Company Background

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs (THF) is a growing, large regional, Top 200 public accounting firm. The firm holds membership with the RSM US Alliance and CPAmerica International, enabling them to collaborate and share ideas, and to have access to the latest resources, ideas, training, technology, and best practices as it relates to public accounting. THF’s CPAs are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), in addition to several other key industry related trade associations.

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs is headquartered in Tallahassee, FL, with additional office locations in the following markets: Tampa and Panama City, FL, and Bainbridge, GA.

THF has grown to over 140 employees across all their markets, providing clients with a full range of superior services in traditional accounting, auditing and tax services, and comprehensive consulting and advisory services. THF maintains the high-quality control standards of a national firm and combines those attributes with the heart and personal touch points of a regional firm to ensure they “make an impact” in everything they do.

The Role

The CFO will report directly to the firm’s Managing Shareholder and will play an integral role in shaping the financial strategy and the overall financial well-being of the organization. This role requires a transformative leader, with a strong technical background and a passion for driving change. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in transforming THF’s financial processes, implementing advanced technologies, and guiding the firm through significant growth.

As a key member of the executive team, the CFO provides leadership and guidance to the finance and accounting staff and works to build and foster a positive and productive work environment while ensuring that the team is meeting the firm’s financial goals and objectives. The successful candidate would be eligible for consideration of a COO role as the position is developed with continued firm growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Planning and Analysis: Developing and overseeing the financial planning and analysis process for the firm. This would involve working with the accounting team to develop budgets, financial forecasts, peer group data and financial models to help the firm make informed business decisions.
• Financial Reporting: Managing the firm's financial reporting process, which includes preparation of financial statements, financial reports, federal tax and regulatory filings. They must ensure that all financial statements and tax filings are accurate, timely, and comply with accounting standards and regulations, firm and federal deadlines.
• Risk Management: Identifying and managing financial risks associated with the firm's business activities. This would include identifying and assessing financial risks and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. The CFO will also work with the firm’s insurance carrier to coordinate completion of the annual general liability application, cyber security insurance application, bond filings and other risk management activities as needed.
• Cash Management: Managing the firm's cash flow, liquidity, and investments. This includes overseeing banking relationships, monitoring daily cash flow and cash management, monitoring receivable balances, developing cash management and investment strategies and managing debt and equity issuances.
• Strategic Expansion : Working closely with the firm’s Shareholders and business development team to identify and pursue new business opportunities, including potential mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
• Accounting: Managing the firms accounting operations, including financial statement preparation, accounts payable and receivable, billing, payroll, and tax compliance.
• Compliance: Ensuring that the firm complies with all financial regulations and reporting requirements. This includes overseeing internal controls and ensuring that the firm's financial practices are in line with legal and ethical standards.
• Tax Planning and Compliance: You would be responsible for managing the firm's tax planning and compliance activities, including preparing and filing tax returns, managing tax audits, and staying up to date with challenges in tax laws and regulations.
• Team Management: Leading and managing all aspects of the firm's finance and accounting team, providing guidance, training, and mentorship as needed.

About You

Experience / Knowledge / Skills Requirements / Behaviors

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• CPA Designation preferred.
• At least 7 years of experience in a financial management and accounting setting, preferably as a CFO for an accounting or professional services firm.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting standards and regulations
• Experience with tax planning and compliance.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential for this role.
• Ability to motivate teams to produce high quality results in a timely manner, while simultaneously managing several projects.
• A proven track record of leading and facilitating effective group meetings, leading change management efforts and providing meaningful and timely performance evaluations to team members

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