CFO

James Phillips

516-***-**** Naples, FL ****************@*****.*** www.linkedin.com/in/jamesphillipsnyc

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER STRATEGIC GROWTH ARCHITECT

Transformational CFO known for accelerating enterprise value, optimizing capital structures, and driving operational performance across high-growth, investor-backed, and mission-driven organizations. Expert in financial strategy, FP&A, M&A execution, and investor relations—delivering measurable impact on EBITDA, cash flow, and shareholder return. Adept at leading finance transformations that integrate automation, AI-powered analytics, and advanced modeling to inform C-suite and board-level decisions. Recognized for building world-class finance functions, enabling global expansion, and securing capital to fuel long-term growth.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Financial Strategy & Capital Allocation Mergers & Acquisitions (Due Diligence, Valuation, Integration) Investor Relations & Board Reporting Financial Risk Management & Compliance (GAAP, IFRS, SOX) Cost accounting and Financial Operations AI-Driven FP&A & Financial Systems Optimization Cash Flow Management & Treasury Operations Business Transformation & Operational Efficiency SaaS & Subscription-Based Business Models Investment Strategy and Portfolio Oversight Business Systems & CRM Optimization

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Global Finance Business Partner (Business Unit CFO), Consulting and Internal

Deloitte, New York, NY July 2017 – Present

•Partnered with CEO and COO to drive financial strategy for a global $1B business unit, achieving 9% CAGR and sustained profitability.

•Advised C-suite executives of multinational clients on strategic cost management, scaling finance operations, and aligning financial planning with business expansion goals, resulting in improved EBITDA and investment readiness.

•Directed financial transformation initiatives for firms and Fortune 500 clients, designing customized solutions that enhanced EBITDA, strengthened cash flow, and increased operational efficiency.

•Orchestrated cross-functional client engagements across technology, SaaS, and e-commerce sectors, driving finance transformation efforts such as FP&A restructuring, margin improvement, and global reporting alignment.

•Designed and implemented AI-powered FP&A tools, enhancing forecasting accuracy and strategic decision-making.

•Directed financial reporting and compliance across global operations, ensuring GAAP/IFRS adherence, internal controls, and audit readiness, improving reporting accuracy and transparency.

•Developed a 3-year financial roadmap, enabling a 10% revenue uplift during the pandemic by optimizing pricing, cost structures, and capital allocation.

•Led M&A due diligence, valuation modeling, and post-merger integration to accelerate growth and market expansion.

•Managed $350M internal IP acquisition and improvements for SaaS/IPaaS implementation with Member Firms and Clients.

Chief Financial Officer

FDR Services, Hempstead, NY May 2016 – July 2017

•Secured $50M in financing and restructured debt to optimize capital allocation and liquidity.

•Negotiated strategic divestitures that preserved 65% of recurring revenue, ensuring business continuity.

•Developed advanced financial models to enhance profitability and investment decision-making.

•Strengthened cash flow management, treasury operations, and regulatory compliance.

CFO / COO

Pier59 Studios / Art and Fashion Group, New York, NY August 2011 – May 2016

•Led a financial turnaround, transforming a loss-making entity into a $3M+ profitable operation.

•Expanded revenue streams by $10M through a few strategic acquisitions.

•Rebranded and optimized business operations, increasing hospitality and catering revenue by 12%.

•Designed and executed comprehensive capital and risk management strategies.

Chief Financial Officer Controller

Art Partner, New York, NY June 2007 – August 2011

•Headed international expansion into APAC and Spain, driving revenue growth through strategic financial planning.

•Implemented FX trading strategies, generating $1M in additional revenue.

•Enhanced financial reporting and automation, reducing month-end close times and improving data accuracy.

•Conducted in-depth cash flow analysis to optimize working capital and liquidity.

Director of Worldwide Financial Operations - NPD Group, Port Washington, NY April 2006 – June 2007

Financial Planning & Analysis - Atari, New York, NY November 2005 – February 2006

Controller - Crossroad Publishing Company, New York, NY June 2002 – October 2005

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

State University of New York, Old Westbury

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Finance

Certifications: Executive Coaching Leadership Development

In Progress: Executive Program in Strategic Negotiation (Harvard Online)

TECHNICAL SKILLS & SYSTEMS

NetSuite Adaptive Insights Oracle QuickBooks SAP Advanced Excel Financial Modeling Sage ERP AO ACCPAC 3M ADP CRM Platforms Paychex

AFFILIATIONS & LEADERSHIP

•Leader, Inclusion Council of NY – People with Disabilities & Allies

•Deloitte Community Engagement Programs Leader

•Mentor, NextGen Leaders Program

•Life Coach

•Member, Association for Financial Professionals

Contact this candidate