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Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Paragon Systems, Inc

Today
Secret
Unspecified
Unspecified
Finance
Herndon, VA (On-Site/Office)

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CFO is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting functions, including strategic financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, capital management, risk management, information technology and compliance. This position plays a critical role in driving operational efficiency, profitability, and sustainable growth across the organization.

This significant position requires both a strategic mindset for long-term outcomes and the ability to adapt quickly to real-time changes in priorities within a complex and fluid security environment. The ideal candidate has demonstrated financial leadership and performance effectiveness and is experienced in financial management to ensure accuracy and compliance with finance and accounting principles.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • The functions listed describe the business purpose of this job. Specific duties or tasks may vary and be documented separately. The employee might not be required to perform all functions listed. Additional duties may be assigned, and functions may be modified according to business necessity.
  • All assigned duties or tasks are deemed to be part of the essential functions unless such duties or tasks are unrelated to the functions listed, in which case they are deemed to be other (non-essential) functions.
  • Employees are held accountable for successful job performance. Job performance standards may be documented separately and may include functions, objectives, duties, or tasks not specifically listed herein.
  • In performing functions, duties, or tasks, employees are required to know and follow safe work practices and to be aware of company policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations. Employees are required to notify superiors upon becoming aware of unsafe working conditions.
  • All functions, duties, or tasks are to be carried out in an honest, ethical, and professional manner and are to be performed in conformance with applicable company policies and procedures. In the event of uncertainty or lack of knowledge of company policies and procedures, employees are required to request clarification or explanations from superiors or authorized company representatives.


Duties Include

Strategic Financial Leadership

  • Partner with the CEO, executive team and senior leadership to develop and execute the company's long-term financial strategy, supporting both organic and contract-based growth.
  • Provide data-driven financial insights to drive business growth, new initiatives, and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Lead financial due diligence, integration and reporting activities related to mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures in the defense or national security sectors.


  • Financial Planning + Management

  • Direct all financial functions, including preparing financial statements, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and business analysis.
  • Manage cash flow, working capital, and investment strategies to optimize financial performance.
  • Will work with Shared Services teams in treasury, tax, and audit functions; ensure compliance with all financial and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and maintain financial policies, internal controls, and procedures to ensure compliance, integrity and efficiency.


  • Operational Oversight

  • Provide financial analysis to drive operational decision-making and performance improvement.
  • Evaluate and manage financial risk, insurance programs, and internal audit processes.
  • Evaluate and manage vendor contracts, capital expenditures, and cost-control measures.
  • Establish key performance metrics to assess business health and contract profitability. Collaborate with department leaders to align financial goals with business objectives.
  • Oversee IT and security teams to ensure proper financial controls within secure networks and accounting systems.


  • Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop finance and accounting teams to build a high-performing function.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and transparency.
  • Represent the company with auditors, banking institutions, and government customers as required; serve as a key liaison to banks, auditors, investors, and external partners.


  • K E Y P E R F O R M A N C E D R I V E R S

    • Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
    • Achievement of budget and forecast goals
    • Cash flow and working capital optimization
    • Operational cost efficiency and ROI on investments
    • Leadership effectiveness, employee engagement and retention within the finance team


    A D D I T I O N A L K E Y S U C C E S S A C T I V I T I E S

    • Keeping informed of industry trends through benchmarking, participation in professional associations etc. to lead and support operations.
    • Maintaining a positive, professional environment in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; acting to ensure employees understand and comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
    • Performing additional functions, duties and specific tasks of a similar nature and scope as necessary in order to achieve assigned business objectives.


    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT ENTRY Additional qualifications may be specified and receive preference depending upon the nature of the position

    Basic Qualifications

    • U.S. Citizenship Preferred
    • At least 18 years of age
    • Ability to acquire and maintain any other specific special clearances/access requirements where appropriate.
    • Ability to obtain and retain a Top-Secret security clearance.


    Education / Experience

    • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field required. Additional relevant experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one calendar year of experience for one academic year of education. CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
    • 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.
    • Experience in a mid-size organization or multi-entity environment, preferably in the cleared defense or security industry, private equity experience a plus. Those with exposure to strategic business divestitures and business separations are preferred.


    Background Prerequisites

    Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks, controlled substance testing, and behavioral selection survey, in addition to any mandatory licensing requirements

    Competencies (as demonstrated through experience, training, and/or testing)

    • Strong strategic, analytical, and financial modeling skills.
    • Proven ability to manage complex budgets and drive financial performance.
    • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to influence across functions to effect change.
    • Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel modeling.
    • Deep understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and compliance.
    • Excellent planning, organization, project coordination and time management skills.
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
    • Positive/proactive attitude and desire to lead and support business efforts. Demonstrated energy, drive, determination, and persistence, even when confronted with challenges.
    • Ability to use personal computers and various office technology.
    • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including word processing, spreadsheet production.
    • Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and business leadership.
    • Ability to interact effectively at all levels and across diverse cultures.
    • Ability to be an effective team leader and team member and handle project assignments responsibly.
    • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Professional, courteous telephone communications.
    • Ability to carry out multiple assignments concurrently.
    • Ability and willingness to adapt quickly to shifting deadlines and priorities.
    • Strong sense of urgency and accountability
    • Ability to adapt to changes in the external environment and organization.
    • Strong customer service and results orientation.


    WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical/Mental Demands)

    With or without reasonable accommodation, requires the physical and mental capacity to effectively perform all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

    • Maintaining composure in dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff and the public, occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
    • May be exposed to stressful situations.
    • Handling and being exposed to sensitive and confidential information.
    • May be required to work additional hours without advance notice.
    • Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
    • Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for up to 8 hours per day and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
    • Occasional reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling.
    • Close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
    • Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.


    A Word About EEO

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

    VA License Number: 11-4665
    group id: 10352622
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    About Us
    With over 14,000 professionals, Paragon and SCIS are the leading provider of specialized security, fire, investigations, inspections, cybersecurity, risk management, and mission support services to the U.S. Federal Government and other critical infrastructure clients. If you are looking for a chance to make a difference, Paragon Systems and SCIS is the place for you. As a team, we can help build a safer society.

    Paragon Systems, Inc Jobs


    Job Category
    Finance
    Clearance Level
    Secret