JAMES MCDADE
Hightstown,NJ
Summary
Seasoned CFO with experience in rapid growth-stage companies across professional services, advertising, and technology. Brings hands-on leadership in FP&A, cost control and working capital management. Partners with leadership to improve forecast quality and evaluate and integrate acquisitions.
Overview
1
1
Certification
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Fractional CFO, Consultant
09.2024 - Current
- Assisted companies in developing financial strategies, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and managing cash flow to support growth objectives. Advised companies and investment firms on evaluating and executing potential acquisitions, enhancing decision-making processes.
Chief Financial Officer, North America
Turner & Townsend
New York, NY
10.2011 - 04.2024
- Supported all financial activities for USA and Canada operations ($400M+ revenue, 15 offices, 1,800 employees) at a construction project and cost management consulting firm, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, and tax.
- Contributed to growth initiatives and performance improvement plans during a period of 10x revenue growth.
- Developed commercial terms for key bids, facilitated FAR and OH rate setup and audit, managed lease portfolio.
- Participated on the Board of Directors for North America, USA, Canada, and joint venture, influencing strategic direction.
- Built and developed a finance team of 15, clarified roles and responsibilities, and supported team development during rapid growth.
- Reduced monthly close cycle from 9 to 3 business days by streamlining processes.
- Partnered with executive team to assess acquisition targets, complete due diligence, and guide successful acquisition and integration of 4 companies.
- Led move to self-insured medical benefits, reducing annual costs by 15+%.
- Played key role in evaluation and implementation of new ERP system (Dynamics 365).
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Access 360 Media, Inc. (Arena Media Networks LLC)
New York, NY
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Managed all financial and administrative aspects of this digital advertising network (acquired Arena Media Networks in March 2010) including accounting, treasury, tax and human resources.
- Advised the Board and investors on projected financial performance and capital requirements.
- Executed controllership responsibilities while managing business operations and allocating financial resources.
- Played a key role in several financing transactions which raised $20 million
- Brought accounting function “in-house” and led the Company through a first-time external audit
- Led due diligence efforts and contributed significantly to sale and integration of Arena Media.
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Interactive Systems Worldwide Inc.
West Paterson, NJ
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Managed financial and administrative functions for multi-entity, NASDAQ traded software developer, overseeing investor relations, accounting, reporting, treasury, tax, and human resources.
- Executed US based controllership responsibilities while advising Board on operations, cash flow, and funding strategies.
- Led company reporting and compliance initiatives for Sarbanes-Oxley Act adherence.
- Played a key role in three financing transactions which raised $11 million.
- Appointed to the Board of Directors as non-executive in April 2010.
Chief Financial Officer
Uvine.com Ltd.
London, ENG
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Created and managed financial and administrative functions for internet-based wine exchange start-up, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
- Executed controllership responsibilities and advised the Board on financial performance and funding strategies.
- Instrumental in raising $7 million in funding from several domestic and international investors.
- Facilitated acquisition of UK-based wine merchant, enhancing market presence with annual sales of $6 million.
- Appointed to the Board of Directors and became Company Secretary during the first year.
Assistant Director, Business Recovery Services
PwC (Coopers & Lybrand)
London, ENG
01.1988 - 01.2000
- Advised underperforming companies through restructuring initiatives and delivered corporate finance support across Philadelphia, PA, and London, England.
- Led PwC engagement teams across client advisory and assurance workstreams.
Treasurer and Trustee
Higher Up Opportunities, Inc.
Hightstown, NJ
05.2024 - Current
- Contributed to establishment and funding of 501(c)(3) supporting local students. Mentored two students in accounting and finance, guiding career development.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA12-1999
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05-1988
Skills
- M&A due diligence and integration
- Financial analysis and forecasting
- Working capital management
- Cost control
- Regulatory compliance
- Capital raising
- ERP systems
- Board presentations
Certification
Certified Public Accountant, State of Pennsylvania, 1990
EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS
Artificial Intelligence, AI Finance Club Member, 2026
Timeline
Fractional CFO, Consultant
09.2024 - Current
Treasurer and Trustee
Higher Up Opportunities, Inc.
05.2024 - Current
Chief Financial Officer, North America
Turner & Townsend
10.2011 - 04.2024
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Access 360 Media, Inc. (Arena Media Networks LLC)
01.2007 - 01.2011
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Interactive Systems Worldwide Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2007
Chief Financial Officer
Uvine.com Ltd.
01.2000 - 01.2001
Assistant Director, Business Recovery Services
PwC (Coopers & Lybrand)
01.1988 - 01.2000
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Temple University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
The Pennsylvania State University