Interim CFO

Interim CFO (Freelance)
Location: Roeselare, West Flanders, Belgium
Start Date: September 2026
Duration: Initial 12+ month assignment (long-term interim mandate)
Working Model: 4 days onsite, 1 day hybrid
Language Requirements: Fluent Dutch mandatory, English preferred, French is a strong plus
Assignment Overview
We are seeking an experienced Interim CFO to join a manufacturing business in West Flanders for a long-term freelance assignment. This is a highly operational leadership role requiring a seasoned finance professional who is comfortable working close to the business, production teams, and management.
The Interim CFO will be responsible for leading the finance function, managing a medium-sized team, supporting selected HR processes, and acting as the primary internal contact for external IT infrastructure providers. As a member of the management team, you will play a key role in driving operational excellence, financial performance, process improvements, and business decision-making.
This position is particularly suited to candidates with extensive experience in production/manufacturing environments, strong systems affinity, and exceptional Excel and data analysis capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Finance Leadership

• Lead and oversee all day-to-day finance operations.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to management and stakeholders.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial performance monitoring.
• Monitor working capital, inventory, and production-related financial metrics.
• Ensure compliance with local accounting, tax, and statutory requirements.
• Support strategic decision-making through robust financial analysis and business insights.

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a medium-sized finance and administration team.
• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Act as a hands-on manager, providing operational guidance and support where required.
• Foster a collaborative and performance-driven culture.

Operational Business Partnering

• Serve as a key financial partner to operations and production management.
• Translate operational performance into financial impact and actionable recommendations.
• Challenge and support business leaders on costs, productivity, efficiencies, and investments.

HR Support

• Oversee selected HR-related administrative and reporting activities.
• Support workforce planning, personnel budgeting, and headcount reporting.
• Coordinate with HR service providers and internal stakeholders where required.

IT Coordination

• Act as the primary internal point of contact for external IT infrastructure and technology providers.
• Coordinate infrastructure-related projects and system improvements.
• Support ERP, reporting, and business systems optimization initiatives.
• Bridge the gap between business operations, finance requirements, and IT partners.

Candidate Profile
Required Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• Proven experience as CFO, Finance Director, Finance Manager, or Interim CFO in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of operational finance within production-driven businesses.
• Demonstrated success managing finance teams and driving process improvements.
• Experience participating in senior management and executive-level decision-making.
• Previous freelance/interim management experience is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel skills; able to build financial models, analyses, reporting tools, and dashboards.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems and business processes.
• Comfortable working with operational and production-related performance data.
• Strong affinity with technology and business systems.
• Experience coordinating with external IT providers and technology partners.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on and pragmatic leadership style.
• Operationally minded with a strong business orientation.
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented.

What’s Critical for Success?

• Deep understanding of how manufacturing and production businesses operate.
• Ability to work closely with operations and management teams.
• Strong people leadership and coaching skills.
• High level of ownership and accountability.
• Comfortable being visible onsite and actively involved in day-to-day business activities.
• Proven track record of creating structure, improving processes, and driving performance in complex operational environments.

Contract Type: Freelance / Interim Management
Commitment: Full-time assignment, 4 days onsite in Roeselare and 1 day hybrid
Duration: Minimum 12 months, with potential for extension.