Interim CFO

HRB; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 138,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherry Bekaert's consulting team is partnering with a private equity-backed organization to secure an Interim CFO for a six- to eight-week post-acquisition transition in Gulfport, MS. This hands-on finance leadership role focuses on stabilizing accounting operations, implementing processes, and driving financial discipline in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

The position offers an hourly compensation target of $100–$110 and may include travel support for candidates located in New

Qualifications

• Experience as CFO or Interim CFO with leadership responsibility.
• Strong background in construction/project-based accounting environments.
• Experience with private equity-backed businesses and transitions.
• Proven ability to stabilize accounting functions during change.

Responsibilities

• Stabilize the accounting and finance environment post-acquisition.
• Lead transition from cash basis to accrual accounting.
• Review and strengthen policies, procedures, and controls.
• Evaluate percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and contracts.
• Develop reliable cash flow forecasting and working capital reporting.
• Prepare lender, ownership, and private equity reporting packages.
• Assess reporting accuracy and improve month-end close processes.
• Partner with operations to support post-acquisition integration.
• Oversee HR and IT-related matters as needed.

Skills

Financial leadership

Cash flow forecasting

Construction accounting

Private equity experience

Job description

Interim CFO (Private Equity Portfolio Company)

Cherry Bekaert's consulting team is partnering with a private equity-backed organization seeking an experienced Interim CFO to support a newly acquired portfolio company during a critical post-acquisition transition. This hands-on leadership opportunity is ideal for a finance executive who excels in stabilizing accounting operations, implementing processes, and driving financial discipline in entrepreneurial and fast-paced environments.

The business is a growing construction-related company with approximately, operating under a high-volume project-based model. The incoming consultant will work closely with ownership and private equity stakeholders to establish a strong financial foundation while a permanent CFO search is conducted.

Key Responsibilities

• Stabilize the accounting and finance environment following acquisition
• Lead the transition from cash basis accounting to accrual accounting
• Review and strengthen accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Evaluate percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and contract accounting processes
• Develop reliable cash flow forecasting and working capital reporting
• Prepare lender, ownership, and private equity reporting packages
• Assess financial reporting accuracy and improve month-end close processes
• Partner with operational leadership to support post-acquisition integration efforts
• Provide oversight of key administrative functions as needed, including HR and IT-related matters
• Serve as a trusted financial leader during the transition period

Qualifications

• Prior experience serving as a CFO, Interim CFO, with significant leadership responsibilities
• Strong background in construction, contracting, project-based, or percentage-of-completion accounting environments
• Experience supporting private equity-backed, closely held, or entrepreneurial businesses
• Demonstrated success stabilizing accounting functions during periods of change, growth, or transition
• Expertise in cash flow forecasting, financial reporting, and process improvement
• Ability to operate as a highly hands-on finance leader and execute independently
• CPA strongly preferred
• Start Date: Week of October 12
• Location: Gulfport, Mississippi
• Duration: Approximately 6-8 weeks with potential extension
• Compensation: Targeting approximately $100-$110/hour
• Travel expenses may be considered for qualified candidates located in New Orleans or throughout the Southeast region

If you have experience leading finance organizations through acquisitions, operational transitions, and accounting process transformations, we'd like to hear from you. This engagement offers an opportunity to make an immediate impact while partnering with an experienced private equity ownership group during a critical growth milestone.