John Harrell

Tampa, FL, USA

Fractional CFO | Solving Financial Challenges for Growth-Driven Businesses

As a Fractional CFO at J-Ventures, LLC, I specialize in transforming financial chaos into clarity for founder-led and venture-backed businesses. With a focus on companies generating $500K to $20M in revenue, I address critical financial challenges, from cash flow issues to profitability concerns. My approach is to provide strategic insights and actionable solutions, ensuring your business is equipped for sustainable growth and success.

John Harrell

Work

Experience

  • J-Ventures, LLC

    J-Ventures, LLC

    Founder & CEO

    May 2015 - Present

    J-Ventures LLC partners with startups, small businesses, and emerging mid-sized businesses in the $1M–$30M revenue range — delivering fractional CFO, Controller, and Advisory services that turn complexity into clarity , strategy into action , and growth into results you can measure. No full-time hire. No overhead. Just the executive-level financial assistance your business needs — at the stage you are in right now.

  • SeatonHill Partners

    SeatonHill Partners

    CFO Partner

    Dec 2024 - Jul 2025

    SeatonHill provides seasoned financial executives for either Fractional CFO, Interim CFO, or as experienced talent for professional services to address pressing situational Project Based CFO leadership and financial advisory services needs.

  • Citi

    Citi

    Vice President & Lead Analyst

    May 2009 - Dec 2011

    I provided critical financial oversight for global broker/dealer operations. I specialized in the research and resolution of complex intercompany trade breaks, ensuring operational integrity across global markets. My role involved driving financial clarity through detailed balance sheet variance analysis and managing sophisticated off-balance sheet reporting for derivative financial instruments, consistently delivering high-level technical accuracy in a fast-paced institutional environment.

  • The Aasys Group

    The Aasys Group

    Banking Consultant

    Jul 2008 - Sep 2008

    I guided de novo banks through pre-operational phases, developing readiness timelines and leading vendor negotiations. I utilized business process reviews and financial analysis to ensure scalable, efficient operations.

  • Florida Bank Group

    Florida Bank Group

    Chief Financial Officer

    Jul 2004 - Feb 2008

    As Director and CFO, I led financial management for the holding company and four subsidiaries. I chaired the ALCO and investment committees, drove M&A evaluations & related due diligence, managed the full financial lifecycle—from consolidated reporting and budgeting to delivering high-impact board and investor presentations.

  • First Tuskegee Bank

    First Tuskegee Bank

    Chief Financial Officer

    Nov 1999 - Jan 2002

    As Director and CFO, I provided strategic financial leadership by directing the bank’s financial statement preparation, budgeting, and comprehensive strategic planning. I was responsible for the active management of the asset/liability and investment portfolios, ensuring optimal balance sheet performance and risk mitigation. My role also involved complete oversight of regulatory compliance and high-level reporting for the board and management, ensuring financial transparency and alignment with long-term organizational goals.

  • Memphis First Community Bank

    Controller & Senior Vice President

    Sep 1998 - Oct 1999

    I designed and implemented the foundational accounting policies and framework for the de novo (i.e. startup) institution. I led all financial budgeting, strategic forecasting, and asset/liability (aka "ALCO") management while overseeing reporting for the bank and holding company.

  • First Tuskegee Bank

    First Tuskegee Bank

    Financial Controller

    Apr 1994 - Aug 1998

    Promoted rapidly from Senior Accountant to Controller to lead daily accounting and financial reporting. I managed the end-to-end preparation of financial statements and corporate budgeting while overseeing department staff. I also assisted in managing asset/liability and investment portfolios to ensure operational efficiency.

  • Colonial Bank

    Staff Accountant

    Dec 1990 - Apr 1994

    As a Staff Accountant at Colonial Bank, I built a strong foundation in institutional accounting, managing general ledger accuracy and month-end closings. This role provided critical experience in high-volume regional banking operations and rigorous financial reporting standards.