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Kurt McFarland, Finance Expert in San Francisco, United States
Kurt McFarland

Finance Expert in San Francisco, United States

Member since September 29, 2020
Kurt is a former investment banker who provides strategic CFO services to high-growth companies. As a consultant, he brings a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, tailored to the unique requirements of each client. He is equally comfortable partnering with C-suite execs and boards as diving into the weeds alongside junior staff. Kurt has held numerous finance and strategy leadership roles within VC and PE-backed companies operating in healthcare, food, technology, retail, and mobility sectors.
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Career Highlights

Education

Select Certifications

  • CFA
    CFA institute

Expertise

Employment

  • Interim CFO

    2021 - 2022
    NationBuilder
    • Rebuilt NationBuilder's financial model and led the 2022 budgeting process. Worked closely with the CEO, President, and leadership team to identify key business drivers and improve forecasting accuracy.
    • NationBuilder acquired Speakable in early 2021, and I managed the integration process, including migrating accounting systems, setting up new systems and processes, and creating consolidated reports.
    • Managed the 2021 audit process for NationBuilder and its subsidiaries, including Speakable and international entities.
    Focus areas: Accounting, Budgeting, Board Reporting, CFO, M&A (Buy-side), Financial Modeling, US GAAP, Corporate Finance, Strategy, Forecasting, Analytics, Project Management, Pricing, Operational Finance, Reporting, Intuit QuickBooks, Stripe, Microsoft Excel, Expensify, Financial Reporting, QuickBooks Online, Startups

  • CFO

    2020 - 2021
    Kinela
    • Led the successful acquisition of a clinical services business and the associated equity capital raise.
    • Rebuilt and streamlined modeling, budgeting, reporting, and analytics processes across the business.
    • Assumed responsibility for the food operations division; led the COVID-19 supply chain project; and implemented processes that improved data, performance tracking, supplier management, and new product development.
    • Led a project to improve receivables collection, reducing the average receivables days by 40% (from 24 to 14) within six months.
    Focus areas: M&A (Buy-side), Finance Strategy, Corporate Finance, Operational Finance, Accounting, Reporting, Analytics, Budgeting, Capital Raising, Strategy, Forecasting, Project Management, Pricing, Xero, Stripe, Microsoft Excel, Expensify, CFO, Financial Reporting, Financial Modeling, Startups, Fundraising

  • Director

    2019 - 2021
    KPM Capital
    • Identified an underserved market segment in the high-growth startup space and developed specialized systems, tools, and methodologies to serve the unique needs of these types of clients.
    • Built a loyal and recurring client base of high-growth companies entirely from personal networks and referrals.
    • Transitioned to providing fully remote CFO services during COVID-19 without compromising client requirements or outcomes.
    Focus areas: CFO, Virtual CFO, Strategy, Corporate Finance, Budgeting, Forecasting, Analytics, Project Management, Accounting, Pricing, Operational Finance, Reporting, Xero, Stripe, Microsoft Excel, Expensify, Financial Reporting, Financial Modeling, Startups, Fundraising

  • Head of Finance

    2017 - 2019
    Expert360
    • Led successful capital raising, sales target setting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, statutory and management reporting, business analytics, tax, and compliance.
    • Rebuilt and streamlined modeling, reporting, forecasting tools, and analytics processes across the business.
    • Provided real-time data and dashboards to drive improvements in the sales team, resulting in net revenue growth of 125% in less than two years and seven consecutive quarters of QoQ growth.
    • Participated as an observer (non-voting member) in all quarterly board meetings and managed investor relations.
    Focus areas: Finance, Corporate Finance, Strategy, Capital Raising, Operational Finance, Forecasting, Budgeting, Analytics, Project Management, Accounting, Pricing, Reporting, Xero, Stripe, Microsoft Excel, Expensify, CFO, Financial Reporting, Financial Modeling, Startups, Fundraising

  • Transformation Associate

    2016 - 2017
    Ingham's Chicken
    • Executed projects initiated under private equity ownership as part of "Project Accelerate," resulting in $200 million of annual earnings improvements.
    • Developed and implemented a turnaround strategy for the Turkey division, which went from breakeven in FY16 to EBITDA of AUD 8 million in FY17 (from a combination of cost-out, operational improvements, and launch of new products).
    • Played a key role in a successful AUD 1.2 billion IPO deal team in 2016. I was responsible for drafting the prospectus and marketing materials, financial analysis, and managing the IPO verification process.
    Focus areas: Strategy, Corporate Finance, Budgeting, Forecasting, Analytics, Project Management, Pricing, Operational Finance, Microsoft Excel, Financial Modeling, Fundraising

  • Associate

    2010 - 2013
    Qatar First Bank
    • Managed investments across the entire lifecycle for a $430 million fund, including originating, screening, due diligence, executing deals, improving operational performance, and exiting.
    • Served as an investor and advisor for a $4 billion stadium redevelopment and real estate project consortium for the 2022 World Cup.
    • Executed the successful sale of a Qatar-based construction company for $77 million that generated a two-time return in less than two years.
    • Served as an investor and advisor for a $300 million capital raise for a Qatar hotel development project.
    • Invested successfully in Memorial Healthcare Group (Turkey's second-largest healthcare provider) and Al Rifai (a Lebanon-based manufacturer and retailer of nuts, kernels, and snacks).
    Focus areas: Private Equity, Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), M&A (Buy-side), Forecasting, Valuation, Project Management, Microsoft Excel, Financial Modeling, Fundraising

  • Assistant Manager

    2009 - 2009
    Seera Investment Bank
    • Managed private equity investments for a $300 million fund across origination, execution, and exit.
    • Implemented performance improvement initiatives and managed the sale process of BWA Water Additives (a UK-based global provider of water treatment chemicals), leading to a successful sale that generated an IRR of 20%.
    • Served as a board observer (non-voting member) at Kosan Crisplant, a Denmark-based provider of LPG cylinder systems and solutions.
    Focus areas: Private Equity, Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), M&A (Buy-side), Forecasting, Valuation, Project Management, Microsoft Excel, Financial Modeling, Fundraising

  • Analyst

    2007 - 2009
    Macquarie
    • Executed principal investments and advised clients on M&A transactions. Created financial models, business plans, IMs, pitch books, teasers, and industry research, and managed the transaction project.
    • Advised Macquarie Media Group on the AUD $1.3 billion listed takeover of Southern Cross Broadcasting.
    • Executed principal investments in Zhaopin ($105 million) and Ambow ($54 million), using Macquarie's balance sheet.
    • Advised European Directories on the €290 million acquisition of Gouden Gids (directories) in the Netherlands.
    • Led Fujitsu Australia on the AUD$250 million acquisition of KAZ Group (IT services).
    • Advised Pacific Equity Partners on the AUD$440 million acquisition of Hoyts Group (cinema chain).
    Focus areas: M&A (Buy-side), M&A (Sell-side), Cross-border M&A, Valuation, Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Investment Analysis, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Forecasting, Project Management, Microsoft Excel, Financial Modeling, Fundraising

Education

  • MBA in Business Administration
    2013 - 2014
    IE Business School - Madrid, Spain
  • Bachelor's Degree in Commerce
    2003 - 2006
    University of Sydney - Sydney, Australia

Certifications

  • CFA
    SEPTEMBER 2012 - PRESENT
    CFA institute

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