Job Description
Brief Description Russell is a professional services firm providing construction and development services across the Midwest. Since its inception in 1983, Russell’s culture promotes a collaborative work environment that strives to exceed our clients’ expectations and provide life-time career opportunities for our professionals.
Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, with offices in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas, Russell has delivered more than $7 billion in projects across 34 states. We remain a market leader in our core markets, including new construction and complex additions and renovations.
At Russell, we are creating more than a project - we are building
great people, relationships, and communities. Life at Russell The number one response we receive when we ask our team members what they like about Russell is the culture. Russell team members describe working here as being more flexible than any place they’ve ever worked. They feel supported and support each other. They have fun. They are empowered to get their work done how they see fit. And most of all, they know they can continue their careers here because of the rich development tools available to them. Life at Russell is full of opportunities.
How You’ll Contribute The CFO reports to the President & CEO and will be a strategic partner to the President and executive team, driving growth, financial discipline, and innovation across a rapidly expanding construction enterprise. This leader will architect scalable financial systems, strengthen cash flow performance, and provide forward-looking insights that empower operational leaders across multiple locations. The CFO will also foster integration and synergy with operational leadership, aligning financial strategy with field execution to accelerate growth and profitability. The role requires a mix of strategic foresight, operational command, and entrepreneurial thinking—balancing risk management with bold growth.
Key Responsibilities Strategic & Financial Leadership - Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to long-term strategic planning, acquisitions, and organizational design.
- Partner with the President to establish and monitor strategic growth targets, capital allocation, and performance metrics.
- Lead financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning to guide investment decisions and business expansion.
- Build a finance infrastructure capable of supporting $1B+ in annual revenue.
Operational Finance & Controls - Oversee accounting, treasury, budgeting, and financial reporting functions across all business units.
- Strengthen financial discipline, improving gross margin predictability, cost management, and project-level financial visibility.
- Foster integration and synergy with operational leaders to align project execution, cash flow, and profitability goals.
- Implement advanced systems for job cost tracking, WIP reporting, and cash forecasting.
- Lead risk management, bonding capacity, insurance programs, and banking relationships.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and internal audit standards.
Growth, M&A, and Capital Strategy - Drive M&A due diligence, integration, and capitalization strategies to support both organic and acquisitive growth.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with key stakeholders—vendors, shareholders, banks, insurance and surety partners, and professional service providers—to strengthen the company’s financial position and strategic agility.
Technology & Process Innovation - Champion data-driven decision-making through financial technology, automation, and real-time analytics.
- Drive integration and innovation across all business functions through connected systems, shared data, and cross-department collaboration.
- Advance digital reporting, dashboards, and business intelligence across departments.
Leadership & Culture - Develop and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team aligned with company values and culture.
- Foster integration and synergy across finance, operations, and leadership teams to drive unified execution.
- Promote accountability, transparency, and financial literacy across all departments.
- Act as a culture carrier and strategic influencer within the leadership team.
Requirements Qualifications - 15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience; at least 5 years in a CFO or senior finance role in construction, development, or related industries.
- Proven success scaling a mid-size company to $700MM–$1B+ through operational discipline and strategic foresight.
- Deep understanding of construction finance, including WIP, bonding, and project accounting.
- Demonstrated experience with M&A, strategic planning, and capital markets.
- Strong analytical and communication skills—able to translate financial insights into strategic actions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business; CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred.
- Must be based in Iowa (or willing to relocate); presence and visibility across company offices required.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License in good standing.
Ideal Candidate Profile - Strategic Operator: Balances day-to-day rigor with long-term vision.
- Communicator: Translates complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for owners, executives, and operational leaders; fosters trust and alignment across the organization.
- Innovator: Leverages data and technology to drive smarter financial operations.
- Integrator: Builds bridges between finance, operations, and field leadership.
- Builder: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude.
- Culture Fit: Values integrity, accountability, and team empowerment.
Job Tags
Relocation, Flexible hours,