Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Full-Time • Senior Leadership • Lisle, IL

EOE Statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT CAGE ENGINEERING

CAGE is a highly respected leader in civil engineering, land surveying, and construction management services, renowned for our innovative approach to land development consulting. We are a team of problem-solvers who thrive on delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions that shape communities for the better.

We are on an exciting growth journey, expanding our reach, pursuing strategic opportunities, and building the infrastructure to scale. We need a sharp, driven financial leader to help make it happen. If you want to be a key contributor to a team on an exciting growth journey, this is your chance. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where leaders are empowered to make a real impact from day one.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a defining leadership role at CAGE Engineering, offering the opportunity to step into a growing organization and directly shape its financial future. This is a role for a strategic, hands-on leader who wants more than oversight, someone who wants to influence direction, drive growth decisions, and help scale a multidisciplinary engineering business at an important stage of expansion.

As a member of the executive team, the CFO will partner closely with senior leaders to turn financial insight into action, strengthen decision-making, and support strategic growth across engineering, surveying, construction management, and business development. This role focuses on building financial clarity, improving performance, and supporting disciplined growth as the organization expands both organically and through strategic acquisitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy to drive sustainable growth and long-term organizational success.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to the executive leadership team to support business expansion and decision-making.
• Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting, and capital management initiatives.
• Analyze market trends, operational performance, and growth opportunities to position the firm for continued expansion.

Accounting & Financial Management

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage annual budgets, cash flow forecasting, and financial performance metrics to support the firm's growth objectives.
• Manage external audit and tax preparation processes, serving as primary liaison with outside CPA firms.
• Utilize Deltek (Vantagepoint or Vision) to support financial reporting, project management, and operational efficiency.

Project & Contract Finance

• Partner with Project Managers and the Controller to monitor project budgets, contract values, labor costs, revenue recognition, and profitability.
• Review and advise on contract terms, fee structures, and risk exposure across land development, survey, and construction management engagements.
• Collaborate with the Controller on WIP (work-in-progress) reporting to inform cash flow and profitability analysis.
• Support project managers with financial insights and cost-control strategies.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Manage banking relationships, lines of credit, cash management, and bonding capacity to ensure adequate liquidity and position the firm for growth opportunities.
• Oversee corporate insurance programs including general liability, professional liability (E&O), workers' compensation, and other coverage to ensure appropriate protection as the firm grows.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local tax regulations, labor laws, and industry-specific financial requirements, including coordination of audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and risk management procedures to safeguard firm assets and support scalable growth.
• Oversee corporate risk management in coordination with operations leadership.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and develop the Controller to expand leadership capabilities and support long-term professional growth within the organization.
• Partner with the Controller to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the finance and accounting function.
• Collaborate with department leaders firm-wide to improve financial awareness and operational efficiency.

Growth & Strategic Initiatives

• Partner with leadership to evaluate and support potential growth opportunities, including financial analysis, valuation, and deal planning.
• Support the financial side of complex business initiatives including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, new market or location expansions, and firm integrations.
• Support technology and ERP system improvements for financial and project management reporting.
• Participate in business development initiatives and strategic planning efforts.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with internal departments to support integrated project delivery and firm-wide decision-making.
• Serve as the financial voice in meetings with banking partners, clients, and executive stakeholders.
• Communicate financial performance, risks, and solutions effectively at all levels of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a CFO, VP of Finance, or Controller role.
• Demonstrated experience in professional services, engineering, architecture, or construction management environments.
• Proficiency with Deltek (Vantagepoint, Vision, or Ajera) as a core financial and project accounting platform (Preferred, but not Required).
• Strong knowledge of project-based accounting, revenue recognition (ASC 606), WIP reporting, and utilization metrics.
• Understanding of U.S. GAAP and ability to ensure compliance across all financial reporting and accounting processes.
• Proven experience managing finance teams, budgets, and organizational financial health.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, including financial due diligence, valuation, and post-close integration (Preferred).
• Familiarity with land development, civil engineering, surveying, or construction management project structures (Preferred).
• Experience with multi-entity or multi-office financial consolidation (Preferred).
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to office and project sites as needed.

WHY LEAD WITH US

Performance-Driven Rewards

• Compensation: $140,000–$200,000, with final offer determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role
• Bonus opportunities tied to individual, team, and company success

Strategic Growth & Impact

• Leadership development programs & mentorship opportunities
• Clear paths for advancement and executive influence
• Tuition reimbursement & access to executive-level training

Empowered Culture

• Inclusive, collaborative environment where leaders shape the future
• Annual all-team meeting to align, celebrate, and energize
• Team-led book clubs, social events, and cause-driven initiatives

Performance-Driven Rewards

• Competitive executive compensation package, commensurate with experience
• Bonus opportunities tied to individual, team, and company success

Well-Being Matters

• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage (with HSA options)
• Mental wellness support & wellness reimbursement
• Work-life balance with flexible time off and hybrid work options

Time & Flexibility

• Flex Time Off, no accruals
• Paid parental leave
• 30-day sabbatical every 5 years
• 7 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday

Secure Your Future

• 401(k) with up to 4% match, fully vested from day one
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee discounts

JOIN US!

At CAGE, you'll lead with purpose, collaborate with passionate professionals, and help deliver projects that have a real impact. We take pride in developing leaders who drive innovation, prioritize client satisfaction, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

CAGE Civil Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We also do not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without prior written approval.

Location: IL - LISLE • Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time