CFO PARTNER

Steve Szirmai

I’m a strategic finance executive with experience building multiple business units from the ground up and guiding them through to maturity. I’ve led business transformations, navigated complex M&A transactions, and introduced greater financial and operational excellence and transparency across organizations. My expertise spans strategic management, operations, international business development, business analytics, and financial modeling.

My expertise includes:

  • Finance and strategic leadership

  • Acting as a trusted CFO and advisor

  • Mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and valuations

  • Financial modeling, budgeting, and process optimization

  • Operations management and business transformation

  • Developing KPIs and leveraging data analytics for performance

  • Leading global operations and cross-border expansion

  • Bridging finance and operations across complex environments

  • 20+ years of international experience across 25+ countries

Before joining the Florida CFO Group, I served as a consulting CFO and COO for clients across international markets, aviation, technology, distribution, financial services, leasing, and vendor finance industries. My work focused on driving strategic growth and development, and I frequently led buy- and sell-side M&A, due diligence, valuations, business transformations, and operations strategy. I also specialized in SaaS KPIs and performance metrics.

Earlier in my career, I was the Director of Worldwide Operations for Microsoft Financing. Prior to that, I held several management positions in banking with WestLB and its subsidiaries across Germany, Europe, and the United States. I also worked in finance roles at HSBC in both New York and Hong Kong, as well as JPMorgan Chase (formerly Chase Manhattan Bank) in New York.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work in a wide range of industries, including aviation, IT (development consulting, VAR, startups, managed services, and gaming), distribution, professional services, auto dealerships, textiles, Amazon marketplace sellers, solar, and payroll firms. I specialize in helping clients prepare for change-of-control events—whether a sale, M&A, or private equity/family office investment. This includes everything from financial modeling and pitch decks to transaction negotiation, execution, and post-deal integration, all with an eye and focus on building enterprise value.

Thanks to my 25 years in banking, I often say I “speak Banker.” I’ve successfully helped clients secure funding through VC, PE, and traditional bank financing routes.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from Canisius University, an MBA in Finance from the University of Rochester, and a Certificate in Advanced Accounting from the University of Washington. I’m fluent in German and Hungarian and have intermediate Spanish language skills. I currently live in the Sarasota, Florida area.

Some examples of significant initiatives that I have led and their benefits to my clients and employers include:

  • Leading business transformations across multiple industries, including aviation, technology, financial services, and distribution, resulting in streamlined operations, improved transparency, and stronger financial performance.
  • Building multiple business units from the ground up and scaling them through to maturity, helping companies establish foundational structures that support long-term growth.
  • Executing buy-side and sell-side M&A transactions, including due diligence, valuations, and post-deal integration, enabling clients to successfully close deals, maximize enterprise value, and transition smoothly during change of control events.
  • Supporting clients in preparing for firm sales or private equity investment by developing robust financial models, pitch decks, and negotiating transaction terms, all tailored to the expectations of sophisticated investors and institutional buyers.
  • Serving as a consulting CFO and COO across international markets, providing strategic guidance and operational execution in sectors such as vendor finance, solar, IT services, Amazon marketplace sellers, and more.
  • Helping clients secure funding through venture capital, private equity, and traditional banking routes, drawing on over 25 years of direct banking experience and the ability to “speak Banker.”
  • Leading global operations for Microsoft Financing, overseeing cross-border initiatives and infrastructure, and aligning international teams under unified strategies.
  • Supporting SaaS and technology firms with the implementation of KPI dashboards and metrics for better decision-making and performance tracking.

My focus has always been on helping businesses unlock value, whether that’s through strategic finance leadership, operational transformation, or preparing for high-stakes transactions like M&A or private equity investment. I’ve consistently excelled at bringing structure to complexity, building finance and operations functions from the ground up, and guiding companies through pivotal growth or change-of-control moments. My background in global banking and corporate finance, combined with hands-on COO experience, allows me to support both the strategic and tactical needs of a business.

Looking ahead, my vision is to continue working as a trusted partner to business leaders, helping them scale with confidence, improve financial transparency, and navigate increasingly global and data-driven markets. I’m especially energized by opportunities that involve international growth, cross-functional collaboration, and maximizing enterprise value in advance of significant liquidity events.

Previously, I held executive financial positions at mid- to large-sized companies including:

CFO / Strategic Financial Advisor – Multiple companies across private equity, SaaS, eCommerce, and financial services (CFO Selections, Merit Harbor Group, Strategic CFO Consulting)

Director of Worldwide Operations, Microsoft FinancingMicrosoft

Senior Vice President of Finance & TreasurerBoullioun Aviation Services (WestLB aircraft leasing subsidiary)

CFO & Director of Operations – Investment ManagementWestLB Asset Management (U.S.)

CFO, Director of Finance & Deputy General ManagerVarious WestLB International Banking Subsidiaries (Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, Russia)

Division Financial ControllerBanking and financial services organizations (New York)

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