Interim Chief Financial Officer

This is a hands-on interim CFO role within a private equity-backed, multi-site industrial business in Greater Western Sydney. The engagement runs for approximately six months and requires an immediate start. The incoming CFO will be expected to build relationships quickly across the finance and executive leadership teams, sharpen financial reporting and controls, and deliver board-ready insights to the PE fund and CEO.

Core areas of focus include strengthening forecasting and budgeting discipline, assessing labour costs and fixed-asset utilisation across operational sites and fleet, partnering with commercial teams to improve margin performance, and managing cash flow and working capital. The role also carries responsibility for mentoring the finance team and supporting M&A and transaction-related activity. A minimum of three days per week onsite is required. Candidates must hold full Australian work rights for the duration of the contract.

• Oversee accurate and timely financial reporting to the CEO, board, and private equity fund, providing insight to support decision-making.
• Maintain and strengthen financial reporting systems, controls, and statutory compliance.
• Improve forecasting and budgeting processes to lift accuracy and planning discipline.
• Mentor and develop finance team members, building capability across the function.
• Assess and manage labour and fixed-asset costs across operational sites and fleet.
• Partner with commercial and operations teams to review sales performance and identify margin improvement opportunities.
• Manage cash flow and working capital across the business.
• Support the CEO and PE partner on strategy execution, including M&A and transaction activity.

• Proven CFO experience within an industrial, multi-site, or asset-intensive environment.
• Prior experience operating within a private equity-backed business is essential.
• Demonstrated capability in labour and fixed-asset cost analysis within logistics or asset-intensive operations.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret cost and sales data to inform decisions.
• CA or CPA qualified, with solid technical accounting knowledge across financial reporting, statutory compliance, and tax.
• Available to start immediately or on short notice, with full Australian work rights for the contract duration.

Derwent is a specialist executive search and interim management firm. The client engaged for this role is a private equity-backed, multi-site industrial business headquartered in Greater Western Sydney. Enquiries can be directed to Giulia Nesci at gnesci@derwentsearch.com.au, referencing 34924.