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# CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Detroit, MI


Role Overview for CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained to identify a world-class Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial company headquartered in the greater Detroit, Michigan area. This is a transformative opportunity for a strategic and operationally-minded finance leader to serve as a key business partner to the Chief Executive Officer and the private equity sponsor. You will be instrumental in driving the company through its next phase of significant growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions, with the ultimate goal of a successful and lucrative exit event.
Our client is a well-established leader in the industrial sector, known for its quality products and deep customer relationships. With a recent infusion of capital from a top-tier private equity firm, the company is poised for aggressive expansion. The mandate for the new CFO is clear: professionalize the finance function, instill a data-driven culture, and execute a strategic plan to create substantial enterprise value. This is not a typical corporate finance role; it requires a hands-on leader who can seamlessly transition between high-level strategy with the board and deep-dive operational details with the team. You will be the financial architect of the company’s future, responsible for building a scalable infrastructure that supports rapid growth while maintaining rigorous financial discipline and control.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in a PE-backed environment and possess the ambition and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented setting. You will be tasked with mastering the company’s financial narrative and effectively communicating performance, risks, and opportunities to all stakeholders, including the board, investors, and lending partners. Your leadership will be critical in shaping the company’s trajectory and realizing its full potential.
Key Responsibilities of CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Detroit, MI
As the Chief Financial Officer, you will have a broad range of responsibilities encompassing strategic leadership, financial operations, and stakeholder management. Your primary objective will be to safeguard the company’s assets while executing on proven strategies for private equity value creation. You will be expected to lead and develop a high-caliber finance and accounting team capable of meeting the rigorous demands of a PE-owned enterprise.
Strategic Financial Leadership
Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, providing critical financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to guide decision-making. Develop and execute the company’s long-term financial strategy in alignment with the PE sponsor’s value creation plan.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead the annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, and long-range planning processes. Develop and manage sophisticated financial models to support strategic initiatives, M&A activities, and capital allocation decisions. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to drive performance and accountability across the organization.
Accounting, Control, and Reporting
Oversee all accounting operations, including the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes. Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls to mitigate risk and ensure the integrity of financial data.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Play a leading role in the identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic acquisitions. Lead financial due diligence, develop valuation models, and oversee the seamless post-merger integration of acquired entities’ financial systems and processes.
Treasury and Capital Management
Manage the company’s capital structure, liquidity, and cash flow. Oversee all treasury functions, including debt management, covenant compliance, and banking relationships. Optimize working capital to support operational needs and growth initiatives.
Investor and Lender Relations
Serve as a primary point of contact for the private equity sponsor, board of directors, and lending institutions. Prepare and present comprehensive board packages, financial reports, and investor updates. Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements and debt covenants.
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Structure the department to effectively scale with the company’s growth.
Systems and Process Optimization
Evaluate and enhance financial systems (including ERP) and business processes to drive efficiency, improve data quality, and support scalability. Champion the use of technology and data analytics to provide actionable business insights.
Requirements for the CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Detroit, MI
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and dynamic finance executive with a history of success in demanding, high-growth environments. A combination of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and strong leadership skills is essential.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial experience, with at least 5 years serving as a CFO, VP of Finance, or a number-two finance executive in a company of comparable size and complexity.
Private Equity Background
Prior, direct experience working in a senior finance role within a private equity-backed company is a mandatory requirement. You must understand the cadence, reporting requirements, and value-creation mindset inherent in a PE environment.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience in the industrial, manufacturing, or distribution sectors is strongly preferred. A deep understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, supply chain finance, and operational finance is critical.
M&A Track Record
Demonstrable, hands-on experience leading the financial aspects of multiple M&A transactions, from due diligence through successful integration.
Educational Credentials
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA and/or CPA designation is highly preferred.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team. Must possess outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the credibility and gravitas to effectively interact with the CEO, board of directors, and PE sponsors.
Technical Proficiency
Advanced financial modeling and Excel skills are a must. Experience with modern ERP systems and business intelligence tools is essential; experience leading an ERP implementation is a significant plus.
Personal Attributes
A hands-on, “roll-up-the-sleeves” mentality. High energy, strong sense of urgency, and an unwavering commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. Ability to thrive under pressure and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
We believe in rewarding our leaders for their contributions to our success. The compensation package for this role is designed to be highly competitive and to attract a top-tier candidate. It includes:

A competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and company performance goals.
A substantial equity stake in the company, providing a meaningful opportunity for wealth creation upon a successful exit.
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Relocation assistance for the right candidate, if required.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical leadership position. If you are a results-driven finance executive with the requisite private equity and industrial experience, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
To explore other executive-level opportunities and learn more about our areas of expertise, please visit our Private Equity Executive Search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how this role aligns with your career aspirations.