Chief Financial Officer (Chicago)

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At Caliber Engineering Solutions, we specialize in offering streamlined solutions to the challenges faced by companies in the utility and power distribution industries. We achieve this by blending engineering expertise, efficient project management, and a commitment to continuous process improvement to ensure top-tier power system solutions.

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our executive leadership team. In this role, youll lead financial strategy and operations while also contributing to day-to-day business execution in a COO-like capacity. Your leadership will ensure financial discipline, operational alignment, and sustainable growth in a fast-paced, evolving industry.

As the CFO, you will provide strategic financial leadership while overseeing key operational functions, ensuring seamless integration of project management, invoicing, and forecasting to support Calibers growth objectives. You will guide the organization with data-driven insights, optimize cost management, and align financial and operational strategies to position Caliber as an industry leader. Your key responsibilities include:

Financial Strategy and Leadership: Lead the design of a unified financial strategy that bridges strategic goals with operational execution. Harness company-wide financial and performance data across the company to guide planning, assess new opportunities, and support long-term sustainability. Inform decisions related to budgeting, staffing, investment, and growth to maintain financial health and enable scalable expansion.

Operational Oversight: Ensure strong coordination between the project management and financial teams by establishing processes that accurately translate internal project progress into reliable financial forecasts. Oversee the alignment of project completion percentages with financial forecasting and internal invoicing of support contracts, ensuring accurate accruals and timely invoicing at month-end.

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A): Lead FP&A efforts, developing robust financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses to guide strategic decision-making and support scalable growth.

Proposal Pricing and Business Development: Collaborate with project teams to develop competitive pricing strategies for proposals and contracts, ensuring profitability while meeting client expectations and market demands.

Expense and Cost Management: Implement rigorous cost control measures, monitor company-wide expenses, and optimize operational efficiency to maximize profitability and ensure financial sustainability.

Risk Management and Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial, regulatory, and industry standards, proactively identifying and mitigating financial and operational risks across projects and operations.

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary financial spokesperson, presenting performance metrics, financial reports, and strategic recommendations to the CEO, board, investors, and external partners.

Team Leadership: Mentor and lead finance and operations teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while aligning cross-functional efforts.

Process Optimization and Innovation: Leverage advanced analytics and technology to streamline financial and operational processes, including project management software, invoicing systems, and data-driven decision tools.

Capital Management: Oversee cash flow, capital allocation, and funding strategies, including securing financing or investment to support growth initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate

We seek a strategic and analytical leader with a proven track record in financial management and operational oversight, capable of driving Calibers growth in a fast-paced startup environment. As the ideal candidate, you will:

• Possess deep expertise in financial planning, analysis, and cost management, with a strong understanding of operational processes in the utility or power distribution industry.
• Demonstrate superior analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex financial and operational data into actionable strategies for growth and efficiency.
• Excel in FP&A, with experience building financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses to guide strategic decision-making.
• Have a strong operational mindset, with experience overseeing project management, invoicing, and cost tracking in a high-growth environment.
• Be adept at developing pricing strategies for proposals and contracts, balancing competitiveness with profitability.
• Lead with a growth mindset, proactively identifying opportunities to optimize processes, reduce costs, and drive operational excellence.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, from technical teams to board members, with clarity, confidence, and influence.
• Thrive in a dynamic startup environment, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution to achieve measurable results.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; an MBA or advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in finance and operations, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance, or equivalent), ideally in the utility, power distribution, or related industries.
• Proven expertise in FP&A, including financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis to support strategic growth.
• Experience overseeing operational functions, such as project management, invoicing, and cost tracking, with a focus on aligning operations with financial goals.
• Strong knowledge of expense management, cost control, and profitability optimization in a project-driven environment.
• Familiarity with utility industry regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in financial and operational tools (e.g., ERP systems, MS Project, Power BI) and data analytics platforms.
• CPA, CFA, or other relevant certifications are highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and client meetings as needed

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the utility or power distribution sector, with familiarity in working with largeutilities.
• Proven success in a startup or high-growth environment, scaling financial and operational systems to support rapid expansion.
• Track record of driving growth and overseeing capital-intensive projects.
• Experience implementing advanced analytics or technology solutions to enhance financial and operational performance.
• Established network of industry contacts within utilities, financial institutions, or regulatory bodies.

Why Join Caliber?

As the Chief Financial Officer, you will play a transformative role in shaping Caliber Engineering Solutions future, driving financial and operational excellence in a dynamic, growth-oriented startup. Youll lead with vision, empower our teams, and deliver innovative solutions that redefine the utility industry. Join us to guide our strategic growth, optimize performance, and build a legacy of success.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Finance and Sales

• Industries

  Utilities

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