and can make use of a vast industry network in the energy space.
• Strategic Options: you will be at the forefront of fundraising (Series A) and financing (Debt) in the short-term, and in the medium-term funding and creating stand-alone proteins and energy storage ventures. The shareholders are looking to exit the business in 2027/2028.

The position

In this CFO position (new position) you will be part of the Management Team, and you will report directly to the CEO (founder of the company). The Management Team consists of:

• CEO
• CFO (vacancy)
• Head of Process and Innovation
• General Counsel
• CTO
• Head of Fermentation

Because of the expected growth of the company in the coming period the CFO must be able to not only professionalize the accounting function. You are hands’ on, results-oriented with a focus on accounting/controlling (finance) and fundraising, and can be a strategic sparring partner to the rest of the Management Team but also provide support to the rest of the staff. So, in this position you must be able to add substantial value from a ‘business partner’ and ‘shareholder’ perspective.

You must be comfortable to present the company towards new investors, banks/lenders, shareholders, new clients, etc. It is a ‘high impact’ position in an international environment. We are looking for a next level CFO (2.0) that feels comfortable (proven track record) to be one of the main leaders in managing a successful ‘exit’ process in the future.

Tasks & responsibilities

• As a business partner to the CEO and a member of the Management Team, the CFO will assess organizational performance against both the prior year results, the annual budget, and the company’s medium/long-term strategy;
• Is a prominent (leading) voice in investor relations and communications to the Board. Managing Investor Relations: provide monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc insight in key metrics, analysis, and reporting to the board, ensuring a high degree of quality, timeliness, accuracy, and business insight;
• Develops presentations and effectively represents the company to analysts and investors. Leading in raising additional capital and debt on appropriate terms to enable the company to meet sales, growth, and market share objectives;
• Develops tools, models and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the CEO and the Board and makes actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations;
• Oversees short-term and medium-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with the company’s strategic plans and ongoing projects;
• Advises the CEO on business development and strategic planning;
• Reviews and approves Board packages, quarterly and annual Shareholder reports;
• Post-series A: build up, develop, lead, coach and inspire the staff of the Finance and HR team;
• Ensures maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures for the company;
• Oversees all the financial operations of the company (including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, cash flow, smooth operations, etc). Including managing a 3rd party accounting and payroll company in anticipating of future internal accounting support.
• Ensures timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial and management reporting to the company’s CEO and the Management Team;
• Ensures Local GAAP, regulatory and statutory compliance regarding all financial functions;
• Ensures appropriate tax management;
• Manages all short and long-term strategic financial objectives of the company, supporting the Management Team with vital financial information and operational analytics, and driving a culture of accountability in managing the business;
• Overseas HR;
• Assists the CEO in the successful growth of the organization, including capital raising strategies;
• Improves and scales revenue and operational efficiency by focusing on accounting automation including evaluating and implementing new technology, tools and policies;
• Advises on compensation strategy including equity and bonus planning.
• This is a unique opportunity and a key position within this fast growing Company, central to the strategy, future growth and success of the business. The role will require an individual that has a strong sense of purpose, intellectual curiosity, strong leadership experience (presence) and an ability to manage a diverse slate of stakeholders.

Candidate profile

First and foremost, the CFO is a strong leader, capable of influencing the organization enterprise-wide. Successful candidates are both resilient and agile, swiftly learning their way in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced, quickly changing environment. They must bring excellent business and leadership capabilities, with tested and actionable insights in how to best grow a business, leverage opportunities, and control cost. In terms of the experience and skills required for the position, we would highlight the following:

Required experience

• Minimum of 10 years of finance experience, preferably in a high growth start-up / scale-up business and robust leadership experience;
• A Masters degree (or equivalent) in finance, accounting or business administration;
• Certified public accountant designation (CPA/RA) or Executive Master of Finance & Control (RC/CMA) is strongly preferred;
• Gained experience in working for VC-backed or PE-backed (fast growing) companies;
• Experience with capital raising and financing;
• Experience with re-design or building up of a (Finance) organization preferred;
• Strong understanding of accounting, budgeting and finance;
• Broader leadership experience: we’re looking for a C suite level executive who can act as the right hand person of the CEO in different areas;
• You need to feel comfortable also running company operations, for example around HR, culture and broader business planning;
• The ideal candidate is born in finance but grew up as a company leader.

Required skills

• “Get stuff done” mentality; bias for action; rolls up sleeves, execution powerhouse;
• Ability to comfortably dive into any area of the business;
• Diplomat and interpersonal skills;
• Organizer & great multi tasked with project management skills;
• Able to do C-suite level / investor / board / lenders / strategic M&A presentations and conversations;
• Ability to adapt to significant change along with rapid growth;
• Entrepeneurial mindset.

The offer

Competitive salary package (management fee) in combination with a Long Term Incentive (Stock/Equity/Options).

Interested?

You can apply for this position by using the link below.