Chief Financial Officer

Executive Search Brief Chief Financial Officer Reports to: CEO & Executive Director Direct Reports: Controller, Accounts Specialist Organization Overview Lafayette Industries is a mission-driven organization committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization operates within a complex financial ecosystem that includes government and private grants, service contracts, and a sizable earned-revenue business. Sustained mission impact depends on strong financial stewardship, disciplined operational management, and thoughtful long-term planning. Financial leadership at Lafayette Industries is both strategic and deeply operational. The organization’s financial model requires balancing mission priorities with business realities, compliance requirements, and risk management across multiple funding streams. Contract Packaging & Light Manufacturing Operations Approximately 50% of Lafayette Industries’ revenue is generated through a contract packaging and light manufacturing business that serves external customers. This operation functions in a manufacturing-like environment characterized by: Variable production volumes and customer demand Customer-specific pricing models and contractual terms Tight margins and sensitivity to labor and material costs Inventory management and working capital demands Labor-intensive workflows aligned with mission-based employment goals Financial leadership for this business requires a high level of integration between finance and operations. The CFO must ensure accurate cost accounting, disciplined pricing and margin analysis, informed capacity planning, and cash‑flow stability, while supporting a workforce model that prioritizes mission employment outcomes. Role Overview The CFO is a key member of the executive leadership team and serves as the organization’s senior financial strategist. The CFO is responsible for ensuring long‑term financial sustainability, providing strategic counsel to the CEO and Board of Directors, and overseeing all financial operations, compliance, and controls, capital budget development oversight and management. Procurement oversight focused on recurring contracts and supply chain continuity. Overseeing accounts receivable and ensuring timely collection of contract, grant, and fee‑for‑service billings. This role blends executive‑level strategic leadership with hands‑on operational oversight. The CFO must be equally comfortable advising the Board on long‑range financial strategy and engaging directly with day‑to‑day financial and operational realities—particularly within the contract packaging business. Strategic Impact & Priorities The CFO is expected to: Serve as a trusted strategic partner to the CEO and Board, particularly the Finance Committee. Lead long‑range financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling to support sustainability, growth, and risk mitigation. Ensure financial decision‑making is fully aligned with mission priorities and operational realities. Strengthen financial infrastructure, internal controls, and reporting practices to support organizational resilience and transparency. Contract Packaging & Earned Revenue Leadership Oversee financial strategy for a labor‑intensive, earned‑revenue business with fluctuating volumes and narrow margins. Develop and refine cost‑accounting methodologies to accurately allocate labor, overhead, and materials. Partner closely with operations leadership to evaluate pricing, profitability, capacity utilization, and contract performance. Monitor and analyze key operational performance indicators such as cost per unit, labor efficiency, contribution margin, and inventory turnover. Translate operational and financial data into actionable insights that inform strategic and operational decisions. Core Responsibilities Financial Strategy & Leadership Develop and oversee multi‑year financial forecasts, annual budgets, and financial models. Advise executive leadership and the Board on the financial implications of strategic initiatives, operational changes, and growth opportunities. Evaluate cost structures, production efficiency, and resource allocation to optimize financial performance across programs and business lines. Financial Operations & Oversight Oversee all accounting and finance functions, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and grant accounting. Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Manage cash flow, liquidity, banking relationships, and treasury activities, with particular attention to working capital needs tied to production, inventory, and grant cycles. Governance, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS regulations, grant requirements, and internal financial policies. Lead the annual external audit and manage auditor relationships. Oversee regulatory filings, tax submissions, and financial risk management processes. Maintain and continuously improve internal controls and financial governance practices. The CFO plays a critical role in balancing mission impact with the operational and financial risks inherent in the contract packaging business, including: Revenue concentration and customer dependency Margin pressure caused by labor variability and input costs Working capital demands linked to inventory levels and customer payment terms Compliance considerations when integrating earned‑revenue operations within a nonprofit structure This role requires disciplined financial judgment and the ability to guide leadership through complex trade‑offs that affect both mission delivery and financial sustainability. Cross-Functional Partnership The CFO will work collaboratively across the organization to: Partner with program and development leaders on grant budgeting, financial reporting, and funder compliance. Collaborate closely with operations leadership to align production planning, staffing models, and financial forecasts. Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for non‑financial leaders. Support organizational leaders in using financial data to drive informed, mission‑aligned decision‑making. People & Team Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering technical excellence and professional growth. Establish a culture of accountability, transparency, service, and continuous improvement within the finance function. Serve as a visible, trusted leader across the organization. Ideal Candidate Profile Experience & Background Minimum of 10+ years of financial management experience. At least 5 years in a nonprofit or mission‑aligned organization, or a comparable sector with complex compliance requirements. Demonstrated experience working with: Boards of Directors and Finance/Audit Committees External auditors and regulatory agencies Grant‑ and contract‑based funding environments Experience overseeing or partnering with earned‑revenue, manufacturing, or operationally complex business units (e.g., contract packaging, production, logistics, or fee‑for‑service models) strongly preferred. Education & Credentials Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master’s degree strongly preferred. CPA strongly desired but not required. Leadership Competencies Strategic and analytical thinker with strong financial judgment. Proven ability to balance big‑picture strategy with operational detail. Clear, confident communicator who can translate financial complexity into actionable guidance. Mission‑aligned leader who values collaboration, integrity, and accountability. Why This Role Is Compelling High‑impact executive role with direct Board visibility and influence. Opportunity to shape long‑term sustainability in a mission‑driven organization with a significant earned‑revenue operation. Unique blend of nonprofit finance, operational leadership, and strategic influence. Trusted advisor role to the CEO during a critical period of organizational planning and growth. Please submit a resume to View email address on click.appcast.io . #J-18808-Ljbffr ROME GROUP