Interim CFO

Alvarez & Marsal - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Senior

Chicago, IL

5,001-10,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Alvarez & Marsal, a leading independent global professional services firm, is seeking to expand its Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI) - CFO Services team across various locations in the U.S. The firm specializes in turnaround management, performance improvement, and corporate advisory services, with a strong operational heritage and hands-on approach. With over 5,500 professionals in 40 locations worldwide, A&M excels in problem-solving and value creation, working closely with organizations and stakeholders to tackle complex business issues and maximize value. The PEPI practice focuses on serving middle market and large cap private equity firms, helping to improve operating results at their portfolio companies. The interim CFO will play a crucial role in supporting private equity clientele nationally, taking on interim management roles such as CFO, Controller, or Treasurer to lead clients through challenging times. The ideal candidate for the PEPI Interim CFO position will possess a CPA and/or MBA, along with significant experience as a financial executive in the Manufacturing, Industrial, or Consumer Packaged Goods industries. A proven track record as a CFO for private equity-owned businesses with revenues ranging from $100 million to $1 billion is required. Candidates should have deep experience in these sectors and prior consulting experience, particularly in leading organizations through time-sensitive projects such as restructuring, carve-outs, or acquisitions. The role also involves improving the performance of finance organizations by upgrading staff skills, redesigning processes, or implementing new systems like NetSuite and MS Dynamics. Additionally, the interim CFO will be responsible for building budgets, EBITDA forecasts, and cash forecasts to support executive management decision-making, with experience in management reporting dashboards being a plus. International treasury and currency hedging experience is also advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support private equity clientele on a national basis as an interim CFO.
• Lead clients through challenging times in interim management roles such as CFO, Controller, or Treasurer.
• Manage time-sensitive projects including restructuring, carve-outs, or acquisitions.
• Improve the performance of finance organizations by upgrading staff skills and redesigning processes.
• Implement new systems such as NetSuite and MS Dynamics.
• Build budgets, EBITDA forecasts, and cash forecasts to guide executive management decision-making.
• Develop management reporting dashboards to enhance performance tracking.
• Provide international treasury and currency hedging support as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Ten or more years of previous related financial management roles, performance improvement operations consulting, accounting diligence, or restructuring experience.
• Established track record as a CFO for PE-owned businesses with revenues in the $100 million to $1 billion range.
• Deep experience in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Consumer Packaged Goods businesses.
• Prior experience working with private equity backed companies.
• Prior consulting experience in leading organizations through time-sensitive projects.
• Proven experience in building budgets, EBITDA forecasts, and cash forecasts.
• Strong written, oral, and analytical skills.
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Structured project management skills.

Nice-to-haves

• MBA or other advanced degree or certification (e.g., CPA, CFA).
• Existing private equity relationships (personal or professional).
• Experience with management reporting dashboards.
• International treasury and currency hedging experience.