About the Company
ESG (www.ExecStaffGroup.com) has been retained to identify a CFO for a Private Equity Backed Professional Services Firm. Our client is expanding rapidly across the U.S. and is looking for a strategic CFO, with prior Professional Services Firm experience, to be an integral part of the Executive Team. Opportunity will come with a lucrative cash compensation structure, as well as equity.
About the Role
Core Responsibilities
- Value Creation & Strategy: Work with the PE sponsor to develop and execute the value creation plan (VCP), focusing on EBITDA growth, margin improvement, and working capital optimization.
- Financial Reporting & Control: Implement robust, timely, and accurate financial reporting, including 13-week cash flow modeling, monthly flash reports, and board packages.
- M&A Support & Integration: Lead buy-side and sell-side diligence, including quality of earnings (QofE) reviews, and lead the integration of bolt-on acquisitions to create synergies.
- Cash Flow Management: Manage capital structure, debt covenants, and liquidity to fund growth while paying down leveraged debt.
- KPI Development: Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) tailored to professional services (e.g., billable utilization, project profitability, revenue per employee) to drive operational improvements.
- Technology Transformation: Upgrade ERP systems and automate finance functions (order-to-cash, procure-to-pay) to support.
Qualifications
- Experience: Proven track record as a CFO or VP of Finance, preferably in a PE-backed professional services firm (consulting, advisory, legal, etc.).
- Transaction Experience: Strong background in M&A, debt refinancing, and preparation for exit (IPO or sale).
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS), financial modeling, and ERP implementation.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting; CPA or MBA is highly preferred.
Required Skills
- Achievement of EBITDA targets and margin expansion.
- Successful, seamless integration of acquisitions.
- Consistently clean audits and timely reporting.
- Maximum valuation at the time of exit.
Preferred Skills
- "Think Like an Owner" Mindset: Possess entrepreneurial drive and high accountability for shareholder returns.
- Telescopic Ability: Capability to transition quickly between high-level strategic planning and deep, granular analysis of business operations.
- High Urgency & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where rapid change and quick decisions are necessary.
- Communication Skills: Clear, consistent communication with the board, operating partners, and lenders, particularly regarding performance against the investment thesis.
- Talent Management: Ability to attract, develop, and retain high-quality finance staff to upgrade the existing finance function.
