What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Financial Officer position at Tarlton Corporation?
Tarlton Corporation, a leading $250 Million Construction Firm has served as a St. Louis-based general contracting and construction management firm since 1946. We have built strong ties to the region, excellent working relationships with a wide-ranging list of established and new clients, a commitment to project and workforce diversity, and a carefully laid foundation to promote continued growth. Tarlton is a Women's Business Enterprise as certified by the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri and Women's Business Enterprise National Council.
Tarlton is a closely held, client-driven corporation employing an average of 300 people. Our organizational structure is relatively flat so clients and personnel can benefit from continual access to our executives, who take an active role in all Tarlton operations. Our range of preconstruction and construction services in the commercial, institutional, industrial, life sciences, healthcare and concrete markets is extensive. Tarlton works on projects diverse in scope and size, in both renovation and new construction. Our philosophy is simple: Take care of the client first and treat others as we would like to be treated. No project is too large or too small if it’s work a client wants completed.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you are an executive leader and steward of the company’s financial health, long-term strategy, operational excellence, and culture. You are responsible not only for leading the Finance function, but also for contributing to the enterprise level strategy and decision-making, enabling innovation, and guiding team and talent development. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), you will partner closely with the executive team and Board of Directors to drive sustainable growth and enterprise value. You will have oversight and leadership over other areas, as needed, such as Tarlton's Equipment and Maintenance facility and Technology spending.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with organizational vision and long-term goals
- Serve as a strategic partner to the executive team and Board, offering financial foresight and data-driven insights
- Lead scenario modeling, capital planning, and financial decision-making to support growth and resilience
Organizational Leadership and Talent Development
- Lead and mentor the Finance team, building a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, service to internal stakeholder, and leadership at all levels
- Get work done through people and cross-functional collaboration; empower others to lead and grow
- Support succession planning and professional development across the organization
Growth Enablement and Strategic Investment
- Provide financial oversight for growth initiatives, aligning capital with enterprise goals
- Guide resource allocation, M&A evaluations, and geographic expansion planning
- Shape thinking on where and how to scale to deliver long-term value
Operational Excellence and Innovation
- Champion process improvements and digital tools that increase efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability
- Drive continuous improvement across financial systems, reporting, forecasting, and decision support
- Promote innovation and challenge outdated systems or practices to maintain a competitive edge
Collaboration and Enterprise Orientation
- Partner with Operations to strengthen cost controls, project forecasting, and real-time field visibility
- Collaborate across the departments to align financial strategy with operational execution and strategic initiatives
- Play a key role in the executive strategy team—ensuring decisions reflect cross-functional priorities and market realities
- Engage with external stakeholders and represent the organization in the community
Financial Planning, Reporting, and Analysis
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes
- Analyze trends, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend course corrections
- Provide clear, actionable financial reporting to executives, the Board, and other stakeholder
Cash Flow and Capital Management
- Manage liquidity, working capital, and banking relationships to ensure financial flexibility
- Lead debt, equity, and capital investment strategies to fuel growth and mitigate risk
- Allocate capital efficiently to support strategic initiatives and ensure return on investment
Risk Management and Financial Integrity
- Anticipate and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks
- Ensure strong internal controls and adherence to accounting and governance standards
- Lead business continuity and risk scenario planning to strengthen resilience
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred
- 15 years of progressive financial leadership, including CFO or equivalent experience—construction or related industry experience required
- Deep knowledge of project-based financial operations (WIP, cash cycles, project margin analysis)
- Proven ability to lead organizational growth and improve operational performance
- Experience mentoring future leaders and building high-performing teams
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to drive enterprise-wide strategic decisions
- Effective communicator and executive presence; able to influence across all levels and with external stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to foster innovation, operational improvement, and cultural alignment
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the application process, or after hire, please let us know so we can provide appropriate assistance and modifications.
All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of required background checks and drug screening.
Tarlton Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.