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Interim CFO Leadership for First-Time Big 4 Audit
About
A multi-national manufacturing company required an Interim CFO after the departure of its prior finance leader. The PE sponsor needed a seasoned executive to stabilize the finance function, lead a first-time Big 4 audit, improve cash flow visibility, redesign the organization structure, and implement scalable reporting tools while a permanent CFO search was underway.
The existing finance organization lacked advanced capability in free cash flow management, GAAP compliance, and global reporting consistency. The distributed structure created process fragmentation across Asia and the US, limiting consolidation accuracy and creating challenges for the upcoming first-year audit.
Taylor White stepped in as Interim CFO to redesign the finance function, lead audit readiness, enhance global reporting tools, establish disciplined cash flow forecasting, strengthen regional oversight, and guide talent upgrades aligned with long-term scalability.
Problem
Fragmented Global Finance Structure and Limited Audit Readiness
The company operated with an underdeveloped finance function lacking GAAP depth, global reporting consistency, free cash flow visibility, and the structure needed to support a first-time Big 4 audit. Decentralized teams across Asia and the US created disconnects in processes, reconciliations, and oversight.
Goal
Establish Scalable Finance Leadership and Prepare for Big 4 Audit
The objective was to stabilize finance leadership, improve global reporting consistency, build cash flow forecasting discipline, prepare for first-year audit procedures, and redesign the finance organization to support future growth and control.
Solution
Interim CFO Leadership, Organizational Realignment, and Reporting Enhancement
Taylor White delivered global organizational redesign, audit readiness leadership, implementation of new reporting tools, cash flow forecasting improvements, and key finance hires across Asia and the US.
Interim CFO Program for Global Manufacturing
We executed a focused, three-phase CFO leadership program to restructure the finance organization, strengthen audit readiness, implement modern reporting tools, and improve cash flow visibility across global operations.
Phase 1
Redesigned the accounting and finance function to establish clear regional oversight
Hired an Asia Regional Controller to oversee five in-country finance managers
Upskilled global teams on GAAP compliance and general ledger reporting standards
Led audit readiness efforts for the first-year Big 4 audit, including inventory rollback procedures
Phase 2
Enhance Reporting Tools
Conducted RFI process for new EPM solution; prior reporting was fully Excel-based with formula and versioning issues
Evaluated vendors and selected Planful to accelerate monthly close, standardize reports, and support enterprise budgeting and workforce planning
Established a 13-week cash flow forecasting process for improved working capital monitoring
Revamped monthly reporting deck for PE sponsor and bank with more insightful analysis and consistency
Phase 3
Evaluate Talent and Fill Gaps
Transitioned the finance organization from decentralized to regional structure for improved control
Created and hired an Asia Regional Controller to oversee local managers and elevate GAAP compliance
Established a new Corporate Controllership function at US HQ for consistency in cost accounting and G/L reporting
Initiated search for an FP&A Manager to support budgeting, forecasting, and consolidated reporting
Result
Stabilized Global Finance Function and Successful First-Time Audit
The organization achieved a scalable finance structure, strengthened controls, improved audit readiness, and enhanced cash flow visibility across global operations. The Big 4 audit preparation was delivered with improved documentation and consistent reporting.
With new leadership, upgraded talent, modern reporting tools, and disciplined forecasting processes, the finance function is now positioned to support long-term growth and private equity operational requirements.
THE RIGHT FIT, the FIRST TIME
Identify Talent, Build Your Finance Team
