Chief Financial Officer - Ionomr - BLANKSLATE Partners

Ionomr Innovations is a leading clean technology company specializing in the development of advanced ion-exchange materials that are transforming the energy landscape. With a commitment to sustainability, Ionomr's innovative materials are used in hydrogen fuel cells, green hydrogen production, and carbon capture, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and with R&D and Production facilities in Boston and Rochester, Ionomr is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development, driving the transition to a low-carbon economy with high-performance, durable, and environmentally friendly solutions.

The company's innovative materials are designed to enhance the performance, durability, and environmental impact of applications in green hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel cells, and carbon capture. Ionomr's solutions are pivotal in driving the global transition to a low-carbon economy, offering advanced alternatives that reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support sustainability. With a focus on high-impact industries, Ionomr is at the forefront of enabling a cleaner, more sustainable future. We would like to hear from you if you are looking for an innovative working environment and to be part of the future, today.

Position Overview:
We seek a talented and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our leadership team. The CFO will report directly to the CEO and be responsible for the organization's strategic direction and overall financial integrity across multiple countries and jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have experience in a publicly traded operating environment, fundraising, government grants, and deep F&A knowledge, as well as a proven track record of guiding a fast-growing organization to the next level.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership

Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, finance, tax, treasury, and risk management. Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors.

Strategic Planning

Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the company’s financial strategy, including long-term planning, capital allocation, and investment decisions.

Financial Strategy & Planning

Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

Compliance and Risk Management

Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including those specific to public companies. Oversee external audits and manage relationships with auditors.

Capital Markets

Lead efforts related to equity and debt financing, including IPO preparation and execution if applicable. Manage investor relations and ensure clear communication with shareholders.

Grant Management

Oversee the management and reporting of grants within the US, ensuring compliance with all requirements and maximizing funding opportunities.

Team Development

 Build and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Investor Relations

Develop and maintain strong relationships with potential and existing investors, ensuring clear communication of the company’s financial health and growth prospects.

The day-to-day:

• Oversee all finance and accounting functions of the company, including leading the finance team for both the US and Canada
• Develop and implement systems, processes, and policies related to finance, financial reporting, cash collections, cash disbursements, cost accounting, tax, and budgeting.
• Manage all critical finance department. 
• Evaluate growth-oriented spending and work with the CEO to balance these demands with the need for timely payback, healthy profit, and financial stability.
• Continuously improve the functionality of the company’s ERP system in collaboration with the accounting team.
• Work with the CEO and senior leadership team on creating, tracking, measuring, and analyzing financial and operational performance indicators.
• Establish and maintain internal and external audit activities and financial policies to ensure proper accounting standards and controls.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in financial and tax reporting.
• Prepare, plan, and manage the annual audit process.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to the finance team to achieve a high-performing workplace.
• Manage financial planning, budgeting activities, and relevant analyses to establish monthly financial projections.
• Lead the annual budget process and variance reporting.
• Participate in strategic decision-making processes and prepare supporting financial analyses.
• Raise capital for future expansion and strategic investments.
• Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership on investor relations and other external presentations.

This role is “in office” and is located in Boston. There is flexibility to work remotely on occasion.

Some travel is required as we have locations in Boston, Rochester and Vancouver, Canada.

Ionomr has received various industry awards and recognitions, including being selected by Royal Dutch Shell and NREL for inclusion in their GCxN program, which is focused on supporting companies developing tech to enable the transition away from fossil fuels. The World Economic Forum also acknowledged Ionomr as a Technology Pioneer and the Cleantech Group’s Global Cleantech 100 award. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; an MBA or relevant advanced degree is preferred.
• Proven experience as a CFO or in a senior financial leadership role, preferably with high-tech/ R&D start-up companies with a strong growth trajectory
• Experience with publicly traded and private companies
• Proven ability to guide and influence senior leadership on financial matters.
• Deep understanding of US and CA financial requirements
• Experience in managing annual budgets, forecasts, and cost accounting analyses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and lead growth management initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and lead with credibility, integrity, and trust.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Benefits

Ionomr offers a competitive salary range, options, and bonus and benefits packages.

The base salary will be in the $250-350K range with a competitive total rewards package.