CG

Cj Gustafson

CFO

CJ Gustafson - Chief Financial Officer at PartsTech



Current Role


CJ Gustafson currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at PartsTech, a leading company in the technology sector. He has been in this role since before January 2023 and has been pivotal in managing the company’s finances, investor relations, and strategic growth initiatives.

Professional Experience


  • PartsTech: As CFO, CJ has played a crucial role in overseeing financial operations, including the company's $35M Series C funding in May 2023.

  • FundFire: Previously served as Portfolio Manager.

  • Snyk: Held the position of Director of Investor Relations.


Education


  • Boston College - Carroll School of Management: Earned a BS in finance, which provided him with a rigorous academic foundation and professional networks that have bolstered his career.


Notable Contributions and Achievements


  • Mostly Metrics Newsletter: CJ is the creator of the "Mostly Metrics" newsletter, which is widely read for its insightful and often humorous take on business metrics.

  • Podcast Host: Hosts "Run the Numbers", a podcast focused on financial metrics and business models designed for tech startups.


Key Insights from His First Year as a CFO


In a detailed reflection on his first year as CFO at PartsTech, CJ shared several critical lessons:
  • Removing Organizational Blockers: Emphasizes the importance of eliminating roadblocks to accelerate overall business operations.

  • Finance Leadership: Recognizes the multifaceted role of a CFO, serving as chief psychologist, chief contract signer, and chief risk officer.

  • Integration with Business Intelligence (BI): Explains the strategic decision to place BI under the CFO to enhance data insights and augment FP&A functions.

  • Favorite Metrics: Identifies ARR per employee and CAC payback period as key SaaS metrics.

  • Meeting Strategies: Highlights the importance of "the meeting before the meeting" to streamline decision-making processes.


Views on FP&A


CJ has shared insightful perspectives on FP&A based on his extensive experience:
  • As CFO, he places significant importance on knowing financial metrics better than anyone else, which he sees as instrumental in attaining the CFO role.

  • Advocates for the integration of FP&A with Business Intelligence, believing it supercharges data insights and informs better strategic decisions.


Public Engagements and Thought Leadership


  • New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Interviews: Recently completed a series of CFO interviews at the NYSE, showcasing PartsTech and discussing broader financial trends.

  • Publications: Regularly posts on LinkedIn, covering topics such as operational models, cash burn rates, and financial strategy. His posts are well-received within the finance and tech communities.


Strategic Insights and Analysis


  • Cash Burn Management: CJ’s recent discussions focus on the nuanced approach to managing cash burn in SaaS startups, collaborating with partners to analyze the impact of burn on growth and profitability.

  • Strategic Planning: Emphasizes a balanced approach in financial planning, considering both growth and profitability to maximize company valuations.

  • Advisory Engagements: Provides actionable advice through his podcast and public posts, showcasing a deep understanding of financial metrics and strategic financial planning.


Summary


CJ Gustafson stands out as a versatile and dynamic CFO at PartsTech, combining a robust educational background, extensive professional experience, and a profound understanding of financial metrics and business strategies. He is an influential thought leader in the finance sector, particularly in SaaS financial management, and continues to contribute valuable insights through various public platforms.