Role Overview for CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is proud to partner with a leading middle-market private equity firm in their search for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for one of their key portfolio companies. This industrial manufacturing company, based in the greater Cleveland, OH area, is a market leader in its niche and is poised for significant, aggressive growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. This is a rare opportunity for a transformational finance leader to step into a pivotal role, acting as a true strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the private equity sponsors to drive substantial value creation and guide the company toward a successful exit.
The incoming CFO will be more than a traditional finance leader; they will be a cornerstone of the executive team, responsible for shaping the company’s future. The role demands a hands-on, operationally-focused executive who can seamlessly transition between high-level strategy and detailed execution. You will be instrumental in professionalizing the finance and accounting functions, implementing robust systems and processes, and providing the critical financial insights needed to make informed business decisions. The modern PE-backed CFO is no longer just a steward of the books but a strategic value creation partner, and this role fully embodies that evolution. You will be expected to challenge the status quo, identify opportunities for operational improvement, lead M&A activities from diligence to integration, and manage key relationships with investors, lenders, and the Board of Directors. This position offers a significant equity stake, directly aligning your success with the company’s growth and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities of CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Strategic Leadership & Executive Partnership
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing financial leadership, strategic guidance, and data-driven insights to the CEO and Board of Directors.
- Partner with the PE sponsors to develop and execute the company’s strategic plan, including setting financial goals, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and modeling long-range growth scenarios.
- Act as the primary financial liaison with the private equity firm, delivering timely and accurate reporting, sophisticated analysis, and clear presentations on financial performance and strategic initiatives.
- Contribute to all aspects of the business, offering financial perspective on operations, sales, marketing, and capital investment decisions.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Lead the annual budgeting and long-term strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment with the company’s growth objectives.
- Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario planning.
- Establish and manage a robust FP&A function that provides actionable insights into business drivers, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
- Prepare a comprehensive monthly reporting package for management and the Board, highlighting financial results, key metrics, and insightful commentary.
Operations Finance & Cost Accounting
- Oversee all aspects of cost accounting within a complex manufacturing environment, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
- Partner with the operations team to identify and drive cost reduction initiatives, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and enhance gross margins.
- Analyze product line profitability, customer profitability, and pricing strategies to optimize financial performance.
- Provide financial oversight for capital expenditure requests, ensuring rigorous analysis and a strong return on investment.
Accounting, Reporting & Controls
- Direct and manage all accounting operations, including the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in accordance with US GAAP.
- Develop, implement, and maintain a strong internal control environment to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and manage the annual audit process to a successful and timely completion.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax regulations and reporting requirements.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Integration
- Play a leading role in the company’s M&A strategy, from identifying potential targets to conducting financial due diligence and valuation modeling.
- Lead the financial integration of acquired companies, including the harmonization of accounting policies, systems, and reporting processes.
- Work closely with the CEO and PE sponsors to structure deals and negotiate terms with target companies.
Treasury & Capital Management
- Manage the company’s liquidity and cash flow, developing accurate cash forecasting models and optimizing working capital.
- Oversee all banking relationships, debt facilities, and covenant compliance, ensuring the company maintains a strong and flexible capital structure.
- Manage risk, including interest rate, foreign exchange, and credit risks, and oversee the company’s insurance programs.
Requirements for the CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Industrial Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field is required.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a CFO or VP of Finance role.
- Demonstrable and recent experience within a manufacturing organization is mandatory. Deep understanding of cost accounting principles is critical.
- Prior experience serving as the senior finance executive in a private equity-backed company is essential. You must understand the cadence, reporting requirements, and value creation mindset of a PE environment.
- Proven experience leading the financial aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence, modeling, and post-acquisition integration.
- Strong technical accounting skills with a thorough knowledge of US GAAP.
- CPA certification or an MBA is highly preferred.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- A dynamic and proactive leader with a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ mentality and a strong sense of urgency.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business strategy.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the executive presence to be credible with the CEO, Board of Directors, and private equity partners.
- Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance and accounting team.
- Experience with ERP system selection and implementation is a significant plus.
- A track record of successfully partnering with operations to drive profitability and efficiency improvements.
- Experience through a full PE investment lifecycle, including a successful exit event, would be a distinct advantage.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent. The compensation package for this critical role is designed to be highly competitive and rewarding, reflecting the significance of the position.
- Highly competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- Substantial equity participation (Long-Term Incentive Plan) offering significant wealth creation potential tied to the company’s success.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays.
- Relocation assistance is available for an exceptional candidate.
- An opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a results-oriented finance executive with a passion for driving growth in a PE-backed manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information on our expertise in placing top-tier executives, please visit the homepage for our Private Equity executive search practice. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
