Chief Financial Officer

Crucial Hire; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Crucial Hire is looking for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a growing financial services organization in Chicago. The role entails overseeing the financial strategy, planning, and operational finance leadership.

Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in financial leadership, particularly within regulated environments. You will partner with the CEO and executive leadership to drive strategic initiatives and improve operational efficiencies while ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• 7+ years within financial services, capital markets, brokerage, fintech, banking, or similar regulated environments.
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, FP&A, financial modeling, and executive reporting.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, and financial modeling.
• Maintain strong financial controls and governance.

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial modeling

Budgeting

Forecasting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related field

CPA, MBA, CFA or similar credential

Tools

Financial analysis software

Job description

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Compensation: 210k - 270k + Bonus | Chicago, IL

About the Company

We're conducting a confidential search on behalf of a growing financial services organization operating within a highly regulated, fast-moving environment. The company is entering its next phase of growth and is seeking a strategic financial executive who enjoys building, improving, and leading.

This is an organization where finance is expected to influence every major business decision. Leadership values executives who understand both the strategic direction of the company and the operational details that drive performance every day.

About the Role

As the Chief Financial Officer, you'll serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and the primary financial advisor to the CEO.

This is a highly engaged leadership position requiring someone who is equally comfortable discussing long‑term strategy with the Board as they are diving into financial models, forecasting, operational challenges, and process improvements.

You'll oversee the company's financial strategy, planning, accounting, liquidity management, budgeting, forecasting, regulatory financial oversight, profitability initiatives, and financial controls while partnering closely with leaders across operations, compliance, technology, sales, and executive leadership.

Responsibilities

Executive Financial Leadership

• Partner directly with the CEO and executive leadership team on strategic planning and business growth
• Develop and execute the company's long‑term financial strategy
• Evaluate investments, pricing strategies, profitability, capital allocation, and business expansion opportunities
• Provide financial insights that influence executive decision‑making
• Help leadership understand operational performance through meaningful financial analysis

This organization is looking for a finance leader who understands that numbers should drive better business decisions—not simply explain past performance.

Financial Planning & Performance

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, long‑range planning, and financial modeling
• Oversee liquidity planning, cash flow forecasting, and capital management
• Develop executive dashboards and KPI frameworks that improve organizational visibility
• Analyze financial performance and recommend practical actions to improve profitability
• Support enterprise risk management and internal control initiatives

Strong analytical thinking and commercial business acumen are critical to success in this role.

Operational Finance Leadership

• Take an active role in the day‑to‑day financial management of the business
• Improve financial processes, reporting, and operational workflows
• Partner closely with department leaders to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and profitability
• Build scalable financial infrastructure that supports continued growth
• Lead with accountability, urgency, and a hands‑on leadership style

This is an executive role for someone who enjoys building—not simply managing.

Financial Governance & Regulatory Oversight

• Maintain strong financial controls, governance, and reporting processes
• Oversee banking relationships, audit activities, tax coordination, and capital planning
• Ensure financial operations remain compliant within a highly regulated environment
• Support executive leadership on regulatory reporting and financial risk management

Experience navigating regulated financial environments will be highly valuable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field required
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
• 7+ years within financial services, capital markets, brokerage, fintech, banking, or similar regulated environments
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, FP&A, financial modeling, and executive reporting
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership through financial insights and strategic analysis
• Experience building KPI frameworks and performance dashboards
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect financial performance to operational execution
• CPA, MBA, CFA, or similar credential preferred
• Experience supporting regulated financial organizations is highly preferred

Let's Talk

If you're looking for a CFO opportunity where you'll help shape strategy, improve operations, and directly influence the future of a growing financial services organization, this is worth a conversation.

Confidential inquiries welcome.