Role Overview for CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Services Group – Nashville, TN
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed portfolio company in the services sector, based in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. This is a pivotal leadership position offering a unique opportunity to serve as a true strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the private equity sponsor. The successful candidate will not only oversee the entirety of the company’s financial operations but will also be instrumental in shaping the company’s future, driving its aggressive growth strategy, and creating significant enterprise value leading to a successful exit.
Our client is a market-leading services organization with a strong reputation and a clear path for expansion, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. The sponsoring private equity firm is a well-respected middle-market fund with a proven track record of partnering with management teams to build exceptional companies. They are seeking a world-class financial executive who can bring a sophisticated, data-driven approach to the finance function while maintaining a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves mentality required in a dynamic, PE-backed environment.
As the CFO, you will be a cornerstone of the executive team, responsible for all aspects of financial strategy, management, and administration. You will be expected to provide insightful financial analysis, robust reporting, and strategic guidance that will inform critical business decisions. This role extends far beyond traditional accounting; it requires a forward-thinking leader who can manage complex M&A integrations, optimize capital structure, and effectively communicate the company’s financial story to the Board of Directors and other key stakeholders. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a seasoned finance professional to make a substantial impact and share in the value created through a significant equity stake.
Key Responsibilities of CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Services Group – Nashville, TN
The CFO will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. Key duties include:
Strategic Financial Leadership & Business Partnership
- Serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on all financial and strategic matters.
- Lead the development and execution of the company’s financial strategy to support long-term growth and value creation objectives.
- Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models for long-range planning, scenario analysis, and strategic decision-making.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to drive performance, accountability, and efficiency across the organization.
- Provide leadership in capital allocation decisions, ensuring investments align with strategic priorities and deliver appropriate returns.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Oversee the annual budgeting process, quarterly forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Lead the FP&A team to provide timely, accurate, and insightful analysis of financial and operational results, including variance analysis and trend identification.
- Develop and enhance management reporting to provide clarity and actionable insights into business performance for department heads and executive leadership.
- Partner with sales, operations, and other departments to build financial models that support new business initiatives, pricing strategies, and operational improvements.
Accounting, Control, and Reporting
- Direct all accounting operations, including billing, A/R, A/P, general ledger, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and revenue recognition.
- Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Manage the relationship with external auditors and oversee the annual financial audit process.
- Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal control environment to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
- Oversee all tax planning and compliance activities, coordinating with external tax advisors.
Treasury & Capital Management
- Manage the company’s liquidity and cash flow, implementing effective cash forecasting and working capital management strategies.
- Oversee relationships with lending institutions and ensure compliance with all debt covenants.
- Develop and execute the company’s capital structure strategy, including managing debt and equity financing as needed to support growth.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Integration
- Play a leading role in the company’s M&A strategy, from target identification through to execution.
- Lead financial due diligence efforts for potential acquisitions, assessing financial risks and opportunities.
- Oversee the financial integration of acquired companies, ensuring a smooth transition of systems, processes, and reporting.
Private Equity & Board Relations
- Prepare and present comprehensive financial reporting packages for the private equity sponsor and the Board of Directors.
- Effectively manage the flow of information and build strong, credible relationships with the investment partners.
- Provide analytical support for board-level discussions and strategic initiatives.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting organization.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development within the finance team.
- Upgrade talent and systems as necessary to support the company’s rapid growth and increasing complexity.
Requirements for the CFO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Services Group – Nashville, TN
The ideal candidate will be a proven financial executive with a track record of success in a fast-paced, private equity-backed environment. Specific qualifications include:
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
- CPA designation and/or an MBA from a top-tier institution is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance).
Crucial
Prior experience serving as the #1 or #2 finance executive in a private equity-backed company is a firm requirement. Candidates must understand the cadence, reporting requirements, and value-creation mindset of a PE environment.
- Demonstrated experience successfully navigating the full PE investment lifecycle, from initial investment and growth phase through a successful exit (sale to strategic, financial sponsor, or IPO) is a significant plus.
- Experience in a services-based industry (e.g., business services, professional services, tech-enabled services, healthcare services) is strongly preferred.
- Proven track record of managing M&A transactions, including due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
Skills & Competencies
- Deep expertise in financial modeling, FP&A, strategic planning, and GAAP accounting.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to recruit, retain, and develop A-player talent.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts to a wide range of audiences, including the CEO, Board, and investors.
- A highly analytical and data-driven mindset, combined with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- High level of integrity, executive presence, and the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels of the organization.
- Experience with ERP system implementation and/or optimization is highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A strong base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual bonus tied to the achievement of individual and company performance goals.
Meaningful Equity Participation
A substantial equity grant (Long-Term Incentive Plan – LTIP) providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation upon a successful exit.
Comprehensive Health 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 match.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A flexible and generous PTO policy to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing learning, executive coaching, and professional development.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical Chief Financial Officer search. We are seeking a transformative leader to join this exceptional company and drive its next phase of growth. If you are a results-oriented finance executive with the required private equity and leadership experience, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. For more information about our expertise in placing top-tier financial executives, please visit the page for our dedicated Financial Officers Practice team.
