Chief Financial Officer (Cfo)

_\*\*This is an external placement through 10th St. Talent recruiting agency. CES is not a portfolio company of Permanent Equity.
_

Role: Chief Financial Officer
Company: CES Family of Companies
Location: Chicago, IL
Comp: $200-$250 base + bonus + equity

The Company:
Since its foundation in 2000, CES Family of Companies has established itself as a leading supplier in the food industry, particularly in equipment, supplies, and service throughout the Upper Midwest. With a strong commitment to delivering best-in-class experiences for customers and communities, CES has continuously expanded its offerings and geographic footprint. In 2018, CES embarked on a significant growth journey by partnering with Cooper Management, LLC, leveraging the partnership to enhance its service offerings and operational capabilities. Over the last two years, 7 companies have been added to the CES family. This collaboration aligns with Cooper Management's mission as a family office dedicated to providing permanent capital for building businesses alongside top-tier management teams, emphasizing growth and community building across various industries for over forty years.
Together, the CES Family of Companies represents a powerful network of businesses united by a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, CES is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the food industry and beyond, building lasting relationships and driving sustainable growth.

Position Description:
CES is looking for a Chief Financial Officer to lead finance and accounting for their growing, Private Equity backed business. The business is currently $65M and looking to be $100-$150M in 3 years (via organic and acquisitive growth). The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, self-starter capable of being the strategic business partner to the CEO, Operations, and Sales teams. They must have a proven track record of financial leadership, financial operations, and process improvement. Experience working for a private equity backed platform and/or experience with M&A is essential.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Analyze financials and assess M&A opportunities, develop portfolio analysis, and create future financial projections.
• Evaluate the financial potential of new ventures and projects.
• Ensure monthly financial records accurately reflect the company's performance.
• Manage monthly financial reporting, comparing actuals to forecasts and previous periods.
• Prepare for board meetings and communicate with shareholders.
• Implement inventory checks, including cycle counts and monthly physical inventories.
• Dive into company data to identify cost and revenue trends affecting the business.
• Work with Sales, Operations, and Procurement to review financial impacts and trends.
• Lead the finance and admin team in managing receivables, payables, and other financial tasks.
• Manage the financial integration of new acquisitions into our ERP system, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Provide financial analysis support across various departments for special projects.
• Keep track of fixed assets and evaluate capital expenditure requests.
• Serve as the main point of contact for lenders and oversee quarterly financial reporting.
• Initially take on month-end closing duties, aiming to hire a controller within six months.
• Maintain relationships with leadership of acquired companies post-purchase.
• Participate in due diligence, collaborating with external partners for quality of earnings assessments.
• Handle additional responsibilities as needed.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities:

• Ability to simultaneously lead and manage multiple projects
• Manage accounting and admin functions related to the business
• Currently one direct report with a mandate to build a team

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related area
• High computer proficiency; specifically, with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, worksheet functionality and use of graphs and charts
• Strong presentation skills
• Experience and knowledge of an ERP system
• Experience with Private Equity owned companies
• Strong business acumen with continuous improvement mindset
• Strong accounting and analytical skills needed to verify the integrity of data being used
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Internal Controls and GAAP
• Strong organizational skills; detail-oriented with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness
• Able to work independently and in a team environment
• Effectively communicate with all levels of the team; excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Warehousing and distribution experience a plus
• M&A exposure and experience conducting financial analysis, planning, and modeling
• Experience engaging with private equity ownership preferred
• Comfort with a dynamic, changing, high growth environment

Competencies:

• Highly Detail-Oriented: Must have a passion for accuracy, doing things right and following policies
• Problem-Solving: Able to identify problems and use logic, judgment, and data to evaluate alternatives and recommend solutions to achieve the desired results.
• Highly Collaborative: Must support all areas of the business and work closely with all stakeholders and departments.
• Communication: Able to use a broad range of communication styles, chooses the appropriate style, and effectively communicates to an audience.
• Analysis and Presentation of Data: Able to synthesize financial data into meaningful information; translate analysis and results into actionable recommendations that support decision making.
• Accounting and Management Reporting Knowledge: Ensures accuracy and processing efficiency; reviews information for accuracy, timeliness, and completeness
• Strategic Thinking: Understands the connections and relationships between one’s work and how it impacts others; proactively considers possible future challenges and opportunities in making plans and decisions

$200-$250 base + bonus + equity
Joining CES means becoming part of a forward-thinking, growth-oriented team. You'll contribute to our dynamic expansion while working in a supportive, collaborative environment. We value innovation, efficiency, and transparency, offering ample opportunities for professional development and impact in our sector. Plus, you'll help shape the future of a company on a clear upward trajectory, making real differences in our operations and strategic direction.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Work Location: In person