Role Overview for CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed E-commerce Retailer – 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 e-commerce retailer headquartered in Los Angeles, California. This is a pivotal leadership position for a company at a critical inflection point, poised for exponential growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. This is not merely a financial stewardship role; it is an opportunity for a strategic business partner to co-pilot the company alongside a visionary CEO and an engaged private equity sponsor. The ideal candidate will be a battle-tested financial executive with a deep understanding of the e-commerce landscape and a proven track record of creating value within a leveraged, fast-paced environment.
The company is a dominant player in its niche, beloved by its customers for its innovative products and exceptional brand experience. With a recent infusion of capital from a top-tier private equity firm, the organization is embarking on an aggressive strategy to scale its operations, expand its product lines, and enhance its digital footprint. The CFO will be instrumental in architecting the financial infrastructure and providing the strategic insights necessary to support this rapid scaling. You will be expected to be more than a scorekeeper; you will be a key architect of the company’s future, deeply involved in all aspects of the business from supply chain and marketing analytics to technology investments and M&A execution. This role requires a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational excellence, and a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves mentality. You will be tasked with building a world-class finance function while simultaneously providing the forward-looking analysis that will guide the company towards a highly successful exit.
Key Responsibilities of CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed E-commerce Retailer – Los Angeles, CA
The Chief Financial Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, acting as a strategic partner to the executive team and a trusted fiduciary to the Board and investors. Key duties include:
Strategic Financial Leadership & Business Partnership
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors. Develop and execute a financial strategy that aligns with and supports the company’s overall growth objectives. Lead long-range financial planning, capital allocation strategy, and scenario modeling to inform critical business decisions.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Drive the annual budgeting and monthly forecasting processes with rigor and accuracy. Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to the e-commerce industry, including Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), Gross Margin Return on Investment (GMROI), and cohort analysis. Provide insightful variance analysis and data-driven recommendations to optimize profitability and performance across all departments.
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). Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity. Manage external audit relationships and ensure a clean and timely audit process.
Treasury & Cash Management
Develop and execute a sophisticated cash management strategy to optimize working capital and support growth initiatives. Manage all banking relationships, debt facilities, and covenant compliance. Oversee cash flow forecasting to ensure the company maintains adequate liquidity for its operational needs and strategic investments.
Investor Relations & Board Reporting
Act as the primary point of contact for the private equity sponsor and other investors. Prepare comprehensive and insightful monthly and quarterly board packages, financial reports, and presentations. Clearly and concisely communicate financial performance, forecasts, and strategic initiatives to the Board and key stakeholders.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Play a leading role in the evaluation, due diligence, and financial modeling of potential acquisition targets. Oversee the financial integration of acquired companies, ensuring a smooth transition and the realization of synergies. Prepare the company for an eventual exit, whether through a strategic sale or other liquidity event.
Team Leadership & Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performance finance and accounting team. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development. Structure the team to effectively scale with the company’s growth.
Systems & Process Improvement
Continuously evaluate and enhance financial systems, tools (ERP, BI platforms), and processes to drive efficiency, improve data accuracy, and provide better business insights. Lead the selection and implementation of new financial technologies as needed.
Requirements for the CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed E-commerce Retailer – Los Angeles, CA
The successful candidate will be an accomplished and dynamic finance leader with a demonstrated history of driving growth and creating enterprise value. The specific qualifications we are seeking include:
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial experience, with at least 5 years serving as a CFO or VP of Finance.
Private Equity Environment
Direct and significant experience working within a private equity-backed portfolio company is a mandatory requirement. You must be fluent in the fast-paced, data-driven culture of PE, with a deep understanding of leveraged capital structures, covenant reporting, and the relentless focus on EBITDA growth and cash flow generation.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience in the e-commerce, direct-to-consumer (DTC), or multi-channel retail sectors is essential. You must possess a strong grasp of the unique financial drivers, metrics, and operational challenges of a digital-first business.
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 highly preferred.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a finance organization. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex financial information and convey it to a variety of audiences, from the Board of Directors to operational team members.
Strategic & Operational Balance
The ability to operate at a high strategic level while also maintaining a firm grasp of the details. You must be comfortable rolling up your sleeves to get the job done in a lean, high-growth environment.
M&A and Exit Experience
A strong track record in M&A, including financial due diligence, deal execution, and post-acquisition integration. Experience successfully leading a company through a sale process or other liquidity event is a significant plus.
Technical Acumen
High proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and business intelligence tools. Experience with modern ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP) is highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
- A competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and company performance.
- A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing a substantial opportunity for wealth creation upon a successful exit.
- Comprehensive health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy and paid company holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and continued education.
- A vibrant, collaborative, and entrepreneurial work culture located in the heart of Los Angeles.
- Employee discounts on the company’s fantastic range of products.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this critical Chief Financial Officer position. If you are a results-oriented finance executive with the requisite private equity and e-commerce experience and are ready to make a significant impact on a rapidly growing company, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential search, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit our Private Equity practice group page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
