Chief Financial Officer

CAGE Engineering•Lisle, IL

3d•$140,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a defining leadership role at CAGE Engineering, offering the opportunity to step into a growing organization and directly shape its financial future. This is a role for a strategic, hands-on leader who wants more than oversight, someone who wants to influence direction, drive growth decisions, and help scale a multidisciplinary engineering business at an important stage of expansion. As a member of the executive team, the CFO will partner closely with senior leaders to turn financial insight into action, strengthen decision-making, and support strategic growth across engineering, surveying, construction management, and business development. This role focuses on building financial clarity, improving performance, and supporting disciplined growth as the organization expands both organically and through strategic acquisitions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a CFO, VP of Finance, or Controller role.
Demonstrated experience in professional services, engineering, architecture, or construction management environments.
Strong knowledge of project-based accounting, revenue recognition (ASC 606), WIP reporting, and utilization metrics.
Understanding of U.S. GAAP and ability to ensure compliance across all financial reporting and accounting processes.
Proven experience managing finance teams, budgets, and organizational financial health.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to office and project sites as needed.

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA strongly preferred
Proficiency with Deltek (Vantagepoint, Vision, or Ajera) as a core financial and project accounting platform
Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, including financial due diligence, valuation, and post-close integration
Familiarity with land development, civil engineering, surveying, or construction management project structures
Experience with multi-entity or multi-office financial consolidation

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the company's financial strategy to drive sustainable growth and long-term organizational success.
Provide strategic financial guidance to the executive leadership team to support business expansion and decision-making.
Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting, and capital management initiatives.
Analyze market trends, operational performance, and growth opportunities to position the firm for continued expansion.
Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
Manage annual budgets, cash flow forecasting, and financial performance metrics to support the firm's growth objectives.
Manage external audit and tax preparation processes, serving as primary liaison with outside CPA firms.
Utilize Deltek (Vantagepoint or Vision) to support financial reporting, project management, and operational efficiency.
Partner with Project Managers and the Controller to monitor project budgets, contract values, labor costs, revenue recognition, and profitability.
Review and advise on contract terms, fee structures, and risk exposure across land development, survey, and construction management engagements.
Collaborate with the Controller on WIP (work-in-progress) reporting to inform cash flow and profitability analysis.
Support project managers with financial insights and cost-control strategies.
Manage banking relationships, lines of credit, cash management, and bonding capacity to ensure adequate liquidity and position the firm for growth opportunities.
Oversee corporate insurance programs including general liability, professional liability (E&O), workers' compensation, and other coverage to ensure appropriate protection as the firm grows.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local tax regulations, labor laws, and industry-specific financial requirements, including coordination of audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
Develop and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and risk management procedures to safeguard firm assets and support scalable growth.
Oversee corporate risk management in coordination with operations leadership.
Mentor and develop the Controller to expand leadership capabilities and support long-term professional growth within the organization.
Partner with the Controller to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the finance and accounting function.
Collaborate with department leaders firm-wide to improve financial awareness and operational efficiency.
Partner with leadership to evaluate and support potential growth opportunities, including financial analysis, valuation, and deal planning.
Support the financial side of complex business initiatives including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, new market or location expansions, and firm integrations.
Support technology and ERP system improvements for financial and project management reporting.
Participate in business development initiatives and strategic planning efforts.
Collaborate with internal departments to support integrated project delivery and firm-wide decision-making.
Serve as the financial voice in meetings with banking partners, clients, and executive stakeholders.
Communicate financial performance, risks, and solutions effectively at all levels of the organization.