Role Overview for Chief Financial Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded utilities company in Charlotte, North Carolina, in their search for a visionary and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the executive management team. The incoming CFO will be instrumental in shaping the financial future of an organization committed to providing essential services, sustainable growth, and long-term value to its customers, community, and shareholders.
As the CFO, you will assume full responsibility for the company’s financial stewardship, providing robust leadership across all aspects of finance, including accounting, treasury, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), tax, investor relations, and risk management. In the highly regulated and capital-intensive utilities sector, this role demands not only exceptional financial acumen but also a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, rate case management, and complex capital project financing.
You will be a strategic partner to the CEO and the Board of Directors, offering critical insights and guidance on long-range strategic planning, capital allocation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and overall corporate performance. The ideal candidate is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record of success within a public, regulated industry, capable of navigating economic complexities while fostering a culture of financial discipline, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Charlotte, NC
Strategic Financial Leadership & Corporate Strategy
- Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the company’s long-term strategic plan, translating strategic goals into actionable financial plans and operational targets.
- Lead the annual budgeting process, long-range financial forecasting, and capital planning to support infrastructure investments and operational excellence.
- Provide insightful analysis and financial modeling to support key business decisions, including M&A opportunities, divestitures, major capital projects, and new business ventures.
- Serve as a key advisor to the Board of Directors and its committees (Audit, Finance), presenting financial results, forecasts, and strategic financial initiatives.
Financial Operations & Controls
- Oversee all accounting operations, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
- Direct the treasury function, including cash management, debt management, capital structure optimization, and managing relationships with banks and credit rating agencies.
- Ensure the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting to maintain compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and mitigate financial risks.
- Lead the FP&A function to provide value-added business partnership, variance analysis, and performance metrics that drive accountability and operational efficiency across the organization.
- Oversee the corporate tax function, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local tax regulations and optimizing the company’s tax strategy.
Regulatory & Compliance Management
- Lead the financial aspects of regulatory strategy and proceedings, including the preparation and defense of rate cases before state and federal utility commissions.
- Ensure timely and accurate filing of all financial reports and disclosures, including quarterly (10-Q) and annual (10-K) SEC filings.
- Act as a primary financial liaison with regulatory bodies, auditors, and other external stakeholders, fostering transparent and constructive relationships.
- Monitor and interpret new and proposed accounting standards and regulations to determine their potential impact on the company.
Investor Relations & Capital Markets
- Develop and lead a comprehensive investor relations program, effectively communicating the company’s financial performance, strategy, and value proposition to investors, analysts, and the broader financial community.
- Partner with the CEO on investor roadshows, earnings calls, and industry conferences to build and maintain investor confidence.
- Evaluate and execute capital markets transactions, including debt and equity financing, to ensure the company has the necessary capital to fund its strategic objectives at an optimal cost.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of finance and accounting professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Champion the use of technology and data analytics to enhance the finance function’s efficiency, analytical capabilities, and strategic value to the business.
- Promote a strong ethical environment and ensure compliance with all company policies and codes of conduct.
Requirements for the Chief Financial Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Charlotte, NC
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required.
- A Master of Business Administration (MBA) and/or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is strongly preferred.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of Finance, Corporate Controller, Treasurer) within a complex organization.
- Significant experience within a publicly-traded company is mandatory.
- Direct experience in the public utilities, energy, telecommunications, or a similar capital-intensive, regulated industry is highly essential for success in this role.
- Demonstrable experience leading the financial components of regulatory proceedings and rate cases is a significant asset.
- Proven track record of managing relationships with the investment community, rating agencies, and banking partners.
Skills & Competencies
- Deep and authoritative knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX compliance, SEC reporting, and corporate tax.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a talent for analyzing complex financial data and translating it into actionable business strategy.
- Outstanding leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop talent at all levels.
- Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, including the Board of Directors, investors, regulators, and employees.
- Unquestionable integrity, credibility, and a commitment to ethical business practices.
- Strong business acumen and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to build effective relationships across all functions of the organization.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The package includes:
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- Significant annual performance-based bonus potential.
- Long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity components (e.g., RSUs, PSUs).
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Executive-level life and disability insurance.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
- Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education.
- Access to executive wellness programs.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this executive search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to this role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
To be considered, please submit your application through our Finance & Accounting practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and discussing how you can make a significant impact as the next CFO of this industry-leading organization.
