CFOs Unsung Heroes behind Successful Businesses

The chief financial officer of any company has a finger directly on the pulse of the business and plays a major role in driving its success. Because they do so much behind the scenes, it’s important to recognize the hard work of CFOs, said Tyler Dabo, Utah Business publisher, during a luncheon honoring the magazine’s eight CFO of the Year recipients.

“Business definitely fuels our economy and the CFO has his foot on the accelerator,” said Clair Rood, tax practice leader at CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., which sponsored the event.

Unused to being in the spotlight, every honored CFO tried to pass on praise to their teams, saying the people they work with really deserve the credit.

Schiff Nutrition International CFO Joe Baty said the key is surrounding yourself with high-quality people who will make you look good.

Andrew Limpert, Profire Energy CFO, said his success has more to do with a good company and employees than himself. Success is also based on finding role models, he said. “Find a good mentor. Find someone you can pattern your business after.”

While many businesses have seen financial changes during the recession, a CFO has to be able to weather that storm. Cleon Butterfield, Utah Housing Corporation CFO, said what helped him through tough times is “a belief that with every challenge comes an opportunity.”

Complete list of honorees:

Joseph W. Baty, Schiff Nutrition International, Inc.
Howard Hochhauser, Ancestry.com
Andrew W. Limpert, Profire Energy, Inc.
Christopher A. Black, Vivint, Inc.
Jeff Ipsen, Wheeler Machinery Co.
Brent L. Rowser, Del Sol and Cariloha
Ken Kaufman, Aribex, Inc.
Cleon P. Butterfield, Utah Housing Corporation