Intellectual Property (Ip) Services Company – Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Client is the world’s largest supplier of intellectual property (IP) services, and technical competitive intelligence products and services, which target a wide range of sectors including: medical devices, semiconductors, consumer electronics, investment, legal, automotive, clean technology, and software.

With offices in North America, Europe (France, Israel, Poland), and Asia, the company’s team of over 250 offers unmatched technical expertise and analysis tools, combined with years of experience in all aspects of the IP/technology lifecycle.

In the 1st Quarter of 2013, Client was acquired by a UK-based, independent private equity fund firm.

Scope of Position

Reporting to the CEO and dotted line reporting to the UK’s CFO, the candidate is responsible for the company’s worldwide financial and fiscal management. The CFO provides leadership and direction to the Finance function; coordinates and manages business planning and budgeting processes; assists Business Managers in achieving profitable growth; and helps identify and evaluate growth opportunities within each business unit in line with company strategy.

Position Location and Travel

This position will be located at the corporate headquarters in Ottawa, Canada. Some global travel will be required.

Functional Responsibilities

• Responsible for the finance activities of the company and ensuring adherence to good corporate governance
• Acts as a business partner to the CEO and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic direction
• Leads planning initiatives such as:

– Managing financial planning and budgeting processes

– Developing current processes to become more forward-looking

– Developing and directing strategic business planning

• Participates as the CFO representative on the Board of Directors and provides financial oversight of joint ventures or investments
• Controls and manages the finance department, including:

– Overall management of the finance team

– Revenue processing and collection

– Expenditure processing and payments

– Treasury management, bank reconciliations

– Financial controls, statement preparation, financial analysis

– Capital and project expenditure monitoring

– Tax filings, foreign exchange, payroll

• Works with Group Shared Services providers to set service levels and ensure compliance
• Engages with government agencies for funding programs
• Manages reporting of company results including:

– Monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results and forecasts

– Key performance indicators (KPIs)

– CAPEX, cash flow, commentaries, ad hoc requests

• Develops and improves financial and information systems
• Establishes internal controls
• Ensures compliance with reporting requirements
• Enhances management information for business efficiency
• Acts as primary contact for newly acquired company finance teams
• Liaises with external auditors
• Manages professional development of direct reports
• Supports commercial department leaders in business planning and contracts
• Coordinates standardization of administrative functions across locations
• Handles other responsibilities such as property management

Preferred Experience / Education

Candidates should have:

• Extensive experience working with private equity partners
• Success managing a global finance team in a ~$50M firm
• Membership in a recognized accounting body or equivalent financial education
• Ability to travel worldwide at short notice
• Experience in technology-based companies is an asset

Salary, incentives, and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications.