Role Overview for Chief Financial Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to conduct a search for a strategic and results-oriented Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on behalf of our client, a rapidly growing and innovative leader in the medical device industry. Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA, this is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology.
The Chief Financial Officer will be a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, responsible for the overall financial stewardship of the company. This includes overseeing all aspects of financial management, planning, reporting, and strategy. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record of success within the medical device, biotech, or a related healthcare sector. You will be instrumental in driving the company’s financial performance, guiding its growth trajectory through strategic capital allocation, potential M&A activities, and fostering strong relationships with the investment community.
This role requires a leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational excellence, building and mentoring a high-performing finance and accounting team while navigating the complexities of a regulated and fast-paced industry.
As the CFO, you will not only be the guardian of the company’s financial health but also a critical contributor to its overarching business strategy. Your insights and financial acumen will inform critical decisions across all departments, from R&D investment to commercial scaling and operational efficiency. We are seeking a leader with exceptional integrity, a forward-thinking mindset, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. If you are a transformative financial leader passionate about making a tangible impact in the healthcare space, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity in San Diego.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer – San Diego, CA
The CFO will assume a broad range of responsibilities, acting as a true business partner across the organization. Key duties include:
Strategic Financial Leadership
Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the company’s long-term strategic plan. Provide financial modeling, analysis, and insights to support strategic initiatives, new product development, and market expansion.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead the FP&A function to deliver robust budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor business performance and drive accountability. Provide insightful variance analysis and decision support to senior leadership.
Capital Management and Fundraising
Develop and execute the company’s capital allocation strategy. Lead all capital-raising activities, including equity and debt financing, and manage relationships with investment banks, venture capitalists, and other financial partners.
Investor Relations
Serve as a primary point of contact for the investment community. Develop and execute a comprehensive investor relations program, effectively communicating the company’s financial performance, strategy, and vision to shareholders, analysts, and potential investors.
Accounting and Controllership
Oversee all accounting operations, including the monthly and quarterly close process, financial statement preparation, revenue recognition, and cost accounting. Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial reporting in accordance with US GAAP.
SEC Reporting and Compliance
For public or pre-IPO companies, ensure timely and accurate filing of all required SEC reports (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, etc.). Develop and maintain robust internal controls (SOX compliance) and ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements.
Treasury and Cash Management
Manage the company’s liquidity and investment portfolio. Oversee cash flow forecasting and develop strategies to optimize working capital.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Lead the financial due diligence process for potential acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. Oversee financial modeling and valuation, and play a key role in negotiation and integration planning.
Risk Management
Identify and mitigate key financial and business risks. Oversee the company’s insurance programs and ensure appropriate corporate governance practices are in place.
Team Leadership and Development
Build, lead, and mentor a world-class finance and accounting organization. Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Systems and Process Improvement
Drive the selection and implementation of financial systems (ERP, etc.) to support the company’s growth and scale. Continuously seek to improve financial processes and workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy.
Requirements for the Chief Financial Officer – San Diego, CA
The successful candidate will possess a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership skills. The following qualifications are required:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required. An MBA and/or CPA designation is strongly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance) for a company of comparable size and complexity.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or a closely related life sciences industry is essential. Understanding of the unique financial aspects of this sector, such as R&D capitalization, clinical trial costs, and product commercialization, is critical.
Capital Markets Experience
Proven track record of successfully raising capital (both public and private equity/debt) and managing investor relations. Experience taking a company through an IPO is highly desirable.
Public Company Experience
Deep experience with SEC reporting, SOX compliance, and the regulatory requirements of a publicly-traded company is strongly preferred.
M&A Experience
Demonstrable experience leading financial due diligence, valuation, and integration for mergers and acquisitions.
Technical Acumen
Expert knowledge of US GAAP, financial regulations, and modern financial systems and tools. Strong analytical and financial modeling skills are a must.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities with a history of attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Must be an outstanding communicator with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, including the Board of Directors, investors, and employees.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and act as a true business partner to the CEO and executive team. Must be able to translate strategy into actionable financial plans.
Location
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the San Diego, CA area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options or RSUs) designed to align your success with the long-term growth and value of the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Professional Development
Support for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional development to ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to be a part of a mission-driven organization that is making a significant difference in the lives of patients worldwide.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this confidential Chief Financial Officer position. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest through our secure portal.
Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who meet the specified requirements will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest. For more information on our expertise in placing top-tier executives, please visit our Finance & Accounting Executive Search practice area page.
