Chief Financial Officer (Banking exp. Required)

Chief Financial Strategy Officer (CFSO)

Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid – 2–3 days per week onsite)

Compensation: $225,000 – $250,000 base salary, plus discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance

(No profit share or stock options)

Employee Benefits Overview

• 100% employer-paid coverage for employee dental, vision, basic life/AD&D, short- and long-term disability, and employee assistance program
• Employer contributes up to $850 per month toward employee medical plans
• 401(k) plan with match: 100% match on the first 3%, and 50% match on the next 2%
• Student loan repayment and tuition reimbursement programs
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule

Overview: Our client is seeking an accomplished Chief Financial Strategy Officer (CFSO) to join its executive leadership team. This position is ideal for a forward-thinking financial leader who brings both strategic vision and hands-on experience. The CFSO will shape the company’s long-term financial roadmap, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure continued fiscal strength in a highly regulated financial services environment.

The ideal candidate will have previous CFO experience and a strong background specifically in banking, including exposure to compliance, credit unions, or other regulated entities (financial services). This individual should bring strategic creativity—someone capable of thinking beyond the traditional framework to modernize financial approaches, fee structures, and performance strategies for a growing organization. The CFSO reports directly to the CEO and partners with other executives to align financial planning with broader business objectives.

Strategic Leadership:

• Define and execute financial strategies that support the company’s long-term business and growth objectives.
• Provide financial insights and strategic recommendations that drive profitability and innovation.
• Reassess and modernize existing fee schedules and revenue models to strengthen performance.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with banking and financial partners.

Financial Oversight & Management:

• Lead all financial operations, including forecasting, budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the company’s controllership function and ensure compliance with all accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage external financial relationships, including banks, auditors, and custodians.

Operational and Strategic Excellence:

• Evaluate internal controls, accounting systems, and processes to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Identify areas for cost optimization and performance improvement.
• Support long-term capital planning, including evaluation of investments and financial initiatives.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure financial strategies align with operational goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on all financial matters.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Work closely with compliance and controllership teams to maintain regulatory integrity and financial transparency.
• Identify and manage potential financial and operational risks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (MBA and/or CPA preferred)
• 10 or more years of financial management experience, including 3 or more years in a senior leadership as a CFO
• Required experience in banking / credit unions
• Strong understanding of compliance frameworks, accounting principles, and financial regulations
• Strategic mindset with the ability to innovate and modernize financial processes
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Proven leadership skills with a collaborative and hands-on approach
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills