Chief Financial Officer, Campbell,, California

posted: 15th May 2026

CFO Recruit is partnering exclusively with a founder-led specialty engineering design firm delivering renewable energy projects across the US. With a 15-year track record, a strong national client base, and a robust pipeline built on repeat business and referrals, this is a business with real momentum and a culture to match. The business became 100% employee-owned through an ESOP earlier this year, a natural next step for two founders who have always put their people first. It’s a direct expression of their founding belief that looking after their people is the foundation of a great company. Total compensation will include base salary, bonus and ESOP participation.

The Chief Financial Officer will lead a lean, hands-on finance and accounting function while serving as a true strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team. This is a role for someone energized by both the big picture and the day-to-day, equally comfortable shaping financial strategy at the leadership table as rolling up their sleeves and working in the details in a hands on capacity. Collaborating closely with the CEO, VP of Engineering, and broader leadership the CFO will drive sustainable growth and play a meaningful role in defining what this company looks like as it scales into its next chapter.

Bay Area-based candidates are preferred to enable regular on-site presence. Candidates elsewhere in California or on the West Coast will also be considered, provided they can commit to being on site when required.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute financial strategy aligned with company goals
• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and leadership team
• Support business growth and capital planning
• Establish and monitor financial KPIs and performance metrics
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
• Analyze financial performance and provide actionable insights
• Monitor cash flow, profitability, and cost management
• Evaluate project-level financial performance (critical in engineering firms)
• Oversee accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual)
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate financial reviews, audits, and tax filings
• Track project budgets, margins, and revenue recognition
• Support contract review, pricing, and risk assessment
• Work with project managers to improve financial outcomes
• Improve financial systems, processes, and internal controls
• Provide human resources support for compensation, benefits, and workforce planning
  Oversee insurance, bonding, and risk management (important for engineering firms)
  Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and credit facilities
  Optimise working capital and capital allocation
  Evaluate financing options and negotiate line of credit for working capital
  Oversee ESOP administration, including coordinating with the third-party administrator, recordkeeper, and ESOP trustee
  Provide financial reports and support to the ESOP trustee throughout the year and during annual valuations
  Ensure the company adheres to IRS guidelines and properly files tax documents
  Ensure monthly and year-end ESOP loan payments are completed as required

Experience/Skills required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred)
• Technical, engineering, or analytical degree strongly preferred
• 10–15 years of financial leadership experience, ideally in engineering, construction, or professional services
• Strong knowledge of project-based accounting and revenue recognition
• Experience in mid-sized company environments with a hands-on mindset
• Proficiency with financial systems and ERP/accounting software, ideally NetSuite
• Experience or knowledge of ESOPs and their financial reporting requirements strongly preferred
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills
• Highly skilled in both the attention to detail required by traditional GAAP accounting and forward-thinking strategic analysis and business planning
• Hands-on leadership and willingness to roll up sleeves
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Ability to work with technical teams and understand the dynamics of their day-to-day work
• Financial modelling and data-driven decision making
• High integrity and experience in a comprehensive environment of financial controls

Salary advertized is a guideline, salary will be commensurate with experience.