Chief Operations and Financial Officer (COFO)

CNG Engineering.•San Antonio, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Operations and Financial Officer (COFO) provides strategic and hands-on executive leadership across all operational and financial functions of the firm to drive operational discipline and efficiency within a fast-paced, project-centric environment. The COFO oversees accounting, human resources, marketing, business development and critical infrastructure systems and is accountable for ensuring the analysis and dissemination of financial reports, forecasts and key performance metrics to executive leadership. The COFO also participates in annual budgeting and long-range financial planning efforts while monitoring performance against targets and recommending corrective actions as needed. The person in this role establishes and enforces internal controls, risk management and compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. The COFO oversees operational improvement initiatives, evaluates business systems and workflows, partners with leadership to scale operations efficiently as the firm grows and promotes a company culture that encourages top performance and high morale. Serving as a key advisor to the CEO, Principals and Project Managers, the COFO supports informed decision-making across the organization. This position ensures all business processes and financial strategies align with sustainable growth, competitive pricing and the timely delivery of profitable, high-quality engineering design services. The COFO brings strong financial acumen, a proven ability to optimize systems and processes and a collaborative leadership style.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or a related field
Master’s degree in business operations or 15+ years progressive operations experience and/or organizational leadership.
5+ years demonstrated experience in a senior leadership or executive role for growth-oriented organization.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate with project teams and clients.
Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
Industry experience related to consulting with engineering design, construction management or another project based professional services firm.
Valid Texas Driver’s License with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and background check is required.

Responsibilities

Partners with the CEO and Principals to shape financial strategy, annual planning and long-term growth objectives and translates business strategy into actionable operational plans across all departments.
Evaluates business opportunities, including service-line expansion, geographic growth, joint venture partnerships and selective acquisitions.
Manages finance team to ensure timely billing, clear work-in-progress tracking, accurate project costing, vendor payment, G/L management, payroll review and month-end close.
Responsible for production of accurate and timely monthly/quarterly financial statements by Finance Team in compliance with GAAP.
Assists with development of financial dashboards and reports tailored for: CEO, Principals, Project Managers and Department Leads.
Monitors critical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the firm including: net revenue, labor utilization rate, net labor multiplier, work in progress and accounts receivable aging, backlog health, overhead rate and indirect labor, and project gross margin.
Provides strategic insight into firm-wide financial health and department-level performance.
Participates in and offers recommendations to maintain robust cash flow forecasting and ensures liquidity for operations, staffing and technology investments.
Partners with Project Accounting Specialist and Project Managers to develop realistic budgets and fee structures, track labor hours and expenses, implement scope management, improve project forecasting accuracy, maintain timely delivery dates for deliverables and reduce project overruns.
Collaborates with business development to develop competitive, client-focused proposals.
Leads regular operational meetings on project status, risk management and resource allocation.
Collaborates with Human Resources on talent acquisition, talent development, performance management, skills mapping, employee relations and training needs.
Leads development and refinement of standard operating procedures and automations to improve major workflows, streamline processes, advance internal communications and align document organization.
Reviews client and vendor agreements for acceptable fee terms, payment provisions, retainage, indemnity, limitation of liability and subcontractor flow-downs.
Ensures and maintains adequate insurance coverage including: professional liability, cyber and general liability.
Oversees timely filing and management of corporate filings, registrations, certifications and documentation relevant to operations.
Administers and optimizes Deltek VantagePoint to improve financial and operations process efficiency and ensure data integrity.
Fosters a culture of service, technical excellence, accountability, responsiveness and collaboration.
Performs other duties, tasks and special projects as assigned.