Chief Financial Officer

Chesapeake Search Partners has been exclusively retained by our client in Timonium, MD to conduct a search for a CFO. The Chief Financial Officer is a key executive partner responsible for financial strategy, operational efficiencies, M&A execution, and investor relations. This role requires a growth mindset focused on creating long-term value for all stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have multi-unit and/or franchise experience along with a background in capital markets and Mergers & Acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Growth Planning

• Key member of the executive leadership team, partnering with all business areas and the board of directors to drive value creation
• Strategic and financial partner to the Chief Development Officer, leading analysis and underwriting for new site development while continuously improving data-driven site selection
• Develop, execute, and optimize financial strategy by expanding EBITDA margins, identifying growth opportunities, managing capital structure and operation efficiency
• Lead the exit process, including preparing for a sale, optimizing financial performance, and maximizing investor and management returns
• Drive forecasting, budgeting, and financial modeling to support growth, M&A, and capital allocation decisions
• Oversee capital planning and financial strategy
• Enhance KPI reporting
• Leverage data and technology to drive insights, optimize profitability, and support decision-making
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining operational excellence
• Analyze financial trends and provide actionable recommendations to maximize revenue and profitability

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Lead financial due diligence, valuation, and integration efforts
• Collaborate with the executive team on deal structuring, financing arrangements, and post-merger integration strategies
• Identify and assess acquisition targets to accelerate growth and create synergies

Accounting, Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee financial reporting, accounting, audits, and corporate compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Manage state-specific tax, payroll, banking, and regulatory requirements for all locations
• Oversee risk management strategies to safeguard financial stability
• Implement internal financial controls to mitigate risks and prevent fraud

Multi-State Financial Operations & Cash Flow Management

• Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditures across all locations
• Manage cash flow, optimize working capital, and ensure timely franchise royalty and marketing fee payments
• Strengthen cash flow forecasting, treasury management, and vendor negotiations
• Work with lenders, investors, and financial institutions to secure funding for growth and expansion

Franchisee & Corporate Relations

• Act as the primary financial liaison with corporate offices to ensure compliance with franchise financial expectations
• Oversee royalty payments, advertising fund contributions, and other corporate financial obligations
• Provide financial reporting and insights to franchise stakeholders, investors, and executive leadership

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team
• Collaborate with Directors of Operations and Regional Managers to provide financial insights that drive performance improvements
• Continuously improve reporting systems and controls to support future exit or recapitalization strategies
• Implement financial training programs for operational leadership to enhance fiscal responsibility
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that embraces the contributions of all team members
• Embrace a service culture as an empathetic servant leader
• Strive to be world class, humorous, inspirational, and memorable in every action
• Believe in and promote the company’s core values, business philosophies, core purpose, and brand promise

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (MBA and/or CPA preferred)
• 15 years of financial leadership experience in a multi-unit retail, franchise, fitness, or hospitality environment
• Proven experience managing multi-state financial operations
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, tax regulations, and financial reporting
• Expertise in franchise finance, private equity, and corporate financial structuring
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., Great Plains, QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar platforms)
• Strategic mindset with strong leadership and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and facilitation skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to measure outcomes and make data-driven decisions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Please contact Patrick Fitzgerald at Chesapeake Search Partners to learn more!