Role Overview for CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Pittsburgh, PA
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive search for a transformative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on behalf of a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial company based in Pittsburgh, PA. This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a market leader at a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. Our client, backed by a premier middle-market private equity firm, is executing an aggressive strategy focused on both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The new CFO will be a cornerstone of this strategy, serving as a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors and the private equity sponsor.
This is not a typical corporate finance role. We are seeking a dynamic, hands-on, and strategically-minded leader who thrives in the fast-paced, results-driven environment of a private equity portfolio company. The ideal candidate will be a true business partner, capable of translating complex financial data into actionable operational insights that drive profitability and enterprise value. You will be instrumental in professionalizing the finance and accounting function, implementing best-in-class systems and processes, and building a data-driven culture of accountability. Your mandate will extend far beyond traditional accounting and reporting; you will be deeply involved in operational improvements, M&A execution and integration, capital allocation, and ultimately, positioning the company for a highly successful exit. This role requires a unique blend of high-level strategic thinking and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and dive into the details. For the right individual, this position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth, wealth creation through a substantial equity stake, and the chance to leave a lasting impact on a thriving organization.
Key Responsibilities of CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Pittsburgh, PA
Strategic Financial Leadership
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, acting as a strategic partner to the CEO and other functional leaders. Develop and execute the company’s long-term financial strategy to support aggressive growth objectives. Lead the creation of sophisticated financial models for long-range planning, new business initiatives, and capital investment decisions. Provide critical financial and operational insights to drive business performance and maximize EBITDA.
PE Sponsor & Board Relations
Act as the primary financial liaison with the private equity sponsor and Board of Directors. Oversee the preparation of comprehensive monthly and quarterly board packages, investor reports, and lender communications. Manage debt covenant compliance and reporting. Effectively communicate financial performance, risks, and opportunities, ensuring complete transparency and building a strong foundation of trust with all stakeholders.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes with a high degree of accuracy. Establish a robust FP&A function that provides insightful analysis of financial results, key performance indicators (KPIs), and business trends. Develop and maintain a detailed 13-week cash flow forecast, a critical tool in the PE environment. Champion a data-driven approach to decision-making across the organization.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Play a lead role in the financial evaluation of potential acquisition targets. Direct all aspects of financial due diligence, including quality of earnings analysis, synergy identification, and risk assessment. Oversee the seamless financial integration of acquired companies, including systems, processes, and personnel, to ensure value realization according to the investment thesis.
Capital Structure & Treasury Management
Manage the company’s capital structure to ensure adequate liquidity for operations and strategic investments. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with lending institutions and other capital providers. Oversee all treasury functions, including cash management, working capital optimization (DSO, DPO, DIO), and foreign exchange risk management.
Accounting, Controllership & Reporting
Oversee all accounting operations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data. Lead a timely and efficient month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close process. Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other statutory requirements. Manage the annual external audit process to ensure a clean and timely opinion.
Operations Finance & Cost Management
Partner closely with the operations team to drive profitability and efficiency. Implement and refine cost accounting methodologies to provide clear visibility into product and customer profitability. Analyze manufacturing variances, operational KPIs, and supply chain costs to identify opportunities for margin improvement.
Risk Management & Internal Controls
Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting. Oversee the company’s risk management program, including business insurance, and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performance finance and accounting team. Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability. Provide strong leadership and guidance, setting clear goals and expectations for the team.
Systems & Process Improvement
Continuously evaluate and improve financial and accounting systems (ERP, BI tools), processes, and infrastructure to scale with the company’s growth. Lead initiatives to leverage technology for automation, improved reporting capabilities, and enhanced business intelligence.
Requirements for the CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Pittsburgh, PA
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years serving as the number one finance executive (CFO, VP of Finance) in a private equity-backed environment. This prior PE experience is a mandatory requirement.
Industry Background
Demonstrable experience within the industrial, manufacturing, or value-added distribution sectors is strongly preferred. The candidate must be comfortable in a plant or shop-floor environment and understand the key operational drivers of the business.
Private Equity Acumen
A proven track record of successfully partnering with PE sponsors and a Board of Directors. Must possess a deep understanding of the PE investment lifecycle, value creation levers, and the urgency and metrics-driven nature of this environment. Experience through at least one successful exit event is highly desirable.
M&A Expertise
Substantial, hands-on experience in leading financial due diligence for multiple acquisitions and successfully managing post-merger integration processes.
Educational & Professional Credentials
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.
Technical Skills
Expert-level proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, and analysis. Strong command of US GAAP. Deep experience with modern ERP systems and implementing business intelligence (BI) tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for enhanced analytics and reporting.
Leadership Profile
A strategic thinker with a bias for action and a hands-on, ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ mentality. Possesses exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Unquestionable integrity, a strong work ethic, and a relentless commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement. Must be resilient, agile, and able to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced, and growth-oriented setting.
Location
The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. This is an in-office leadership role requiring a consistent presence to effectively lead the team and partner with the business.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary & Annual Bonus
A strong base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus tied to individual and company performance metrics.
Substantial Equity Participation
A meaningful equity grant, providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation and direct alignment with the private equity sponsor and the success of the investment.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
A full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a competitive company matching contribution.
Generous Paid Time Off
A generous PTO policy and paid company holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing professional development and executive education.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. If you are a results-driven financial executive with a proven track record of creating value in a private equity environment and you meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit our Private Equity practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you.
