Christopher Oliss
Connect on LinkedinChristopher Oliss
CFO
About
Chris believes every business has a unique story, and every business owner deserves a financial partner who understands both the financial and operational challenges they face. After more than 25 years as a CFO and finance executive, Chris chose to work with small and mid sized businesses because he enjoys partnering directly with owners, helping them solve problems, make informed decisions, and see the impact those decisions have on their businesses. For Chris, success is not measured by financial reports. It is measured by helping owners achieve their goals and build stronger companies.
Throughout his career, Chris has guided organizations through periods of growth, operational change, refinancing, acquisitions, restructuring, and expansion. One example was leading the financial and operational transition of a manufacturing company from traditional term financing to an asset based lending structure while improving working capital. The result was stronger liquidity, greater financial flexibility, and a stronger foundation for future growth. Chris has a knack for bringing structure to complex situations, helping owners gain clarity, evaluate opportunities with confidence, and move their businesses forward. His goal is to leave every business stronger than he found it by improving cash flow, strengthening decision making, reducing risk, and building sustainable, transferable business value.
Before FocusCFO
Chris has served in senior finance leadership roles for privately held, private equity backed, and public companies ranging from growth organizations to established manufacturers. Along the way, he has worked alongside owners, CEOs, boards, lenders, and leadership teams to improve cash flow, strengthen profitability, secure financing, manage risk, integrate acquisitions, and lead businesses through periods of growth and change.
Those experiences taught Chris that successful businesses are built on more than sound financial statements. They require clear priorities, disciplined execution, and informed decision making. Having led organizations through refinancing, operational improvement, restructuring, acquisitions, and strategic planning, he understands the challenges business owners face and the importance of having an experienced financial partner who can provide both strategic perspective and practical solutions
What attracted you to FocusCFO?
Chris was drawn to FocusCFO because its mission closely aligns with the work he has found most rewarding throughout his career: helping entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and achieve their personal and professional goals. He believes business owners deserve more than accurate financial reports. They deserve an experienced financial partner who becomes part of the leadership team, helps simplify complex decisions, and provides the clarity needed to make confident decisions.
FocusCFO's commitment to making an impact, respecting the entrepreneur, and serving as an experienced teacher and guide reflects Chris's own approach to leadership. He values the organization's collaborative culture, commitment to continuous learning, and proven process, recognizing that the best outcomes are achieved by combining experience with teamwork and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Chris is excited to be part of a team dedicated to helping business owners build sustainable, transferable business value while making a lasting difference in the businesses and communities they serve.
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.
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.
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.
