CFO Recruit is partnering exclusively with a founder-led specialty engineering design firm delivering renewable energy projects across the US. With a 15-year track record, a strong national client base, and a robust pipeline built on repeat business and referrals, this is a business with real momentum and a culture to match.
The business became 100% employee-owned through an ESOP earlier this year, a natural next step for two founders who have always put their people first. It's a direct expression of their founding belief that looking after their people is the foundation of a great company. Total compensation will include base salary, bonus and ESOP participation.
The CFO will lead a lean, hands-on finance and accounting function while serving as a true strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team. This is a role for someone energized by both the big picture and the day-to-day, equally comfortable shaping financial strategy at the leadership table as rolling up their sleeves and working in the details in a hands on capacity.
The CFO will collaborate closely with the CEO, VP of Engineering, and broader leadership to drive sustainable growth and play a meaningful role in defining what this company looks like as it scales into its next chapter.
Bay Area-based candidates are preferred to enable regular on-site presence. Candidates elsewhere in California or on the West Coast will also be considered, provided they can commit to being on site when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute financial strategy aligned with company goals
- Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and leadership team
- Support business growth and capital planning
- Establish and monitor financial KPIs and performance metrics
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
- Analyze financial performance and provide actionable insights
- Monitor cash flow, profitability, and cost management
- Evaluate project-level financial performance (critical in engineering firms)
- Oversee accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual)
- Maintain compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements
- Coordinate financial reviews, audits, and tax filings
- Track project budgets, margins, and revenue recognition
- Support contract review, pricing, and risk assessment
- Work with project managers to improve financial outcomes
- Improve financial systems, processes, and internal controls
- Provide human resources support for compensation, benefits, and workforce planning
- Oversee insurance, bonding, and risk management (important for engineering firms)
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and credit facilities
- Optimise working capital and capital allocation
- Evaluate financing options and negotiate line of credit for working capital
- Oversee ESOP administration, including coordinating with the third-party administrator, recordkeeper, and ESOP trustee
- Provide financial reports and support to the ESOP trustee throughout the year and during annual valuations
- Ensure the company adheres to IRS guidelines and properly files tax documents
- Ensure monthly and year-end ESOP loan payments are completed as required
Experience/Skills required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred)
- Technical, engineering, or analytical degree strongly preferred
- 10–15+ years of financial leadership experience, ideally in engineering, construction, or professional services
- Strong knowledge of project-based accounting and revenue recognition
- Experience in mid-sized company environments with a hands-on mindset
- Proficiency with financial systems and ERP/accounting software, ideally NetSuite
- Experience or knowledge of ESOPs and their financial reporting requirements strongly preferred
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills
- Highly skilled in both the attention to detail required by traditional GAAP accounting and forward-thinking strategic analysis and business planning
- Hands-on leadership and willingness to roll up sleeves
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Ability to work with technical teams and understand the dynamics of their day-to-day work
- Financial modelling and data-driven decision making
- High integrity and experience in a comprehensive environment of financial controls
Salary advertized is a guideline of base salary, salary offered will be commensurate with experience.
