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.

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.