Jeffrey Solomon grew up in the 1970’s in the world famous San Fernando Valley.  After graduating from Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, CA, he made the cross-country journey to Boston for his undergraduate studies.  While he was working on studies at Brandeis University, Jeff earned 3 Varsity Letters as a collegiate fencer and was part of the 1986 New England Championship team.  After receiving Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brandeis, a prestigious, small, liberal arts college located in Waltham, MA, he moved back to the West Coast to begin his career.

Finance Career

In 1999, Jeff changed careers and industries as he took on the newly formed role of Director of Finance & Administration for Facility Information Systems (FIS), a leading ERP software developer of corporate real estate facility management for both Fortune 500 and government clients.  The Director of Finance & Administration oversaw all of the finance & accounting functions, information technology (including a server room loaded with 20 servers and a beta version of Voice Over IP), human resources, and facilities (including a top of the line, fob-based entry and security system). During his tenure, FIS expanded exponentially (value increased 2 ½ times; US government became a client) as the CEO was freed to concentrate on corporate growth.

Following the collapse of the technology bubble, Jeff moved to another new industry, franchising.  As Controller for what is now known as Coverall of Mountain & Pacific, he oversaw all of finance & accounting, information technology and human resources.  During his tenure, many new challenges presented themselves and, each time, creative solutions were implemented.  Coverall used a proprietary software system to track and link customers and franchisees, but this system was not an accounting system that could produce financials.  Jeff re-engineered and streamlined the processes employed to take data from the proprietary system and load it into a financial software package that contained the full range of reports as well as budgeting tools in order to measure strategic progress.  He also installed upgraded technology to inter-connect Coverall’s five California locations.

In 2007, Jeff culminated four years of hard work taking night classes at California Lutheran University to earn his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA).  CLU is a highly-ranked business school located in Thousand Oaks, California.  His focus was on finance and executive management.

Starting in 2004, Jeff began a 7-year run with UPM Global (UPM), an entrepreneurial, manufacturing company that sold collectible sets and jewelry that used coins as its centerpiece.  Managing administration and operations for the company’s absentee ownership, Jeff was responsible for oversight of finance/accounting, information technology, human resources and facilities.  As a manufacturer, UPM was an inventory-based organization. As in the past, the hurdle of tackling perpetual inventory was easily accomplished and Jeff has mastered cost accounting. Also, he oversaw the upgrade of the computer infrastructure (new server and workstations) as well as the installation of a new accounting software package that improved the quality of reporting and measuring tools while reducing costs and increasing efficiency.  He implemented a safety program for the first time in company history that drastically reduced Workers’ Compensation insurance premiums. Through a conversion of the existing payroll system, he cut costs and reduced internal time spent on processing.

In 2012, Jeff further extended his industry reach entering into the field of education.  From 2012 to 2014, Jeff served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for Emek Hebrew Academy, the oldest Jewish day school in the San Fernando Valley.  During his tenure, his accomplishments included fixing their cash flow turning a $100k annual shortfall into a $300k surplus during his first year through the right sizing of their classroom staffing.  He also oversaw a migration to a new payroll system that upgrade functionality at a lower cost.  The largest accomplishment was the complex refinancing of the mortgage for the main property combining over 50 loans into one which simplified the balance sheet while providing clarity to the school’s expenses.

Later Career

In late 2014, Jeff moved back into the technology field as the Chief Financial Officer for CAD/CAM Consulting Services, the Southern California seller and distributor of Mastercam (the world’s premier software for manufacturing parts).  Jeff’s breadth of skills allowed the owner to take a step back from day-to-day operations while Jeff ran the business.  During this time, CCCS saw unprecedented 35% growth including the top 3 sales months in company history.  Jeff migrated their accounting system to Quickbooks which allowed the company to gain increased accuracy with respect to their financial situation (which is in good shape).  He also led the effort to move many internal systems to the cloud which made the transition to remote work during the 2020 COVID shutdowns seamless.

In 2021, Jeff assumed the role as Chief Operations Officer for ICT Enterprises, a managed service provider (MSP) for dental practices.  During his brief tenure, he upgraded the technology stack that the company offered to their clients to remotely manage their internal networks, assisted in the initial build-out of a new facility, and migrated their payroll to a new platform.  All of these moves helped to reduce the expenses and shift the company towards a better position for a future sale.

In mid-2021, Jeff was appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer for the Manor Independent School District, a $100 million school district in the suburbs of Austin, Texas.  From 2021 to 2024, under Jeff’s direction, Manor’s finances improved from a C-Rating to an A-Rating according to the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST).  He also oversaw a $5+ million surplus under his first year of leadership in the face of a $7 million budgeted deficit.  Jeff’s tenure at Manor ISD makes him the longest serving CFO in their 100+ year history.

CFO On The Go

Since 2011, Jeff has managed his own CFO consulting practice using his multi-industry background, experience, and education to assist a select few entrepreneurial, small business owners to tackle the challenges of operating in today’s challenging and ever-changing economic times.  Jeff continues to raise up entrepreneurs in an effort to grow the economy and help small business owners in better operating their enterprise.  This provides them with a level of comfort in knowing their business is in good hands.

Starting in the summer of 2024, Jeff has chosen to open up his consulting practice to more businesses and is in the process of expanding his client base.