Role Overview for Interim Chief Financial Officer | Private Equity Portfolio Company | Fort Lauderdale, FL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a highly accomplished and strategic Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a dynamic, high-growth portfolio company of a leading middle-market private equity firm. Located in the vibrant business hub of Fort Lauderdale, FL, this is a critical leadership role for a seasoned financial executive capable of navigating the fast-paced and demanding environment of a PE-backed enterprise. This engagement is slated for an initial term of 6 to 9 months, with the potential for extension or conversion to a permanent role for an exceptional performer.
The Interim CFO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, acting as a true strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a trusted liaison to the private equity sponsor. You will be stepping into a pivotal position, responsible for overseeing the entire financial apparatus of the organization during a period of significant transformation and value creation. The ideal candidate is a hands-on yet strategic leader who can immediately assess the financial landscape, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement robust systems and processes to support scalable growth. This role requires more than just financial acumen; it demands business savvy, operational insight, and the executive presence to influence decision-making at the highest levels.
You will be instrumental in driving the financial strategy, enhancing operational efficiencies, and ensuring the company meets its ambitious growth targets and reporting obligations to the investment sponsor. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven finance leader to make a tangible impact, guiding the company through its next evolutionary phase, which may include aggressive organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and eventual preparation for a successful exit. We are seeking a leader who thrives in an environment where they can build, optimize, and lead, leaving a lasting legacy of financial integrity and strategic success.
Key Responsibilities of Interim Chief Financial Officer | Private Equity Portfolio Company | Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Interim CFO will assume broad responsibility for the company’s financial health and strategic direction. Your duties will be comprehensive, requiring a blend of high-level strategy and hands-on execution. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning
Act as a strategic business partner to the CEO and executive team. Lead the development of the company’s long-range financial plans, annual budgets, and rolling forecasts. Develop and refine sophisticated financial models to support strategic initiatives, capital allocation decisions, and scenario planning. Provide data-driven insights and actionable recommendations to drive profitability and growth.
Private Equity Sponsor & Board Relations
Serve as the primary point of contact for the PE sponsor on all financial matters. Oversee the preparation and delivery of comprehensive monthly and quarterly reporting packages, including detailed financial statements, variance analysis, KPI dashboards, and board presentations. Ensure compliance with all debt covenants and reporting requirements. Manage ad-hoc requests from the sponsor with timeliness and accuracy.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead the FP&A function to provide insightful analysis of business performance. Drive a culture of accountability by establishing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) across all departments. Enhance the budgeting and forecasting processes to improve accuracy and provide greater visibility into future performance.
Accounting, Controllership & Internal Controls
Oversee all accounting operations, including the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes. Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Strengthen the internal control environment to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting. Manage the annual external audit process.
Treasury and Cash Flow Management
Direct all treasury functions, including the management of liquidity, cash flow forecasting, and banking relationships. Develop and implement strategies to optimize working capital and ensure the company is capitalized appropriately to fund its growth objectives.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Support
Play a key role in supporting the evaluation and execution of potential add-on acquisitions. Lead financial due diligence efforts, develop valuation models, and assist in negotiations. Oversee the financial integration of acquired companies to ensure a smooth transition and the realization of expected synergies.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Assess the current team structure and capabilities, making recommendations for enhancements to support the company’s long-term goals.
Systems & Process Improvement
Evaluate the current financial systems (ERP, BI tools, etc.) and infrastructure. Identify and implement process improvements and technology enhancements to increase efficiency, improve data quality, and support scalability. Lead initiatives to automate manual processes and create a more agile finance function.
Risk Management and Compliance
Oversee the company’s risk management framework. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax regulations and reporting requirements. Manage relationships with external legal and tax advisors. Oversee the corporate insurance program.
Requirements for the Interim Chief Financial Officer | Private Equity Portfolio Company | Fort Lauderdale, FL
We are seeking a world-class financial executive with a demonstrated history of success in private equity-backed environments. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and leadership gravitas. Specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution and/or a CPA designation is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance) is essential.
Private Equity Expertise
Significant, hands-on experience serving as a CFO for a private equity-backed company is a firm requirement. You must have a deep understanding of the PE value creation playbook, including familiarity with leveraged balance sheets, debt covenant reporting, and the cadence and rigor of sponsor communications.
M&A Track Record
Proven experience with the full lifecycle of mergers and acquisitions, from due diligence and financial modeling to post-close integration, is highly desirable.
Industry Exposure
Experience in industries such as business services, manufacturing, distribution, or technology is preferred. The ability to quickly learn the key drivers of a new business is paramount.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Must be a player-coach, willing to roll up their sleeves and dig into the details while also providing high-level strategic guidance.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Impeccable communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Must possess the executive presence and credibility to effectively engage with the CEO, Board of Directors, PE sponsor, lenders, and other key stakeholders.
Technical & Analytical Prowess
Strong technical accounting skills and mastery of financial modeling and analysis. High proficiency with sophisticated ERP systems and business intelligence tools.
Personal Attributes
A high-energy, results-oriented individual with a strong sense of urgency and a bias for action. Must be adaptable, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Unquestionable integrity and a commitment to ethical business practices are a must.
Benefits & Perks Offered
This engagement offers a compelling opportunity for a talented financial executive. While this is an interim position, the compensation and experience are designed to attract a top-caliber leader.
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive daily or project-based rate commensurate with the experience and caliber of the candidate.
High-Impact Role
An opportunity to make a direct and measurable impact on the trajectory of a growing company, working alongside a talented executive team and a top-tier private equity firm.
Strategic Exposure
Unparalleled access and exposure to the inner workings of a private equity investment, providing a unique vantage point on value creation strategies.
Potential for Conversion
For the right candidate who demonstrates exceptional performance and a strong cultural fit, there is a clear potential for the role to convert into a permanent, full-time CFO position.
Professional Challenge
A professionally stimulating and challenging environment that will leverage your full skill set and push you to grow as a leader.
Networking Opportunities
Expand your professional network through direct interaction with senior executives and private equity professionals.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search partner for this critical mandate. If you are a results-driven financial executive with a passion for driving value in a private equity setting and you meet the stringent requirements outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
To be considered, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your specific experience in private equity-backed companies and your accomplishments as a financial leader. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.
For more information on our dedicated practice and expertise in placing top-tier financial leaders within the private equity ecosystem, please visit our Interim & Fractional Executive Search Firm practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
