Cfo

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a strategic, forward-thinking financial leader working directly alongside the Firm Partner to deliver high-level financial advisory services to priority clients. This is not a traditional internal CFO role; instead, the position focuses on acting as a trusted advisor to complex client businesses while also mentoring and strengthening the internal Finance (Bookkeeping) Team. The CFO will provide advanced financial reporting, help clients interpret financial data, and guide them in making informed decisions that drive profitability, scalability, and long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Firm Partner to support priority clients with complex and challenging businesses, delivering high-level financial leadership and strategic guidance.
• Act as a strategic financial advisor to client organizations, helping business owners and leadership interpret financial data and make informed, data-driven business decisions.
• Develop and oversee advanced financial reporting, including cash flow projections and forecasting, budgeting, and financial modeling tailored to client needs.
• Create and manage profitability and KPI dashboards, as well as comprehensive management reporting, to provide clear visibility into financial performance.
• Identify financial risks, operational inefficiencies, and opportunities for growth within client businesses, and recommend practical solutions and improvements.
• Present financial insights clearly and confidently to business owners and leadership, advising on financial strategy, scalability planning, and process improvements.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance Manager (Bookkeeping Manager) to review financial projects for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with client objectives.
• Ensure all financial reports are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable accounting standards and GAAP requirements.
• Oversee complex accounting treatments and ensure proper coding of transactions to maintain the integrity of financial records.
• Review month-end and year-end closing processes for priority clients, ensuring that reconciliations, adjustments, and financial statements are prepared correctly.
• Implement internal controls and quality assurance procedures to enhance accuracy, reliability, and consistency in financial reporting and bookkeeping.
• Train and mentor the Finance (Bookkeeping) Team in accurate bookkeeping practices, proper transaction coding, financial statement preparation, and timely project completion.
• Develop standardized processes and best practices for bookkeeping engagements to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality across client accounts.
• Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and performance support to Finance Team members, fostering their professional growth and skill development.
• Promote and sustain a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the Finance (Bookkeeping) Team.
• Work closely with firm leadership to enhance team efficiency, streamline workflows, and elevate the overall quality of client service delivery.

Essential Skills

• Extensive experience in financial reporting, including preparation, review, and presentation of complex financial statements and management reports.
• Strong financial planning skills, with the ability to develop budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Proficiency in budgeting and financial modeling, including scenario analysis and profitability modeling to support strategic decision-making.
• Advanced skills in data analysis, with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Expertise in risk management, including identifying financial and operational risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Deep experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), including KPI development, performance monitoring, and variance analysis.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience, ideally in roles involving both client advisory and team management.
• Strong background in cash flow management, including forecasting, monitoring, and optimizing liquidity for business operations.
• Proven experience with complex financial reporting and accounting treatments in a public accounting environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop accounting and finance teams, including mentoring and performance management.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards, with the ability to ensure compliance across diverse client engagements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CPA designation preferred, reflecting a strong technical foundation in accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience working with small to mid-sized businesses in a public accounting environment, with exposure to varied industries and business models.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with firm leadership and internal teams to enhance processes, efficiency, and client service.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner to non-financial stakeholders.
• Commitment to developing standardized processes and best practices for bookkeeping and financial engagements.
• Track record of fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within finance teams.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite, providing close collaboration with the Firm Partner, leadership, and the Finance (Bookkeeping) Team. The environment emphasizes high-touch client advisory work, rigorous financial analysis, and detailed reporting. The onsite setting supports regular face-to-face interaction, hands-on mentoring, and real-time collaboration on complex client engagements.

This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $125000.00/yr.

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.