CFO - Drive sustainable growth for a greener maritime industry

Are you a finance professional with around 10 years of experience, hungry for making impact and ready to take the leap into a strategic leadership role?

ZEM is looking for a forward-thinking, hands-on CFO to help enabling value creation, financial discipline and be a pivotal part in setting the long-term strategic direction for our company.
This is not your typical CFO role. You’ll be part of a fast-moving, purpose-driven company where your insights and drive will shape how we grow. You’ll work closely with the CEO and leadership team, translating our business ambitions into financial and operational realities, ensuring robust financial health, scalable systems and strategic alignment with our mission to decarbonize maritime transport.

Your Mission and Key Responsibilities

As CFO, you will be a strategic partner to the CEO and a driving force behind ZEM’s growth. You’ll lead the finance function across all areas, from forecasting and reporting to risk management and project financing, while building the infrastructure needed to support a growing international business.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Develop and execute ZEM’s financial strategy in alignment with our mission and growth objectives
• Oversee all finance operations: accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), treasury, tax, audit, compliance, and investor/stakeholder reporting
• Build scalable financial systems and controls to support international expansion
• Deliver insightful financial reporting, forecasting, and modeling to guide strategic decisions
• Lead project financing, balancing risk and return
• Manage capital structure, cash flow, working capital, and financing arrangements
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and financial excellence
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Projects, Sales, and Service to ensure commercial viability and project profitability
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory obligations (Norwegian GAAP, IFRS where applicable), and governance standards

What we are looking for

• Proven experience in a financial leadership role within a growth-oriented industrial or project-based business, ideally in maritime, energy, infrastructure, or high-tech sectors
• Strong track record in FP&A and project finance
• Experience building financial processes and controls in scaling organizations
• Excellent strategic and analytical skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights
• Deep knowledge of accounting standards and corporate governance
• High integrity and strong communication skills, with confidence in engaging boards and stakeholders
• Relevant degree in finance, economics, accounting, or equivalent
  

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action
• Passionate about sustainability and the green transition
• Strategic thinker who thrives in a hands-on and fast-paced environment
• Collaborative and trusted partner across functions and cultures
• Strong self-drive and ownership from start to finish
• Fluency in Norwegian, both written and spoken, is required
  

What we offer

• A key leadership role with strategic influence in a global-facing, high-growth company
• The opportunity to shape the finance function and contribute to a sustainable maritime future
• Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with senior leadership roles
• A collaborative international environment based in the Oslo region
• Meaningful projects where your work directly impacts climate outcomes
• The opportunity to engage with financial colleagues in our majority owner Volvo Penta

ZEM (Zero Emission Maritime Solutions) is a Norwegian pioneer in green maritime technology. We design and deliver complete battery systems and electric/hybrid propulsion solutions for ships and vessels – with one clear mission: to reduce emissions and accelerate the green transition at sea.

Based in Høvik and with roots dating back to 1993, we have supplied solutions to more than 150 vessels, from aquaculture work boats to ferries to offshore ships. Our expertise combines decades of electrification experience with cutting-edge innovation in the maritime sector. As part of the Volvo Penta family, we benefit from global technology and networks while maintaining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit that defines us. We are growing fast – in revenue, in team size, and in impact – and have been recognized as a “Gaselle company” four years in a row. At ZEM, you’ll help shape the future of maritime and contribute to a more sustainable world.