CFO | PE Software | $350 - 400k

Zanda; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Zanda is seeking a CFO to lead financial strategy for a high-growth, PE-backed company in New York. This key role involves overseeing financial operations, strategic planning, and building a high-performing finance team. Candidates should have 10-15 years of experience in finance, a strong knowledge of US GAAP, and a proven track record of managing financial functions. The position provides an opportunity to shape a mission-led organization’s financial strategy and contribute to real-world outcomes.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience across accounting and finance roles.
• Strong foundation in financial operations, planning, and analysis.
• Proven ability to build and scale finance functions in evolving environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company’s financial strategy, planning, and operational finance function.
• Drive impact across AI and transformation projects.
• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Financial strategy development

Operational finance leadership

Data-driven insights

Compliance and governance

Job description

Zanda is an executive search partner working exclusively with high-growth organisations as they scale their leadership teams. We partner closely with founders, CEOs, and boards to deliver critical senior hires at pivotal moments of growth.

Who’s the business

Zanda is partnering with a high-growth, PE backed company operating at the intersection of technology and services. The business is focused on delivering meaningful, real-world outcomes at scale and is continuing to expand its reach and operational footprint. As part of this growth, they are seeking a CFO to strengthen financial foundations and support the next phase of development.

This is a high-impact leadership role for a finance executive who thrives in purpose-led environments and can bring clarity to complexity, owning day-to-day financial operations while helping shape long-term strategy.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Lead the company’s financial strategy, planning, and operational finance function
• Drive impact across AI and transformation projects
• Support scale and exit over the next 3-5 years
• Build and optimise scalable financial processes, systems, and reporting infrastructure
• Partner closely with the CEO and executive team to drive strategic decision-making and long-term planning
• Establish a strong financial operating rhythm, improving visibility, forecasting accuracy, and performance tracking
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management across a multi-faceted organisation
• Support organisational growth through data-driven insights, scenario modelling, and resource allocation
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team
• Ensure compliance, governance, and financial integrity across all operations
• Act as a key advisor to the Board on financial performance, risks, and opportunities

What experience you should bring

• 10–15+ years of experience across accounting and finance roles
• Strong foundation in financial operations, planning, and analysis
• Proven ability to build and scale finance functions in evolving environments
• Background in public accounting (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP
• Track record of partnering with executive teams and influencing senior stakeholders
• Systems-oriented mindset with experience implementing and optimising financial tools
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with evolving priorities

Nice to have

• Exposure to multi-entity structures or programmes
• Experience improving financial visibility in operationally complex organisations
• Familiarity with building finance functions that support both technology and service delivery models

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to step into a mission-led organisation where finance plays a central role in enabling real-world impact. You’ll have the chance to shape the financial future of a growing company while contributing to a purpose that extends far beyond the numbers.