Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Mid-Atlantic | Private Equity-Sponsored | Founder-Owned Business | Manufacturing / Business Services | $200MM–$500MM
We are partnering with a leading private equity firm to identify an Interim CFO to support the transition of a founder-owned business as it enters its next phase of institutionalization and growth. The company is at a critical inflection point, requiring a hands-on financial leader to build the foundational accounting and finance infrastructure needed to support scale, improve visibility, and align the business with private equity standards.
This role will work closely with the founder/CEO and PE sponsor to bring structure, discipline, and credibility to the finance function while respecting the existing culture and dynamics of a founder-led organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted partner to the founder/CEO and private equity sponsor, helping bridge the transition from an entrepreneurial environment to a more structured, performance-driven operating model.
- Establish the foundational finance infrastructure, including building reliable financial reporting, implementing a consistent monthly close process, and introducing KPI frameworks aligned with the value creation plan.
- Assess and upgrade existing accounting and finance capabilities, including systems, processes, and team structure, to create a scalable and sustainable operating platform.
- Drive improved financial visibility and discipline across the business, with a focus on cash flow management, margin improvement, and cost control, translating insights into actionable operating decisions.
- Introduce rigor around forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking, enabling more informed decision-making at the management and sponsor level.
- Support the implementation or optimization of ERP and reporting systems where needed, ensuring the business has the tools to operate at an institutional standard.
- Build alignment across the founder, management team, and sponsor by establishing clear communication, reporting transparency, and a no-surprises operating cadence.
Ideal Profile
- Experienced Interim CFO or senior finance leader with a track record of stepping into founder-led or transitioning businesses and building finance functions from the ground up.
- Experience operating in private equity-backed environments, particularly in situations involving founder ownership and the introduction of institutional processes and governance.
- Size and track record within companies $250 - $500 million in revenue.
- Demonstrated success implementing core accounting infrastructure, reporting frameworks, and financial discipline in underdeveloped or evolving environments.
- Hands-on, pragmatic leader who can quickly diagnose gaps, prioritize effectively, and execute without overengineering solutions.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with founders while also meeting the expectations of private equity investors.
- Experience in industrial distribution or services environments is preferred.
Mandate
This is a foundational build role focused on transforming the finance function from a founder-led, often informal structure into a scalable, PE-ready platform. The Interim CFO will play a critical role in establishing the financial backbone of the business, enabling improved performance, stronger governance, and positioning the company for future growth and value creation
