Job Description

Job Location Meriden Office - Meriden, CT 06450

Qualifications

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The CFO is a strategic partner to the President and Executive Leadership Team, driving financial performance, operational excellence, and a culture of collaboration and accountability. This role leads financial strategy, risk management, and business growth while empowering teams and fostering long-term sustainability in a 100% employee-owned organization.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and a sustainable employee ownership company
• Lead strategic planning processes and coordinate cross-functional business planning initiatives
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making
• Oversee capital allocation, investment strategies, and merger & acquisition activities
• Lead ESOP Repurchase Obligation strategies and provide recommendations to maintain a long-term sustainable ESOP.

Financial Operations & Controls

• Oversee financial operations strategy while delegating day-to-day accounting to the Controller
• Set financial policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks
• Direct cash management, cash flow optimization, and capital structure decisions
• Lead annual audit processes and maintain relationships with external auditors
• Review and approve financial statements and regulatory filings prepared by Controller

Business Partnership & Analysis

• Serve as primary financial business partner to President and Discipline leaders
• Focus on strategic financial analysis rather than transactional accounting activities
• Conduct financial analysis of operational initiatives and growth opportunities
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators and business metrics
• Lead cost optimization initiatives and operational efficiency programs
• Drive pricing strategy and profitability analysis for and across Disciplines

Stakeholder Relations

• Manage relationships with banks, financial institutions, 3rd party partners, and board members
• Oversee external financial reporting and investment communications
• Lead due diligence processes for potential partnerships and acquisitions
• Represent the company in financial and business community forums

Technology & Systems

• Oversee IT infrastructure, hardware and software strategies and implementations
• Oversee financial systems, ERP implementations, and digital transformation initiatives
• Drive data analytics capabilities and business intelligence platforms (e.g., AI)
• Ensure cybersecurity and data governance standards for financial systems
• Lead automation and process improvement initiatives

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead high-performing finance and operations teams
• Provide mentorship and professional development for direct reports and accounting and finance staff
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
• Collaborate effectively across all organizational levels and departments

Direct Reports

• Controller (manages day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance)
• Director of Information Technology (manages IT infrastructure, hardware and software)
• Facilities Manager
• Typically manages 2-4 direct reports across finance and IT functions, with the Controller serving as the primary operational finance leader, Director of IT serving as the operationalization of the IT strategy and the Facilities Manager executing on office infrastructure and auto assets.

Required Qualifications

Education

• MBA in Finance, Accounting, or related field required
• CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
• 8+ years in senior finance roles (CFO, Deputy CFO, or Finance Director)
• Experience managing Controllers and building finance team hierarchies and IT strategy and infrastructure
• Proven track record in strategic planning and business transformation
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or significant growth initiatives preferred
• Background in business partnering and cross-functional leadership

Technical Skills

• Knowledge and experience with ESOP and Valuations
• Expert knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency with modern ERP systems (Deltek, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)
• Advanced skills in financial modeling, analysis, and data visualization tools
• Experience with business intelligence platforms and data analytics
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and data governance principles

BL Leadership Competencies and BL Values

• Alignment with BL Companies Leadership Competencies – Accountability, Teamwork, Developing Others, Relationship Building, Client Focus, Communications, Strategic Thinking, Leading and Managing Change.
• Alignment with BL Companies Values – Integrity, Excellence, Employee Ownership, Relationships and Agility

Key Competencies

• Strategic Vision – Ability to develop and communicate long-term financial strategy with appropriate business acumen
• Business Partnership – Collaborative approach to driving business results
• Innovation – Drive continuous improvement and embrace new technologies
• Leadership – Inspire and develop high-performing teams
• Communication – Present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences
• Analytical Abilities – Strong analytical and problem identification and problem solving skills
• Influence and Collaboration – Ability to collaborate and influence across all organization levels
• Change Management – Ability to lead change management and organizational changes
• Adaptability – Navigate changing business environments and market conditions

Preferred

Qualifications

• Experience with ESOP, valuations and employee engagement
• Experience in professional services business (A/E preferred)
• Digital transformation and technology implementation experience

Professional Environment

• Modern office environment equipped with advanced technology infrastructure
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements available
• Occasional travel for business meetings and industry events
• Standard business hours with flexibility to support strategic initiatives and reporting deadlines

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based incentive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements and paid time off

BL Companies is 100% employee owned, giving us a competitive edge and a unique distinction from most other companies. We offer a competitive benefit package which includes 6 paid holidays plus the week from Christmas to New Year’s paid, generous PTO, Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, 401k matching, and our Employee Stock Ownership Plan. We are an ENR Top 500 firm that provides engineering, architecture, land surveying, and environmental consulting services to the public and private sectors. BL has 18 offices and is expanding. Our employee owners are capable of being successful working in hybrid environments, and we are now offering opportunities to continue in this setting.

Our employee owners are capable of being successful working in hybrid environments, and we are now offering opportunities to continue in this setting.