CFO- Vertical Farming

Our company is transforming modern agriculture through cutting-edge hydroponic vertical farming technology. We cultivate premium fruits supplied to exclusive dining establishments and boutique food retailers throughout the United States and Japanese markets. With dual-market presence in Japan and the US, we're expanding our executive team to fuel our growth trajectory.

We require an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide support to our leadership team based in the US during this crucial expansion period. This position can be based in Japan but will require monthly travel to the US.

In this role, you'll manage all financial activities, spearhead financial planning including innovative funding approaches, orchestrate capital acquisition initiatives, and maintain regulatory adherence while supporting organizational expansion and sustainability.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Strategy & Vision

• Formulate and deploy comprehensive financial roadmaps that support company vision and targets
• Architect and implement long-range funding narratives and financing blueprints in collaboration with the CEO
• Design frameworks for optimal capital allocation and liquidity management to ensure sustainable growth
• Position the company for future public offering success

Capital Acquisition & Stakeholder Engagement

• Orchestrate major funding initiatives, with capacity to secure substantial investment (exceeding $100M and scaling this in the coming years)
• Develop persuasive investment presentations, sophisticated financial projections, and stakeholder documentation
• Serve as company financial ambassador during investor engagements and cultivate relationships with financial partners
• Establish robust investor relations capabilities, primarily in Japan with potential international expansion

Financial Management & Operations

• Direct comprehensive financial functions including accounting operations, fiscal planning, and reconciliation processes across US and Japanese divisions
• Guide and develop multinational finance personnel
• Establish robust financial governance systems and operational protocols
• Promote organizational cost efficiency while effectively managing financial runway

Executive Partnership & Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with leadership colleagues to shape and execute comprehensive business strategies
• Coordinate enterprise risk assessment programs, including financial vulnerability identification and proactive mitigation planning
• Lead contract discussions to secure advantageous terms in business arrangements
• Coordinate preparations for potential market listing, including all requisite financial structuring and compliance measures

• Fluent in English
• Fluent in Japanese (native language proficiency)

• Minimum 15-year track record in high-level finance sectors (Capital Markets / Investment Funds / Financial Institutions)
• Proven leadership through corporate acquisitions and/or public offerings
• Professional history in production industries, agricultural enterprises, or VC-funded growth companies
• Documented success securing substantial investment funding (exceeding $100M)
• Proficiency creating sophisticated capital structuring solutions for asset-heavy enterprises
• Demonstrated capability operating effectively within Japanese-American business contexts
• Previous tenure as Chief Financial Officer or equivalent senior financial executive position
• Advanced financial planning competencies including budget administration, revenue projection, and financial scenario modeling

Preferred

• History managing early to pre-public offering investment rounds
• Hands-on operational management expertise (previous Chief Operations Officer experience advantageous)

Travel Requirements

• Travel to New Jersey, USA monthly (about 1 week per month)
• Be prepared for a 2-3 month onsite onboarding process in the US

• Competitive salary (up to $200,000)

• Equity package
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Relocation assistance available (including visa sponsorship)

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with Japan's Equal Employment Opportunity Law (雇用の分野における男女の均等な機会及び待遇の確保等に関する法律). For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, age, nationality, disability status, or other protected characteristics as defined under Japanese law.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected in accordance with Japanese workplace principles.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in compliance with Japan's Act on Employment Promotion of Persons with Disabilities (障害者雇用促進法). We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable Japanese labor laws. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable Japanese labor laws, including the Labor Standards Act (労働基準法), the Equal Employment Opportunity Law, and relevant local ordinances governing employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment (ハラスメント), including power harassment (パワーハラスメント), sexual harassment (セクシャルハラスメント), and maternity harassment (マタニティハラスメント) in accordance with Japanese law.

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Foreign Nationals: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act regarding the employment of foreign nationals. When necessary, we will provide sponsorship information for applicable work visa categories during the application process.

Work Style Reform Compliance: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to compliance with Japan's Work Style Reform legislation (働き方改革), including provisions regarding working hours, overtime, and equal pay for equal work between regular and non-regular employees.

Part-Time and Fixed-Term Workers: We ensure fair treatment of part-time and fixed-term contract workers in accordance with the Part-Time Workers Act (パートタイム労働法) and Labor Contract Act (労働契約法).

Age Considerations: In accordance with the Act on Stabilization of Employment of Elderly Persons (高年齢者等の雇用の安定等に関する法律), both Keller Executive Search and our clients promote the employment of older workers.

Childcare and Family Care Leave: We support work-life balance through compliance with the Child Care and Family Care Leave Law (育児・介護休業法).

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.