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.
Description:
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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.
Qualifications:
- 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 SalesForce, 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.
