Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Location: Lombard, IL (On-site)
Reports to: President
Chicago-area food service management company is seeking a strategic and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its executive leadership team. Based at our headquarters in the Western Suburbs, this high-impact role is ideal for a dynamic finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, multi-site, service-based environment.
About the Role
The CFO will play a transformational role in defining the future of the organization, driving financial sustainability, scaling operations, strengthening alignment between finance, procurement, IT, and operations, and supporting potential M&A activities. Reporting directly to the President, this individual will also work closely with the President and Board to shape long-term strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Serve as a key advisor to the President on company-wide strategic planning.
- Lead future-oriented forecasting, modeling, and scenario planning.
- Drive M&A strategy and capital investment initiatives.
- Represent finance at the Board level, presenting KPIs and strategic updates.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Oversee budgeting and financial reporting in partnership with operations and business development.
- Provide in-depth financial insights to inform business decisions.
- Improve cash flow forecasting and long-range planning.
Operational Oversight & Compliance
- Lead (and directly support) day-to-day accounting (A/P, A/R, payroll, GL, close process).
- Streamline financial operations for greater efficiency and accuracy.
- Maintain GAAP compliance and internal controls.
Purchasing & Procurement
- Oversee purchasing strategies and align with culinary and vendor partnerships.
- Drive cost control and efficiency across procurement functions.
IT & Digital Infrastructure
- Lead IT strategy and ensure systems support operational excellence.
- Guide digital transformation projects and cybersecurity initiatives.
M&A and Capital Strategy
- Manage all financial elements of M&A, from modeling to integration.
- Identify funding opportunities and allocate resources for growth.
Team Development & Leadership
- Lead and mentor a high-performing finance, IT, and procurement team.
- Promote collaboration across Operations, HR, and Marketing teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA or MBA highly preferred
- 10+ years of senior-level finance leadership in multi-site, service-oriented sectors (food service, hospitality, or retail preferred)
- Track record of success in scaling finance teams and driving business growth
- Experience overseeing procurement, payroll, and IT teams is a strong advantage
- Strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills
- Deep understanding of GAAP, financial controls, M&A, and corporate governance
- Sense of humor, humility, growth mindset, servant leadership approach and commitment to our core values