Chief Financial Officer - Behavioral Health Division

About Council Capital and ViaQuest

Council Capital is a private equity firm specializing in healthcare investments, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, managing over $350 million in committed capital. They target lower middle market healthcare companies valued between $10 million and $100 million, focusing on scaling both purpose and performance. Their unique approach, the Council Model, combines seasoned operators, strategic healthcare investors, and an internal Value Creation Team to support founders and leadership in growing impactful healthcare businesses.

ViaQuest, a portfolio company, is a prominent behavioral health services provider with over 800 clinicians operating across numerous locations. They collaborate with skilled nursing facilities to offer on-site behavioral health services and handle Medicare and Medicaid billing directly. With revenues near $100 million and rapid expansion into new states, ViaQuest is positioned for continued growth supported by strong reimbursement trends and an aging patient population.

Role Overview

ViaQuest is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its behavioral health division's finance function. This role entails building and leading a new finance organization, processes, and systems to support a growing $100 million healthcare services platform. The CFO will closely collaborate with the CEO, private equity sponsors, and operational leaders to enhance financial performance, facilitate strategic initiatives, and drive long-term value creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the monthly close, delivering timely and accurate GAAP financial statements, aiming for a close period under 20 days within the first quarter.
• Develop and enforce strong internal controls including segregation of duties and approval authorities, with comprehensive documentation of accounting policies and reconciliation schedules.
• Manage the relationship with external auditors and ensure audit readiness throughout the organization.
• Lead and develop the finance team encompassing accounting, financial planning & analysis, and revenue cycle management.
• Evaluate and build out the Controller function and oversee the revenue cycle management to optimize financial oversight.
• Act as a strategic financial partner to the CEO and executive leadership, collaborating with other division CFOs to share best practices.
• Provide transparent cost-to-serve analyses, margin assessments by location, and facilitate financial support for geographic expansion.
• Manage lender relationships, ensure covenant compliance, and fulfill all financial reporting duties to the board, sponsors, and external stakeholders.
• Prepare the finance function for future capital events ensuring readiness for lender, buyer, and auditor scrutiny.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• Extensive senior accounting leadership experience as a CFO, Controller, or Chief Accounting Officer, directly managing monthly close, audits, and accounting teams.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in healthcare accounting.
• Strong foundation in controllership, having led or owned accounting operations at a senior level.
• Proven track record of establishing or rebuilding finance functions with emphasis on controls, disciplined close processes, and team growth.
• Knowledgeable about Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, revenue cycle management, and operations of multi-site healthcare entities.

Preferred Experience

• Previous CFO role is advantageous.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is highly preferred.
• Background in public accounting with audit experience at a national firm is beneficial.
• Experience working in private equity-backed or institutionally owned firms, including managing lenders and board reporting.
• Exposure to financially challenging scenarios such as turnarounds, post-diligence operations, or transitional organizations.

Leadership Traits

• Hands-on management style with direct involvement in financial work products and reviewing outputs personally.
• Builds trust via a composed, approachable manner and earns credibility through attentive listening.
• Communicates candidly and transparently, presenting data-supported viewpoints even when difficult.
• Collaborates effectively with operational and clinical teams while upholding strict financial discipline.
• Exhibits integrity, intellectual honesty, and sound decision-making under pressure.

Location and Work Arrangement

The preferred work location is Columbus, Ohio or its surrounding areas within reasonable commuting distance. The position requires onsite presence two to three days per week, with increased onsite engagement expected during the initial three months.

Compensation

ViaQuest offers a competitive executive salary package comprising a base salary, an annual performance-based bonus, and opportunities for long-term incentive participation linked to value creation. Compensation will be aligned with experience.

Equal Opportunity

Council Capital and its portfolio companies focus on assembling high-caliber teams by recruiting top talent without bias towards background. They seek individuals with innovative thinking, resilience, and a strong drive to impact healthcare positively.