Barry Pennell
Connect on LinkedinBarry Pennell
CFO
Research Triangle
About
Barry Pennell is a Fractional CFO with 30 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses turn financial complexity into clear direction. He’s spent most of his career alongside business owners, because he enjoys understanding the whole operation—how work gets done, what customers value, and what the numbers are really saying. Barry brings structure without overcomplicating things, so leaders can make confident decisions, protect what they’ve built, and create sustainable, transferable value.
Known for being organized, analytical, and genuinely curious, Barry helps teams get back to basics: sharpen the offer, focus on the customer, and put simple financial rhythms in place (cash flow visibility, smart budgeting, and practical metrics). His goal is to be a trusted advisor who brings perspective and peace of mind, so owners have a business that runs cleaner, earns better, and is built to last.
Available Resources
Are You Ready For a Fractional CFO?
Before FocusCFO
Prior to FocusCFO, Barry Pennell served as COO/CFO for a top North Carolina law firm, leading finance and operations while partnering closely with leadership on growth, pricing, and profitability decisions. Across more than two decades in senior roles, he built practical financial reporting and KPI tools, improved margins through disciplined cost control, and guided teams through major transitions—from expansion and office buildouts to rapid operational shifts. Earlier in his career, he led a nonprofit organization which sharpened his ability to balance mission, cash flow, and accountability. That blend of hands-on financial leadership and real-world operating experience prepares him to help small and mid-sized business owners get clear on the numbers, make confident decisions, and grow with control.
What attracted you to FocusCFO?
I was quickly impressed with the professionalism and organization of FocusCFO. Everything they do is laser focused on their clients. In addition, FocusCFO is not a collection of individual financial professionals - they are a team of more than 200 professionals who collectively fulfill the needs of each client.
At FocusCFO, we help you direct your financial strategy and achieve your goals, giving you the freedom to change your life.
FocusCFO provides expert to help entrepreneurs like you overcome these obstacles and achieve sustainable, transferable business value.
Part of Your Team
Our experienced CFOs become an embedded part of your leadership team, providing strategic financial guidance to drive growth and profitability
C-Level Experience
Benefit from the insights of seasoned financial executives who have decades of experience working in industry, not just for it, as financial executives and entrepreneurs.
Team Approach
Leverage the collective wisdom of our collaborative team of CFOs - decades of expertise and best practices derived from a culture of collaboration and teamwork.THE VALUE PYRAMID PROCESS
Guiding entrepreneurs on the climb to building sustainable, transferable business value
Our fractional CFOs provide the expertise of a full-time CFO at a fraction of the cost, with the flexibility to scale your support as needed. You will gain a clear understanding of your financial performance, streamline your operations, and develop a strategic roadmap for success.
