Interim CFO

Interim CFO (Private Equity Portfolio Company)

Gulfport, MS (On-Site) | Interim Consulting Engagement | 6-8+ Weeks
Candidates outside the local market within the Southeast region are encouraged to apply. We are open to travel arrangements for highly qualified professionals.

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

Engagement Details

• Start Date: Week of October 12
• Location: Gulfport, Mississippi
• Schedule: 4-5 days per week on-site required
• 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.