Role Overview for Chief Financial Officer with a PE-backed Media Company – Los Angeles, CA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed media company headquartered in the dynamic hub of Los Angeles, California. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization at a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. The company is a leader in its niche, creating compelling content and leveraging innovative technology to engage audiences across multiple platforms. Backed by a top-tier private equity sponsor, the company is poised for significant expansion, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.
We are seeking more than just a financial steward; we are looking for a true strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. The incoming CFO will be a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, responsible for developing and executing the financial strategy that will fuel the company’s next chapter of success. This individual will play a critical role in shaping the company’s future, driving value creation initiatives, leading M&A activities, and ultimately preparing the organization for a successful exit event.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned, hands-on financial executive with a proven track record of scaling businesses within a fast-paced, PE-owned environment. You must be comfortable operating at both the 30,000-foot strategic level and the granular, in-the-weeds tactical level. This role demands a leader who can build and inspire a world-class finance function while providing the data-driven insights that guide critical business decisions across the entire organization.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer with a PE-backed Media Company – Los Angeles, CA
The Chief Financial Officer will direct and oversee all financial and accounting functions of the company. This is a broad and impactful role with responsibilities that span strategy, operations, and leadership.
Strategic Financial Leadership & Executive Partnership
Serve as a key advisor and business partner to the CEO, private equity sponsor, and the senior leadership team. Provide financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to support the company’s long-range strategic plan. Lead the development of financial models and analyses to support new initiatives, pricing strategies, and capital investments.
Private Equity & Board Relations
Own the relationship with the PE sponsor’s finance and operations teams. Prepare comprehensive, timely, and accurate monthly/quarterly board and investor reporting packages, including detailed financial statements, budget vs. actual variance analysis, key performance indicators (KPIs), and covenant compliance certificates. Articulate the company’s financial performance and outlook with confidence and clarity.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Play a leading role in the company’s inorganic growth strategy. Direct all financial aspects of the M&A lifecycle, including identifying and evaluating potential targets, building complex valuation models, leading financial due diligence efforts, negotiating terms, and overseeing the seamless post-acquisition integration of financial systems, processes, and teams.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead the FP&A function to deliver robust financial forecasts and actionable business insights. Oversee the annual budgeting process and the development of the long-term operating plan. Implement and manage a rolling forecast process to provide real-time visibility into business performance. Develop and track key operational and financial metrics (e.g., ARR, LTV, CAC, content ROI) to drive accountability and performance.
Accounting, Controls & Reporting
Oversee all accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and revenue recognition. Ensure the timely and accurate closing of the books and the preparation of financial statements in full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Manage the annual external audit process and maintain a strong relationship with the audit firm. Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard company assets.
Treasury & Capital Management
Manage the company’s capital structure, liquidity, and overall balance sheet health. Oversee cash flow planning and ensure the availability of funds as needed. Manage all banking, lending, and investment relationships. Optimize working capital and lead any future debt or equity financing initiatives.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing, best-in-class finance and accounting organization. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability. Provide strong leadership and clear direction to the team, empowering them to support the company’s ambitious growth goals.
Systems & Process Scalability
Continuously evaluate and improve the company’s financial systems, infrastructure, and processes to support rapid scale. Lead initiatives to automate workflows and leverage technology, such as ERP and business intelligence tools, to enhance efficiency and the quality of data-driven decision-making.
Requirements for the Chief Financial Officer with a PE-backed Media Company – Los Angeles, CA
The successful candidate will be a proven financial leader with exceptional business acumen and a history of success in dynamic, growth-oriented companies. Specific qualifications include:
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance) with broad oversight of the entire finance and accounting function.
Private Equity Environment
Demonstrable and recent experience serving as the senior-most financial executive in a private equity-backed company is a strict requirement. You must have a deep understanding of the cadence, reporting requirements, and value creation levers inherent in a PE-owned business.
Industry Background
Experience within the media, entertainment, digital content, advertising/marketing technology, or a related B2B/B2C technology sector is strongly preferred.
M&A Track Record
Proven, hands-on experience leading the financial aspects of multiple M&A transactions from initial diligence through to successful post-close integration.
Technical Expertise
Expert-level proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. A deep and thorough understanding of US GAAP, tax regulations, and modern finance practices. Experience with debt financing and covenant management is essential.
Leadership & Communication
Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills. A track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Must possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely to all stakeholders, including executive peers, board members, and external partners.
Mindset
A strategic and analytical thinker who is also pragmatic, results-oriented, and willing to be ‘hands-on’ to get the job done. Must thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture and possess a high level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An active CPA designation and/or an MBA from a top-tier institution is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top executive talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Participation
A substantial equity stake in the company, providing a meaningful opportunity to share in the value created through a successful exit.
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Work-Life Integration
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy and paid company holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional association memberships to support your growth.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search partner for this critical leadership role. We are seeking a transformative financial leader with a passion for driving growth in a dynamic, PE-backed environment. If you meet the qualifications outlined above and are ready to make a significant impact on a thriving media company, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments to the dedicated team at JRG Partners’ Private Equity practice group. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. We look forward to hearing from you.
