CFO

Chief Financial OfficerAscension Search Partners is engaged by a privately held organization focused on building and scaling energy and electricity-related businesses and strategic growth platforms. The company operates across multiple interconnected business lines and is pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy supported by disciplined capital allocation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.Position SummaryThe Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and play a critical role in shaping the company's growth strategy, capital structure, and financial operations. This individual will be responsible for evaluating, securing, and deploying capital to support ongoing expansion initiatives while ensuring the organization maintains financial flexibility, operational discipline, and strong liquidity management. The CFO will work closely with the CEO/Principal and leadership team to develop financing strategies, assess acquisition opportunities, manage investor and lender relationships, oversee financial operations, and build the infrastructure required to support a rapidly scaling energy business. The successful candidate will be both a strategic thinker and a hands-on operator who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and can effectively navigate complex business challenges with limited oversight.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute capital-raising strategies to support the company's growth objectives.Evaluate a broad range of financing alternatives, including debt, equity, structured financing, strategic partnerships, and other capital sources.Determine the most effective capital structure based on business needs, risk profile, growth plans, and market conditions.Build financial models, investment analyses, and business cases that support financing decisions and strategic initiatives.Cultivate and manage relationships with lenders, investors, financial institutions, and strategic capital partners.Lead financing discussions, due diligence processes, negotiations, and transaction execution activities.Monitor capital availability, financing commitments, covenant compliance, and funding requirements.Develop disciplined capital allocation frameworks that support long-term value creation and growth.Corporate Finance & Strategic LeadershipPartner with executive leadership to develop and execute enterprise-wide financial strategy.Assess strategic business opportunities, investments, partnerships, and expansion initiatives.Support evaluation and execution of mergers, acquisitions, asset purchases, and other growth transactions.Provide financial insights and recommendations to support executive decision-making.Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and capital effectiveness across the organization.Establish financial planning processes that align resource allocation with strategic priorities.Financial Operations & Business InfrastructureOversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial reporting, and performance analysis.Build and enhance financial systems, reporting capabilities, and operational infrastructure that support organizational growth.Establish appropriate controls, governance practices, and risk-management frameworks.Develop financial dashboards, metrics, and performance indicators that provide visibility into business performance.Ensure financial resources are deployed effectively in support of operational and strategic objectives.Continuously assess organizational needs and implement scalable financial processes.Investor, Lender & External Partner ManagementServe as the primary financial representative to investors, lenders, financing partners, and key stakeholders.Prepare and present financial information, business plans, and investment materials to external audiences.Coordinate with legal, tax, accounting, and advisory partners on financing and strategic initiatives.Maintain strong communication and transparency with financial stakeholders throughout transaction and operating cycles.Build long-term relationships that support future capital needs and business growth.Team Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentRecruit, develop, and lead a high-performing finance organization.Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and execution.Support cross-functional leadership teams in achieving financial and operational objectives.Mentor team members and establish processes that enable organizational scalability.Act as a strategic thought partner to leadership across all areas of the business.QualificationsProfessional Experience5+ years of progressive financial leadership experience as a CFO, Finance Executive, Managing Director, Corporate Development Leader, or similar senior finance role.Background, experience, or strong working knowledge of the retail energy market, electricity markets, or broader energy sector.Demonstrated success supporting rapidly scaling energy businesses, high-growth entrepreneurial organizations, or other complex operating environments.Proven experience evaluating, structuring, negotiating, and securing financing solutions to support business growth.Track record of leading complex financial initiatives, strategic transactions, and organizational scaling efforts.Experience working directly with CEOs/Principals, entrepreneurs, executive leadership teams, boards, investors, and lenders.Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within dynamic, fast-paced business environments.Capital Markets & Financial ExpertiseStrong understanding of debt, equity, structured financing, project finance, asset-backed financing, and other capital solutions.Experience evaluating capital alternatives and recommending appropriate financing strategies.Advanced financial modeling, scenario analysis, valuation, forecasting, and capital planning capabilities.Experience managing investor, lender, and financial partner relationships.Ability to connect financing decisions with operational priorities and long-term strategic objectives.Strong understanding of capital allocation, liquidity management, and enterprise risk management.Ability to understand the financial and commercial dynamics of energy and electricity markets, with retail energy market knowledge strongly preferred.Strategic LeadershipAbility to balance long-term strategic thinking with hands-on execution.Strong business judgment and decision-making skills.Experience leading organizations through periods of growth, transformation, or operational expansion.Ability to navigate ambiguity and provide clear direction in evolving business environments.Proven success managing multiple priorities and driving execution across complex initiatives.Personal AttributesEntrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.Highly proactive, resourceful, and solutions oriented.Comfortable building processes, systems, and organizational infrastructure from the ground up.Strong communication and relationship-building skills.Professional maturity and discretion when handling confidential matters.Adaptable, resilient, and energized by challenging environments.Self-directed and capable of producing results with limited oversight.Why This OpportunityThis is a unique opportunity for a finance executive who wants to play a meaningful role in building and scaling a rapidly growing energy business. The position provides broad exposure across capital strategy, business operations, growth initiatives, strategic transactions, and organizational development. Rather than serving solely as a traditional finance leader, the CFO will act as a strategic partner to the CEO/Principal and leadership team, helping shape the company's long-term direction while overseeing the financial infrastructure necessary to support sustainable growth. For executives who thrive in entrepreneurial environments, enjoy solving complex business challenges, and want significant influence over strategy and execution, this role offers substantial visibility, autonomy, and long-term professional growth.