Chief Financial Officer

Overview

Description

Position Title
:
Chief Financial Officer

Department
:
Finance

Office Location
:
Chicago

We are seeking a hands-on, strategic, and operational Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial management of a growing, complex organization. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, can operate at both strategic and tactical levels, and enjoys building scalable systems and processes. The CFO will oversee accounting, finance, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning — while actively engaging with department heads to drive profitability, operational efficiency, and business insight.

• Financial Leadership & Strategy
  • Partner with the CEO and leadership team to define financial strategy and guide long-term growth initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain financial models, forecasts, and analytics to support data-driven decision-making.
  • Provide clear, actionable insights into company performance, trends, and risks.
  • Evaluate pricing strategies and cost structures to maximize profitability.

• Accounting & Reporting
  • Oversee all accounting operations, ensuring timely and accurate financial closes and reporting.
  • Manage preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with accounting guidance provided by an external accounting firm.
  • Implement robust internal controls and maintain compliance with tax, audit, and regulatory requirements.
  • Streamline and automate accounting processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Operational Finance
  • Work closely with department heads on budgeting, project profitability, and resource allocation.
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and management reporting dashboards.
  • Oversee cash flow management, forecasting, and capital optimization.
  • Lead initiatives to improve systems integration between accounting, CRM, and project management tools.

• Team Development & Leadership
  • Build and mentor a small but capable finance team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
  • Act as a business partner across departments, helping non-financial leaders understand financial impacts.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive finance experience, including 3+ years of leadership in a small or mid-sized organization.
• Proven ability to operate both strategically and tactically — comfortable diving into details when needed.
• Experience managing or implementing ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Quick Books, Net Suite, Deltek, etc.).
• Strong understanding of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and cash management.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to convey financial concepts to non-financial leaders.

Preferred:

• Experience in a multi-entity
  , project-based
  , or hospitality/professional services environment.
• Demonstrated success improving financial reporting, process automation, or systems integration.
• Background in supporting business growth, acquisitions, or systems transitions.

• Hands-on, pragmatic, and resourceful — thrives in a lean environment.
• Collaborative leader who builds trust across departments.
• Strong problem solver who enjoys both analysis and execution.
• Curious, improvement-minded, and eager to modernize financial operations.

• Quality healthcare plan available on the first of the month following 60-days of employment
• Company paid basic Life insurance, as well as short and long-term disability
• Potential performance bonus and equity participation
• Paid time off plus 14 paid holidays, flex-Friday scheduling in the summer months
• 401k match after 1-year
• Dog-friendly office setting
• Remote Fridays