Chief Financial Officer

About the role

CFO Recruit is partnering with a client in central California to appoint a CFO, the role is on site. We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead the financial strategy and operations of a privately owned logistics company. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can balance strategic financial planning with the operational realities of a fast-moving, asset-intensive industry. As a key member of the executive team, the CFO will partner closely with the owner/CEO to drive profitable growth, strengthen financial controls, and position the company for long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy in alignment with business goals and growth plans.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and ownership on financial matters, M&A opportunities, and capital allocation.
• Lead annual budgeting, long-range financial planning, and rolling forecasts.
• Oversee all accounting operations, including AP/AR, payroll, general ledger, and month-end close.
• Ensure timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity across fleet, fuel, and operational expenses.
• Oversee banking relationships, credit facilities, and debt management.
• Optimize capital structure to support fleet expansion, equipment purchases, and facility investments.
• Partner with operations leadership on cost management, rate analysis and route profitability.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards tracking cost-per-mile, load margins, utilization rates, and driver/labor costs.
• Support pricing strategy and contract negotiations with major customers and carriers.
• Maintain strong internal controls and risk management practices, including insurance and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with tax, labor, and industry-specific regulatory requirements.
• Manage insurance programs.
• Build, mentor, and lead the finance and accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including 5+ years in a senior finance role (CFO, VP Finance, or Controller).
• Experience in logistics, trucking, freight, supply chain, or a related asset-heavy industry strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of GAAP, financial modeling, and cash flow management.
• Experience working directly with private company ownership/founders.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with ERP and accounting systems.