Our client, Keyes Motors, has retained us to identify a Chief Financial Officer to join their leadership team and play a critical role in the continued growth and evolution of the organization.
This is a highly strategic and hands-on executive leadership role, responsible for overseeing the company’s accounting, finance, treasury, and HR functions across a complex multi-entity environment.
The CFO will partner closely with ownership and executive leadership to help drive operational performance, financial strategy, and long-term business planning. This role is based in Woodland Hills, California and is a full-time, on-site position.
About the company
Founded more than 60 years ago, Keyes Motors is one of the most recognized and respected privately held automotive organizations in the United States. With a longstanding reputation for operational excellence, customer loyalty, and entrepreneurial leadership, the organization has built a substantial presence across Southern California and other key markets.
The company has historically represented multiple major automotive brands and has operated a large scale multi dealership platform across the region. Following a transformative transaction involving a significant portion of the organization’s dealership portfolio, Keyes has continued evolving its business while maintaining its strong brand identity, leadership presence, and operational influence within the automotive industry.
About the Role
The Chief Financial Officer will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and will oversee all aspects of the organization’s financial operations, strategy, reporting, treasury, and long-term planning initiatives. This individual will play a highly visible role across the organization and will act as a trusted advisor to ownership and senior leadership. The CFO will be expected to bring both strategic perspective and operational execution, helping guide financial decision making across a complex multi-entity environment.
The ideal candidate will possess strong business acumen, executive presence, and the ability to thrive within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, privately held organization. This role requires a leader who is collaborative, hands-on, and capable of balancing high level financial strategy with day-to-day operational oversight.
The following information will provide more insight. After reviewing the details below our hope is that you may know someone who would be interested in this highly visible role. Feel free to distribute this document to others.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Adam Kaufman at 818.216.7684 or adamkaufman@kaufmansearch.com .
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the organization’s accounting, finance, treasury, and HR functions across a complex multi entity environment
- Lead the overall financial strategy and operational financial management of the organization
- Oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-term planning initiatives
- Partner closely with ownership and executive leadership on strategic business decisions and operational initiatives
- Manage banking relationships, financing structures, and liquidity planning
- Develop and improve financial infrastructure, reporting capabilities, controls, and operational processes
- Provide leadership and oversight across human resources operations, including organizational planning, talent strategy, and employee infrastructure
- Support acquisitions, integrations, and other strategic growth initiatives as needed
- Oversee audit, tax, compliance, and risk management functions
- Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting, finance, and HR teams
- Present financial results, operational insights, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders
- Ensure strong financial discipline while supporting operational agility and organizational growth
Education & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA and/or MBA preferred
- Proven experience as a CFO or senior finance executive within a complex, multi entity organization
- Strong background in accounting, financial reporting, operational finance, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Strong treasury, banking, financing, and liquidity management experience
- Experience overseeing audit, tax, compliance, and internal controls
- Automotive retail and/or dealership group experience strongly preferred
- Experience supporting large scale operational businesses with multiple locations and significant financial complexity
- Experience overseeing both finance/accounting and HR functions preferred
- Demonstrated ability to lead strategically while remaining hands on operationally
- Strong business acumen and executive presence
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills
- Ability to thrive within a fast paced, entrepreneurial, and collaborative environment
HOWARD TENENBAUM
Howard Tenenbaum is the President of Keyes Motors Inc., bringing over 45 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has been with Keyes for more than 30 years and has played a crucial role in expanding the company into one of the largest privately held auto groups in the United States. Today, the Keyes Motors represents multiple manufacturers and operates dealerships across Southern California, Las Vegas, and Denver.
A recognized leader in the industry, Howard serves as the President of the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association and is actively involved in advocacy efforts to support auto retailers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Howard is deeply committed to philanthropy. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Geffen Playhouse, including a term as Chairman, where he has been an ardent champion for the arts and community engagement. For over 20 years, he has been a steadfast supporter of The Help Group, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those with autism, learning differences, ADHD, and other developmental and mental health challenges. As the organization’s long term Vice Chair, Howard has been instrumental in expanding its reach and impact, helping to create brighter futures for the individuals and families it serves.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Howard attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. A devoted sports fan, he passionately follows the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Lakers, and Las Vegas Golden Knights. In addition to his love for sports, he is an avid patron of the arts and a Tony Award-winning producer.
Howard divides his time between Hidden Hills, California, and Las Vegas. He is married to Jodi and is a proud father of four children: Jeffrey, Michael, Josh, and Ella.
About Kaufman Search: For more than 30 years we have been specializing in the placement of Accounting, Finance, Tax and Human Resources professionals in Southern California. Our expertise, contacts, and reputation combine to help companies identify, attract, and acquire the most talented professionals. Thank you. For more details, please visit https://kaufmansearch.com/. Thank you.
