Chief Financial Officer

Chesapeake Search Partners has been retained by a distribution company in Hunt Valley to identify a Chief Financial Officer to join their organization. Our client was founded in 1938 with a rich history of growth and innovation, specializing in offering a diverse range of unique and licensed novelties and candy, tailored to amusement patrons of all ages. Our client also received strategic investment from a private equity firm in 2023, providing the company with the capital needed to accelerate its growth trajectory.

The CFO is responsible for leading all aspects of the company’s financial function, including accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, KPI monitoring and reporting, tax planning and risk management. As a key member of the executive team, the CFO will contribute to executing the overall strategic plan of the business. This role requires a leader with deep financial expertise, operational acumen, and a track record of driving growth and profitability in a distribution environment.

• Develop and execute financial strategies to support business growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis to provide actionable insights for the executive team.
• Provide analytical insight and perspective to the Executive Management Team and private equity sponsor to drive optimal business decisions and outcomes.
• Supervise the preparation of timely and accurate financial and operational metric reports.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, accounting standards, and corporate governance requirements.
• Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and capital allocation strategies to optimize financial performance.
• Collaborate with supply chain, operations, and sales teams to align financial planning with business objectives.
• Evaluate investment opportunities, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead the financial and IT systems integration of bolt-on acquisitions.
• Drive cost management initiatives, process improvements, and financial controls.
• Oversee risk management, internal controls, and financial reporting processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in senior finance role within a distribution or supply chain-focused company.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, GAAP accounting, tax regulations, and corporate finance.
• Proven ability to drive financial performance and manage risk.
• Experience working with private equity, lenders, or other financial institutions is a plus.
• Proven experience driving business growth through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, including integration support is a plus.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic-thinking skills.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to dive into financial details while maintaining a high-level strategic focus.
• Strong communication skills that facilitate working well across the company
• Experience integrating and optimizing IT systems is a plus.
• Prior experience with Sage and Sales Force, helpful but not required.
• Proficiency in financial software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel modeling.

Please contact Patrick Fitzgerald at Chesapeake Search Partners to learn more.