Financial Director

Overview

Who we are

We are an environmental consulting company. What’s our purpose? We put nature at the heart of decision-making by developing science-based solutions.

We support public and private entities that want to improve the environmental, social and economic impacts of policies, projects and investments. As a spin-off of the University of Padova and a certified B Corp; we work locally and internationally bringing scientific innovation into everyone’s life.

At Etifor we like teamwork, we work hard and we never stop being curious : being part of the team means sharing our values (read our Culture Manifesto to find out more). For us the only thing that really matters is how green your heart is : we welcome and value (bio)diversity in all its forms!

Who are we looking for?

The Financial Director will be responsible for the company’s economic and financial management, with the goal of introducing a strategic and structured approach to management control, budgeting, and liquidity planning. The Financial Director will report directly to the CEO, act as a liaison with the administrative–accounting department, and work cross-functionally with the HR area by implementing analysis and control tools to support the sustainable growth of all business units.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Control

• Improve the annual and multi-year budgeting system.
• Establish and manage management control : variance analysis, cost center management, financial KPIs, monitoring dashboards.
• Monitor and control the financial risks of key projects.
• Implement an order management system that adheres to statutory accounting standards for drafting financial statements, with particular attention to the cost–revenue matching principle, especially in the case of reimbursable grant projects.
• Prepare and oversee monthly / quarterly financial reporting for the Board of Directors and shareholders, including provisional entries to account for the progress of projects.
• Build and implement a medium-to-long-term financial strategy to support sustainable growth.
• Supervise the drafting and approval process of the financial statements in coordination with the relevant professionals.

Financial Management and Operational Coordination

• Work closely with the Administration Coordinator to ensure alignment and consistency across team functions.
• Monitor cash flow and plan the company’s liquidity needs.
• Support the financial planning of the hiring plan and provide strategic guidance on hiring priorities to ensure sustainability.
• Manage relationships with financial institutions and investors.
• Evaluate, propose, and coordinate potential investment initiatives.

Decision Support and Organizational Culture

• Analyze financial and management data to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop financial KPIs at different levels (individuals, projects, teams, company).
• Promote a culture focused on financial accountability, growth, and efficiency.

Optional / Strategic Responsibilities

• Contribute to international expansion planning by analyzing economic–financial sustainability and opportunities in new markets.
• Identify and support access to tax incentives and benefits related to green and sustainable investments.
• Support or draft investment plans and business plans for environmental investment projects, including in collaboration with external partners.
• Support internal ESG reporting.

Education

Education

Degree in Economics, Finance, Management Engineering, or equivalent.

Experience

Experience

At least 5 years of experience in roles such as CFO, Finance Manager, Financial Director, or similar, preferably in moderately structured and / or growing environments.

Required skills

• Budgeting : Ability to set up and monitor the company budget.
• Financial Statements : Knowledge of the principles for drafting statutory financial statements.
• Financial Reporting : Ability to create clear and timely reports to support Management.
• Cash Flow Management : Forecasting, monitoring, and optimizing liquidity.
• Management Control : Definition of processes, tools, and KPIs.
• Collaborative and Assertive Leadership : Ability to interact with all company areas, even in a values-driven context, promoting change when necessary.
• Digital Mindset : Familiarity with advanced Business Intelligence or ERP tools.

Other requirements

• Knowledge of project / contract accounting principles, preferably gained in service-based organizations
• Experience with grants / reporting.
• Experience in direct management of Administration and / or HR teams.
• Fluent knowledge of Italian and excellent knowledge of English.
• Strong analytical, organizational, proactive, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Operational yet strategic approach, oriented toward continuous improvement.

What We Offer

The Etifor team will support your growth within the company in an international and friendly corporate environment. In particular, we provide :

• A dynamic, young, and innovative environment that values diversity and inclusion.
• Work-life balance through smart working contracts (minimum 4 days in presence per month, or more if you wish) and flexible hours.
• Professional growth opportunities with tailored paths, mentoring, and numerous training and development opportunities (keep in mind that Etifor is a spin-off from the University of Padua).
• A team working at both the local and international levels to reconnect people with nature by addressing climate change and biodiversity loss issues.
• Benefit plan, that includes €8 meal vouchers, a dedicated training budget (for both personal and professional development), and access to psychological support services.

Contract info

Start Date: January 2026

Work Location: Etifor's office in Padua at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, No. 41. We have a super-flexible smartworking policy!

Duration and level: To be determined during the interviews, based on experience.

Contract Type: Full-time (CCNL Commercio).

Hope we gave you all the information you need to consider joining our amazing team!

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