Role Overview for CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Retail Co. – Bentonville, AR
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed retail company headquartered in the vibrant business hub of Bentonville, AR. This is a career-defining opportunity to partner with a dynamic CEO and a top-tier private equity sponsor to drive significant value creation, operational excellence, and strategic growth. Our client is a multi-channel retailer poised for its next phase of expansion through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. The PE sponsor has a clear investment thesis centered on scaling the business, enhancing profitability, and preparing for a successful exit within a 3-5 year timeframe.
As the CFO, you will be a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, serving as a true strategic partner to the CEO and a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors and private equity partners. You will have full ownership of the company’s financial strategy and operations, including accounting, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), treasury, tax, risk management, and investor relations. This is not a back-office accounting role; it is a forward-looking, operationally-focused position that demands a leader who can translate complex financial data into actionable business insights. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leader with a proven track record of success within a leveraged, PE-backed environment. You will be instrumental in building a scalable financial infrastructure, driving data-driven decision-making across the organization, and executing the company’s ambitious growth and M&A strategy.
Key Responsibilities of CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Retail Co. – Bentonville, AR
Strategic Financial Leadership & Partnership
- Act as a strategic co-pilot to the CEO and the executive team, providing critical financial and operational guidance on all business matters.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term goals and the PE sponsor’s value creation plan.
- Lead capital allocation strategy, including investment analysis, debt management, and working capital optimization to fuel growth and maximize returns.
- Provide insightful leadership on key business decisions, including pricing strategies, new market entry, product line profitability, and major capital expenditures. This role requires a leader who can provide true strategic financial leadership, moving beyond traditional accounting to become a co-pilot to the CEO.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Reporting
- Oversee the entire FP&A function, driving the annual budgeting process, monthly and quarterly forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
- Develop and enhance sophisticated financial models to support strategic planning, scenario analysis, and M&A activities.
- Establish and manage a robust set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to monitor business performance and provide early warning signals.
- Deliver timely, accurate, and insightful financial and operational reporting packages for the executive team, Board of Directors, and PE sponsor.
Private Equity & Board Management
- Serve as the primary financial liaison with the private equity sponsor, managing all reporting requirements, covenant compliance, and investor communications.
- Prepare and present comprehensive board materials, clearly articulating financial performance, key business drivers, risks, and opportunities.
- Lead the financial due diligence process for all M&A activities, from initial target assessment and valuation to post-acquisition integration.
- Play a key role in developing the exit strategy, whether through a strategic sale, secondary buyout, or IPO, and manage the financial aspects of the process.
Operational Excellence & Control Environment
- Lead and scale the entire accounting and finance organization, ensuring the team, systems, and processes can support rapid growth.
- Oversee the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with US GAAP.
- Manage treasury functions, including cash flow forecasting, banking relationships, and debt facilities.
- Strengthen the internal control environment to mitigate risk and ensure the integrity of financial data.
- Evaluate, select, and lead the implementation of new financial systems (ERP, BI tools) to enhance efficiency and reporting capabilities.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a best-in-class finance and accounting team.
- Foster a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration within the finance function and across the organization.
- Provide strong leadership and guidance to direct reports, including the Controller and FP&A Manager, setting clear goals and expectations.
Requirements for the CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Retail Co. – Bentonville, AR
Required Experience & Qualifications
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a CFO or #1 finance seat (e.g., VP of Finance).
Crucial
Demonstrable experience as a senior financial executive within a private equity-backed company is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates must understand the cadence, reporting demands, and value-creation mindset of a PE environment.
- Significant experience in the retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a related consumer-facing industry is strongly preferred.
- Proven track record of managing the full lifecycle of M&A, including buy-side due diligence, deal execution, and post-merger integration.
- Experience leading a company through a successful exit (sale or IPO) is highly desirable.
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required.
- An MBA from a top-tier institution and/or a CPA designation is highly preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven, analytical mindset.
- Strong operational orientation with a demonstrated ability to improve processes, implement systems, and drive efficiency.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts to a wide range of audiences, including boards and investors.
- Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, business intelligence tools, and ERP systems.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a history of attracting and developing top talent.
- High level of integrity, executive presence, and the ability to act as a credible and influential business partner.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation package designed to attract and retain a top-caliber executive. This includes:
- A competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- A significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A substantial equity stake in the company, providing a meaningful opportunity for wealth creation upon a successful exit.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
- Relocation assistance for the right candidate to move to the Bentonville, AR area.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
- A professional development budget to support continued learning and growth.
- The opportunity to make a significant impact on a rapidly growing company alongside a talented team and a world-class private equity firm.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this critical search. If you are a results-oriented, PE-savvy financial leader who is ready to take on the challenge of scaling a dynamic retail business, we want to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a promising company and achieve significant personal and financial rewards.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer.
