The Company
Industry: Consumer Products
Entity Type: Employee-Owned (ESOP)
Operating Region: North America
Size: $50M
The PROBLEM
Amid an organizational turnaround, the Controller resigned, creating an urgent need for financial leadership. The company needed an experienced interim Controller to manage the financial close process, lead the upcoming budget cycle, assess operations, and implement improvements to financial procedures — all while stabilizing the department during a period of change.
The Solution
McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders placed an experienced finance leader with over 30 years of experience in strategic and operational planning. With a background in wholesale and manufacturing environments, the interim leader brought deep expertise in month-end close, budgeting, and inventory accuracy that aligned financial operations with performance goals.
The RESULT
The interim Controller stabilized the department and stepped in to manage FP&A duties following a staff departure. They led the year-end close and delivered the board package, while also finalizing the 2025 budget for board approval. Beyond execution, the interim leader played a critical role in fostering a motivated, collaborative culture within the accounting function.
2025 Budget Finalized
Led the budget process and successfully submitted the final version for board approval.
Month-End Close Stabilized
Brought the team up to date on a delayed close and ensured timely reporting aligned with bank covenants.
Audit Preparation + Reporting Accuracy
Maintained audit readiness while improving reporting accuracy and driving balance sheet clean-up.
James Hickey
Senior Managing Director, McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders
hickey@mbexec.com
James Hickey serves as a Senior Managing Director for McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders, helping companies with mission-critical needs for talented executives during key points in their life cycle. He also works closely with Private Equity Groups to help their portfolio companies when there are gaps in leadership or to provide additional support to the team during critical transactions.