Lew Derbes, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Professional Overview
Lew Derbes is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer with over 25 years of diverse experience in the finance and accounting sectors. He is currently the CFO at Bernhard, a leading engineering and construction firm, where he oversees all financial operations and strategic initiatives to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at Bernhard, Lew is responsible for managing the company's financial planning, reporting, and risk management processes. He plays a pivotal role in aligning financial strategy with the organization's long-term objectives, ensuring efficient capital allocation and effective cost management. Under his leadership, Bernhard has achieved significant improvements in financial performance, enhanced operational efficiency, and strengthened its competitive position in the industry.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Bernhard, Lew held various senior finance and accounting roles, including Chief Financial Officer at HRI Properties and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer at Stewart Enterprises. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong track record of driving business transformation, implementing robust financial controls, and delivering measurable results. Lew's extensive experience in the construction, real estate, and funeral services industries has equipped him with a deep understanding of complex financial and operational challenges.
Academic Background
Lew Derbes holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has consistently maintained his professional certifications throughout his career, ensuring his knowledge and skills remain current with industry best practices.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- Treasury management and cash flow optimization
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
- Enterprise risk management
- Financial reporting and compliance
- Process improvement and operational efficiency
- Strategic decision-making and business partnering
Professional Impact
During his tenure at HRI Properties, Lew spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive financial reporting system, which improved transparency and enabled data-driven decision-making. At Stewart Enterprises, he played a pivotal role in the company's successful acquisition and integration of several industry competitors, contributing to its market leadership position.
Conclusion
With his proven track record of financial leadership, Lew Derbes is well-positioned to continue driving Bernhard's growth and profitability. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative approach make him a valuable asset to the organization and a respected leader in the industry.
