José Villarino

Fractional CFO

“I serve my clients by bringing clarity to complexity. Whether it’s forecasting growth, navigating uncertainty, or aligning finance with mission, my role is to turn data into decisions and strategy into impact. I don’t just advise from the sidelines - I embed, collaborate, and help build the financial backbone that leaders need to move forward with confidence.”

“I turn financial noise into strategic clarity - so leaders can focus on growth, impact, and what matters most.”

Email address

jose.villarino@5ftviewfractionalexperts.com

Expertise

Markets/Industries/Sectors

I’m a strategic finance leader with a passion for helping growth-stage organizations unlock clarity, scalability, and performance. Over the years, I’ve worked across manufacturing, technology, consulting, and nonprofit sectors, partnering with CEOs and Executive Directors to build financial systems that support bold decisions and sustainable growth.

My career has spanned Fortune 100s, global enterprises, and tech-driven startups. At Hewlett-Packard, I played a key role in integrating forecasts and strategic planning during the $24B Compaq merger. Later, as Global FP&A Leader at gategroup, I oversaw financial operations across 135+ sites in 20+ countries. These experiences taught me how to lead through complexity, align cross-functional teams, and deliver insights that drive action.

Today, I work with $10M – $50M revenue businesses – many of which lack a dedicated CFO – to provide fractional leadership that’s both strategic and hands-on. I’ve helped growth-stage companies navigate funding rounds, operational pivots, and digital transformation. I specialize in designing zero-based budgets, automating reporting, and building predictive models that give leaders the confidence to move forward.

What sets me apart is my ability to embed with executive teams and translate financial data into strategic clarity. I don’t just deliver numbers – I help shape the narrative behind them. Whether it’s improving cash flow visibility, preparing for investor conversations, or aligning finance with mission, I bring a collaborative approach that’s tailored to each organization’s goals.

I’m especially drawn to purpose-driven organizations, including nonprofits, where financial clarity can be a catalyst for impact. I believe in building a better world for the next generation, and I’m proud to support leaders who share that vision.

I’ve also led and mentored teams of 20+ FP&A professionals, fostering cultures of precision, adaptability, and continuous learning. I have earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA in International Finance.

If you’re navigating growth, complexity, or simply need a strategic partner to elevate your financial operations, I’d welcome the opportunity to connect. Let’s build something that lasts.