BEST RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT & DESIGN, INC.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) with Operational Leadership Responsibilities

Are You the Leader We’re Looking For?

Do you lead with integrity, build strong relationships, and bring a hands-on, strategic approach to financial and operational leadership? Can you balance the fast-paced demands of a distribution business with thoughtful, data-driven decisions? If you’re energized by mentoring teams, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable success with a good attitude, we’d love to hear from you!

Position Overview

We’re seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead our financial strategy and oversee key operational functions as our current COO/CFO prepares to retire. This role is more than numbers—you’ll mentor and guide our leadership team (VP of Sales, Director of Operations, Finance Manager), bridge communication between them and the Board of Directors, and empower them to run the company with minimal board intervention. Reporting directly to the Board (currently the Executive Chairman and COO/CFO), you’ll ensure financial health, operational efficiency, and cultural alignment by living our core values: focus on the big picture, taking care of customers with a sense of urgency, excellence every time, leading with a positive attitude.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Partner with the Board and leadership team to craft a financial strategy focused on long-term growth and sustainability, with an eye for detail and excellence.
• Oversee project accounting, ensuring accurate cost tracking, revenue recognition, and profitability analysis, delivering results that exceed expectations. Deliver timely, actionable financial reports (P&L, balance sheets, cash flow) and forecasts to guide strategic decisions with integrity.

Operational Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and align the leadership team to enhance their ability to manage operations independently, fostering a culture of hard work and accountability.
• Function as a bridge between the leadership team and the Board, ensuring clear, fair communication and reducing silos.
• Oversee administrative functions (e.g., HR, IT, business operations) to streamline processes and boost efficiency—doing it right the first time.

Cash Flow & Risk Management

• Optimize cash flow and working capital to support operations and project needs with meticulous oversight.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, manage risks (including ESOP fiduciary oversight), and collaborate with auditors and advisors fairly and transparently.

Culture & Values Stewardship

• Champion BEST’s core values—big picture, excellence every time, sense of urgency, take care of customer, and attitude above all else -creating an environment where employees thrive.
• Empower the team through accountability, professional development, and a commitment to going the extra mile for each other and our customers.

** This is a full-time, onsite role based in Columbus, OH **

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of financial experience, including 4+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in project accounting, P&L management, and financial forecasting—ideally in distribution or small business operations.
• Hands-on leadership style: ready to roll up your sleeves with hard work and attention to detail alongside the team.
• Effective communication and mentoring skills to guide a cross-functional leadership team with a good attitude.
• Experience with ESOPs, ERP systems (NetSuite a plus), and process automation is a bonus.
• High integrity, a proactive approach to risk management, and a passion for exceeding expectations in a fair, value-driven culture.

About Us

Founded in 1987, BEST Restaurant Equipment & Design Inc., based in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading provider of equipment and design solutions for the foodservice industry. We serve a diverse clientele—from independent restaurateurs to large chains, schools, universities, and commercial foodservice operations—delivering customized turnkey equipment packages, design layouts, and smallwares programs. As an employee-owned company (ESOP) since 2015, we’re committed to long-term success and innovation, actively participating in national associations like the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) and the Supply & Equipment Foodservice Alliance (SEFA).

OUR CORE VALUES

1. Big Picture
2. Excellence Every Time
3. Sense of Urgency
4. Take Care of Customer
5. Attitude Above All Else

What You Bring to the Table

You’re a strategic thinker who dives into the details—someone who thrives on mentoring others, solving problems, and building bridges with a positive attitude. You’re comfortable leading finance and operations, and you’re excited to uphold our values while shaping a role carved out by a trusted leader retiring after decades of impact.

What We Offer

• A sense of excitement in solving problems and helping our customers succeed.
• Every day brings new challenges, and we’re always learning something new –it’ never routine and never dull.
• Competitive salary and a robust benefits package, including an ESOP Pension Plan, 401(k), medical, dental, and vision coverage, PTO and paid holidays, HSA, long-term and short-term disability, life and accidental death benefits, Section 125 tax savings plan, wellness programs, tuition assistance, and merchandise discounts.
• As an employee-owned company (ESOP), we care about our people and reward them for their accomplishments.
• Ranked #57 in the 2024 Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Distribution Giants list, BEST Restaurant Equipment & Design is poised for growth—the opportunity to take us to greater heights will be an exciting journey for a passionate leader like you.
• Salary: $145,000 - $165,000

Are you a leader who thrives on building strong teams?  Join our fast-paced, people-focused organization -apply today!

JOB CODE: Best Restaurant Equipment & Design, Inc.