Chief financial officer

CFO (Chinese / Mandarin speaking essential) – Milan, Italy

Extremely competitive financial package, with fantastic benefits

Strong knowledge of both Italian and Chinese accounting standards essential

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially driven Finance Director to join a globally recognised industrial manufacturing group with a rapidly expanding international footprint.

This is a high-impact leadership role based in Italy, offering the chance to play a key part in shaping the financial strategy and operational performance of a major European business within the construction and heavy equipment sector.

The successful candidate will work closely with international headquarters and senior leadership teams, driving financial excellence, strengthening compliance frameworks, and supporting continued growth across the European market.

The Opportunity

As Finance Director, you will take full responsibility for the financial management of the Italian operation, ensuring robust financial planning, reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will lead and develop the finance function while acting as a strategic business partner to local and global stakeholders.

This role is ideal for a hands-on finance leader with strong international experience, a background in manufacturing or industrial environments, and the ability to operate confidently across both Italian and Chinese business cultures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic financial plans aligned with the Group's global objectives
• Lead all aspects of financial management including:
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Financial reporting
• Cost control and optimisation
• Cash flow management
• Foreign exchange and treasury matters
• Tax planning and compliance
• Establish and strengthen internal controls, governance, and risk management processes
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations and international financial standards
• Coordinate closely with Group Headquarters on cross-border finance activities and reporting requirements
• Provide financial insight and strategic recommendations to support business growth and operational performance
• Lead, mentor, and develop the local finance team

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly capable finance professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and international business exposure.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or above in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management, or a related discipline
• Minimum 8 years' international finance experience
• At least 3 years of living or working experience in Italy
• Strong knowledge of both Italian and Chinese accounting standards
• Fluent Italian language skills with the ability to use Italian as a working language
• Chinese national currently based in Europe or holding an Italian work permit/permanent residency
• Proven experience in financial leadership within manufacturing, industrial, construction equipment, machinery, or heavy engineering sectors
• Strong understanding of compliance, internal controls, and corporate governance

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certifications such as:

• CPA
• ACCA
• CMA
• CIA
• AIA
• FRM

Experience within globally recognised industrial or construction equipment businesses will be highly advantageous.

Why Apply?

• Join a fast-growing global industrial leader with significant international investment
• Play a strategic role in the continued expansion of the European business
• Work within a dynamic international environment with strong career development potential
• Senior leadership exposure with direct interaction across global operations
• Opportunity to influence business performance and long-term growth strategy

This is an on-site position based in Italy, with an immediate start preferred. Video interviews can be arranged for suitable international candidates.