Name, company details, and some experience specifics have been changed to protect personal data. The structure and content of the dialog reflect a real screening interaction with a candidate who applied via LinkedIn.
Marco Benedetti
Good morning. I've submitted my application for the Head of Finance & Administration position. I read the description carefully — it's an interesting mandate, especially the part about building processes from scratch after the acquisition. I'd be happy to discuss my background.
09:41
Recruiter Assistant
Good morning Marco, thank you for applying. You're right — the role is as much about building as it is about managing. Could you tell me about your current role and the scope you oversee?
09:44
Marco Benedetti
I'm currently Finance Director at a food manufacturing company in Lombardy. We produce fresh pasta and sauces for private label — €45M revenue, 120 employees. I manage a team of 8 across accounting, controlling, and HR administration
09:47
Marco Benedetti
Before this I was CFO at a smaller food company for 5 years — confectionery, €18M revenue. Built the controlling function from zero there
09:48
Recruiter Assistant
Building controlling from scratch at the confectionery company — that's directly relevant experience. What financial systems and ERP tools have you worked with?
09:50
Marco Benedetti
SAP Business One at my current company, before that Zucchetti for accounting. For controlling I've built custom models in Excel and Power BI. I also led an ERP migration from Zucchetti to SAP — took 14 months
09:53
Marco Benedetti
I noticed the description mentions 1C for production planning. I'm not familiar with that system but I've managed ERP implementations before. Is it already running or will it be a new implementation?
09:54
Recruiter Assistant
Good question — it's a new implementation. The production facility is currently running on very basic tools. You'd be leading that project from the requirements phase. Have you managed both IFRS and Italian GAAP reporting?
09:56
Marco Benedetti
Yes, both. My current company reports under IFRS for the parent group (French multinational) and Italian GAAP locally. I handle the consolidation package every quarter
10:00
Marco Benedetti
At the confectionery company it was purely Italian GAAP — OIC principles. So I'm comfortable with both frameworks
10:01
Recruiter Assistant
Dual reporting experience is valuable. The vacancy mentions managing HR administration including payroll. Is that within your scope currently?
10:03
Marco Benedetti
Yes. I oversee payroll calculation for 120 employees through our consulente del lavoro. I review all payroll reports, manage the relationship with the external provider, handle union negotiations for CCNL Alimentari
10:06
Marco Benedetti
I also manage the hiring process administratively — contracts, onboarding, time tracking. We use Zucchetti HR for attendance
10:07
Recruiter Assistant
Comprehensive scope. Have you worked with cost accounting in food manufacturing specifically?
10:08
Marco Benedetti
Sorry, had to step into a quick meeting. Yes — cost accounting is central to what I do. We track raw material costs, production yields, waste percentages, labor allocation per production line. I implemented a standard costing system that reduced our margin variance visibility from monthly to weekly
10:27
Marco Benedetti
For food specifically — I'm very familiar with shelf life impact on inventory valuation, raw material price volatility (wheat, eggs, oils), and HACCP compliance cost tracking
10:28
Recruiter Assistant
Weekly margin visibility is impressive — most food companies I've seen still run monthly. The company produces pinsa romana and frozen bakery for US, UK, and European markets. It was recently acquired. How comfortable are you working in a post-acquisition environment?
10:30
Marco Benedetti
Very comfortable. I've been through two acquisitions — once as the acquired side and once leading the integration for the buyer. I know the dynamics well
10:34
Marco Benedetti
The due diligence cleanup, the process standardization, the cultural tension between “how we used to do things” and the new owner's expectations. You need patience and firmness in equal measure
10:35
Recruiter Assistant
Well put. The role reports directly to the Board of Directors — significant autonomy but also direct accountability. How does that structure work for you?
10:37
Marco Benedetti
That's actually my preferred structure. I've reported to boards before and I value the direct line. My question would be — how involved is the board in day-to-day decisions, and how often do they meet?
10:39
Recruiter Assistant
The board is strategic, not operational. You'd have full authority on financial and administrative operations, with quarterly board reporting. They're hands-on during the initial setup phase but the goal is for you to run independently.
10:41
Marco Benedetti
That's exactly the right balance. One more question — the description says Milan or Turin with 2 days in Verrès. I'm based in Milan. Is the travel fully covered?
10:43
Recruiter Assistant
Yes, all travel expenses to the production facility are fully covered — car, accommodation if needed, meals. Many people do day trips but overnight stays are also supported.
10:45
Marco Benedetti
Good. Verrès is manageable from Milan — about 90 minutes by car. I'd prefer day trips when possible
10:47
Recruiter Assistant
Makes sense. Marco, your profile is very strong — the combination of food manufacturing finance, post-acquisition experience, dual GAAP/IFRS reporting, and hands-on HR administration is exactly what this role requires. I'll present your candidacy to the client and come back with next steps.
10:49
Marco Benedetti
Thank you. I'm quite interested — the build-from-scratch aspect is what attracted me most. I look forward to hearing back.
10:51
Recruiter Assistant
Absolutely. You'll hear from us within the week. Have a good day, Marco.
10:52
Marco Benedetti
Grazie, buona giornata!
10:53