Chief Financial Officer

CA | GA | NY | CR

About Sherwood Design Engineers

Sherwood Design Engineers is a 125-person international civil engineering firm with offices around the United States and headquartered in San Francisco. As engineers and designers of resilient and sustainable infrastructure, we are motivated by art, innovation, and the environment.

Our team has delivered net zero energy and net zero carbon systems, net positive water systems, resilient coastlines, natural resource protection, green streets, living roofs and more for thousands of clients in the region and across the globe. We specialize in sustainable infrastructure, water management strategies, green building design, and systems based solutions for infrastructure and landscapes. Our focus is on the conservation and management of the consumption of all site resources — carbon, energy, water, and waste. We’ve worked on over thirty award-winning projects, and our work has been published locally and internationally.

Founded in 2003, our award-winning projects include Hudson Yards in New York (the largest private real estate development in U.S. history), San Francisco Better Streets Plan, Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, revitalization of the iconic waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the 35 square-km Baietan Urban Area Plan in the heart of Guangzhou, China.

Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?

Why are we looking for a CFO in 2025?

This is an opportunity to help build the culture of our growing firm and help shape the finances and other critical systems to support our continued sustainable growth and steadily increasing profits. We have been operating with a solid internal accounting team and an external fractional CFO for several years. Now it's time to bring that leadership in house and take on some of the things the CEO and COO have been carrying, as well as building a strong team to help us move forward. We’re looking for someone that sees building the culture and the business as a symbiotic process.

Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee the financial operations and overall business strategy of Sherwood Design Engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of financial management, a holistic approach to developing people and high performing teams, a strong business acumen, and a proven track record of driving growth and profitability. This position will be in the office in San Francisco 3+ days/week, remote for the balance.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management:
- Oversee and execute on all financial planning, analysis, and reporting
- Manage cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting
- Develop and implement financial strategies to optimize profitability
- Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and standards
Operations:
- Oversee operations for all offices, systems, processes, procedures, HR, IT, and Accounting.
- The CFO will report directly to the CEO and will oversee a team of experienced professionals, including the Controller, HR Director, and IT Director.
Ownership & Acquisitions:
- ESOP and Employee Stock Management
- Oversight of financial aspects of the ownership transition program.
- Provide financial and operational support for future and past acquisitions.
International compliance:
- Costa Rica operation integration, governance and compliance
- International cash and financial optimization
Accounting:
- Manage the accounting team and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
- Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes
- Manage tax compliance and reporting
Human Resources:
- Oversee the HR team to ensure effective recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations
- Oversee implement the HR policies and procedures
- Oversee employee benefits, compensation, and performance management
Information Technology:
- Oversee the IT infrastructure and systems
- Ensure IT security and data privacy
- Oversee technology projects and initiatives
Administration:
- Manage administrative functions such as facilities, procurement, and risk management
- Oversee legal and compliance matters

Qualifications:

Ajira or Deltek Experience a plus
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA preferred
CPA or CFA certification is highly desirable
Proven track record as a CFO or senior finance executive
Strong leadership and management skills
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong understanding of financial modeling and forecasting
Experience with ERP systems and financial software
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
Professional services industry experience (and in particular AEC experience) preferred but not required.

What We Offer:

Own a part of the firm with ESOP eligibility after one year
Flexible working - with every other Friday off
Competitive Health plans, including PPO and HMO options, Dental and Vision plans
Learning and Development stipend to use as you see fit
Generous PTO and 8 paid holidays
Automatic 401k enrollment
Fun team events, lunches and happy hours to get to know colleagues outside of work
A tangible opportunity to truly help the environment

Compensation:

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Sherwood Design Engineers, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $190,000 to $225,000. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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Chief Financial Officer