Description

About the role

Our client is a finance holding group with diversified business. As they enter the next phase of growth, they are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Financial Officer to join the senior leadership team, responsible for the strategic direction and operational excellence of the Group's financial functions.

This role extends far beyond traditional financial stewardship; it is a critical business partner role that enables and drives the Group's strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex capital structures, providing insightful financial analysis, and ensuring robust financial health across our diverse portfolio.

Summary of the role and key responsibilities

1. Strategic Finance & Business Partnership:

• Act as a true strategic partner to the CEO, Board, and business unit leaders in the Insurance, Trading, and Direct Investment divisions.
• Lead the development and execution of the Group's financial strategy to support overall business plans and growth initiatives.
• Provide deep financial analysis and insights to evaluate new business opportunities, M&A activities, and capital investment decisions.
• Drive the annual budgeting, long-range planning, and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

2. Capital, Liquidity & Treasury Management:

• Develop and implement sophisticated strategies for managing the Group's short-term and long-term capital, liquidity, and funding requirements.
• Optimize the Group's capital structure to balance risk and return, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial flexibility.
• Manage relationships with banks, investors, rating agencies, and other financial institutions.
• Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds as needed.

3. Financial Reporting, Control & Compliance:

• Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of all monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with HKFRS and IFRS.
• Serve as the key point of contact with external auditors and lead the annual audit process.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Provide expert guidance on and ensure strict adherence to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Listing Rules) and other relevant SEC regulations.

4. Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team across the Group, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence.
• Oversee the financial operations of subsidiary companies, ensuring consistency and best practices.

5. Investor Relations & Stakeholder Management:

• Play a lead role in investor relations, effectively communicating the Group's financial performance and strategy to analysts, investors, and shareholders.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Board, Audit Committee, and regulatory bodies.

Key skills required

• Qualified Accountant (e.g., HKICPA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent).
• A minimum of 20+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a CFO or Deputy CFO role at a sizable organization.
• Finance or corporate finance/ M&A experience in the insurance industry is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with the listing rules will be a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in a complex, multi-entity group with consolidated reporting.
• The ability to perform financial analysis and financial modelling to filter investment opportunities

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Strategic Business Acumen: A commercial mindset with a proven ability to translate financial data into strategic insights and actionable business recommendations.
• Exceptional Interpersonal & Communication Skills: The ability to influence, negotiate, and build strong relationships at all levels, including the Board, executives, and external partners. Must be a compelling and articulate communicator.
• Proactive & Hands-On Leadership: A self-starter who takes initiative, anticipates challenges, and drives change. Willing to be hands-on while maintaining a strategic overview.
• Strong Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Expertise in financial modeling, capital allocation, and risk management.
• High Integrity and Professional Ethics: Unquestionable personal and professional integrity.
• Chinese language skill is required