Chief Financial Officer

The experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below.

At Lucida, we're more than just a full-service accounting firm; we're a community of over 100 professionals across four locations, dedicated to providing exceptional service.

As a proud member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts, we specialize in supporting closely held companies in diverse sectors including healthcare, real estate, construction, manufacturing, the arts, and more.

Our mission is to simplify complexities for our clients, offering a collaborative environment that fosters innovative strategies and operational excellence.

As the Chief Financial Officer, you will oversee all financial operations and strategies of the firm. This role involves direct leadership over financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting to enhance profitability and ensure financial compliance and business integrity.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

• Lead and mentor the finance department, ensuring excellence in tax compliance and financial operations.
• Ensure strong departmental performance through effective process management and staff allocation.

Duties / Responsibilities :

• Formulate and implement comprehensive financial strategies that integrate budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, banking relationships, real estate, tax planning, and legal frameworks, effectively communicating these strategies to key stakeholders.
• Ensure all financial management practices, including financial forecasting, align with the regulatory standards specific to the accounting industry.
• Manage the firm’s financial planning process, including the development of forecasts that anticipate the firm's long-term financial health and effectively communicate these forecasts to relevant parties.
• Direct and execute M&A strategies, assess potential deals, conduct due diligence, and lead financial negotiations to support growth, with a focus on financial due diligence that incorporates tax implications and compliance.
• Establish and maintain relationships with financial institutions to secure favorable terms and services and communicate effectively with these institutions to negotiate terms beneficial to the firm.
• Oversee property management, acquisitions, and lease negotiations to optimize the firm’s real estate portfolio, communicating the financial benefits and risks of various real estate decisions to executive leadership.
• Coordinate with legal counsel to ensure all financial practices comply with statutory requirements and manage risks effectively.
• Develop strategies to manage the firm's liquidity ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet operational needs.
• Produce precise financial reports and forecasts for key stakeholders and perform detailed analysis to guide strategic decision-making, utilizing financial storytelling techniques to present complex financial data in an understandable and compelling manner through effective communication skills.
• Enhance the financial literacy and acumen of management through ongoing training and development initiatives, fostering a deeper understanding of financial principles, analysis, and decision-making processes within the organization.
• Actively contribute to the development and maintenance of a culture that values continuous improvement, professional growth, and innovation.
• Demonstrate strong communication and stakeholder management skills by consistently delivering clear, timely, and accurate financial reports to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills / Abilities :

• Expertise in financial management, preferably within the tax and accounting sector, strategic planning, and corporate finance.
• Proficient in tax law, GAAP, and IRS regulations.
• Proficiency in using financial software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office, as well as familiarity with accounting-specific software.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and manage teams effectively.

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or similar qualification is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in financial management, with substantial senior managerial experience preferably in the CPA industry or a related professional services sector.

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