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