We are seeking a strategic and operationally minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead all financial functions for our growing $250 million organization operating under a hybrid ownership structure-partially privately held and partially employee-owned through an ESOP. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in government contracting, FAR/DFARS compliance, project accounting, and long-range financial planning in a growth-oriented environment. This executive will serve as a key member of the leadership team, responsible for driving financial discipline, involved with strategic decision-making, and ensuring continued value creation for both private shareholders and employee-owners.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide strategic financial leadership, partnering with the CEO and executive team to support long-term growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
- Direct all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, audit, tax, contracts and risk management.
- Ensure full compliance with government contracting regulations, including FAR, DFARS, DCAA audit requirements, and other applicable oversight bodies.
- Oversee program finance, job costing, indirect rate development, and margin analysis for a portfolio of government contracts (cost-plus, fixed-price and T&M).
- Lead the development and management of annual operating plans, multi-year financial models, and enterprise financial dashboards.
- Manage all ESOP-related financial responsibilities, including valuation oversight, trustee coordination, regulatory compliance, benefit administration, and employee communication-while balancing requirements of private shareholders.
- Manage corporate real estate strategy, including evaluating, negotiating, and overseeing the purchase and/or lease of corporate facilities.
- Oversee administration of tenant leases within company-owned buildings, ensuring proper billing, compliance, renewals, and financial reporting.
- Interface with banking partners, auditors, legal counsel, and external stakeholders to ensure accurate reporting and a strong control environment.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across accounting and financial processes, systems, and reporting tools.
- Provide clear, actionable insights to support pricing strategies, capital investments, and corporate strategic initiatives.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance, accounting and contracts team.
We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:Health & Wellness:- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
- Vision Reimbursement
- Fitness Reimbursement
Financial:- Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
- Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- Continuing Education Funds
Work-Life Balance:- Flexible Scheduling
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave
What We Value:- Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
- Integrity and responsibility in all actions
- Collaboration across teams and specialties
- Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
- Passion for national security and excellence
Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):- Bachelor's degree required; MBA, CPA, or CMA strongly preferred.
- 15+ years progressive finance leadership experience with at least 7 years in a senior executive or divisional CFO role.
- Experience within a government contracting organization of similar or greater scale ($150M-$500M).
- Demonstrated expertise in FAR/DFARS, and DCAA audits.
- Experience in an ESOP or hybrid-ownership environment strongly preferred.
- Proven track record in financial planning, operational finance, cash management, and risk mitigation.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and communicate across all organizational levels.
- Hands-on, detail-oriented approach combined with strategic and forward-thinking perspective.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to transparency.
The salary range for this role is $175,000 to $210,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
