Chief Financial Officer; CFO

Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Meriden Office - Meriden, CT 06450 Description Qualifications

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Position Summary

The CFO is a strategic partner to the President and Executive Leadership Team, driving financial performance, operational excellence, and a culture of collaboration and accountability. This role leads financial strategy, risk management, and business growth while empowering teams and fostering long-term sustainability in a 100% employee-owned organization.

Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and a sustainable employee ownership company
• Lead strategic planning processes and coordinate cross-functional business planning initiatives
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making
• Oversee capital allocation, investment strategies, and merger & acquisition activities
• Lead ESOP Repurchase Obligation strategies and provide recommendations to maintain a long-term sustainable ESOP.

Financial Operations & Controls

• Oversee financial operations strategy while delegating day-to-day accounting to the Controller
• Set financial policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks
• Direct cash management, cash flow optimization, and capital structure decisions
• Lead annual audit processes and maintain relationships with external auditors
• Review and approve financial statements and regulatory filings prepared by Controller

Business Partnership & Analysis

• Serve as primary financial business partner to President and Discipline leaders
• Focus on strategic financial analysis rather than transactional accounting activities
• Conduct financial analysis of operational initiatives and growth opportunities
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators and business metrics
• Lead cost optimization initiatives and operational efficiency programs
• Drive pricing strategy and profitability analysis for and across Disciplines

Stakeholder Relations

• Manage relationships with banks, financial institutions, 3rdparty partners, and board members
• Oversee external financial reporting and investment communications
• Lead due diligence processes for potential partnerships and acquisitions
• Represent the company in financial and business community forums

Technology & Systems

• Oversee IT infrastructure, hardware and software strategies and implementations
• Oversee financial systems, ERP implementations, and digital transformation initiatives
• Drive data analytics capabilities and business intelligence platforms (e.g., AI)
• Ensure cybersecurity and data governance standards for financial systems
• Lead automation and process improvement initiatives

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead high-performing finance and operations teams
• Provide mentorship and professional development for direct reports and accounting and finance staff
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
• Collaborae effectively across all organizational levels and departments

Direct Reports

• Controller (manages day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance)
• Director of Information Technology (manages IT infrastructure, hardware and software)
• Facilities Manager
• Typically manages 2-4 direct reports across finance and IT functions, with the Controller serving as the primary operational finance leader, Director of IT serving as the operationalization of the IT strategy and the Facilities Manager executing on office infrastructure and auto assets.

Required Qualifications Education

• MBA in Finance, Accounting, or related field required
• CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
• 8+ years in senior finance roles (CFO, Deputy CFO, or Finance Director)
• Experience managing Controllers and building finance team hierarchies and IT strategy and infrastructure
• Proven track record in strategic planning and business transformation
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or significant growth initiatives preferred
• Background in business partnering and cross-functional leadership

Technical Skills

• Knowledge and experience with ESOP and Valuations
• Expert knowledge of GAAP,…