Angela Rothwell helped guide Precise Systems through a stretch that would test most finance organizations: nearly 89% revenue growth, four acquisitions to integrate, and a workforce that climbed from 793 employees to over 1,340 — all while keeping DCAA and DCMA compliance intact across mission-critical government programs.
Rothwell is a finalist for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards in the Private Company CFO of the Year (Annual Revenue Greater than $100M and Less than $500M) category. The event takes place live June 2.
Here, Rothwell discusses the financial integration work behind Precise Systems’ growth, why scaling responsibly is her top priority going forward, and the career advice she gives finance professionals coming up behind her.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
Throughout 2025 and 2026, I helped lead Precise Systems through a period of significant growth and
transformation while maintaining financial stability, operational continuity, and compliance across the
organization. One of my primary focuses was leading the financial integration of four acquired companies,
including the alignment of accounting systems, payroll, reporting structures, billing processes, and
operational workflows into a unified enterprise environment.
As the company experienced nearly 89% revenue growth and expanded from 793 employees to more than
1,340 employees, I focused on strengthening our financial infrastructure to support scalability and long-term
strategic decision-making. This included modernizing budgeting and forecasting models to better support
multiple revenue streams, cost centers, and contract portfolios.
I also worked closely with finance, operations, contracts, and program leadership to help ensure continuity
across mission-critical government programs while maintaining compliance with DCAA and DCMA
requirements.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
One of my primary focus areas going forward is ensuring we continue to scale responsibly while maintaining
the operational discipline and compliance standards required in the federal contracting space. As government agencies evolve their priorities and procurement models, it is critical that we remain agile, financially strong, and strategically aligned with our customers’ missions. I am also focused on investing in technology, data visibility, and process improvements that allow us to make faster, more informed decisions while supporting sustainable growth. In a highly competitive environment, financial stewardship is not just about managing numbers—it is about enabling the organization to deliver consistent value to both our customers and employees.
Equally important is developing and retaining strong talent across the organization. Long-term success in
government contracting depends on building teams that are adaptable, collaborative, and committed to
excellence. I believe leadership should create an environment where people understand how their work
contributes to the broader mission, because that connection drives accountability, innovation, and
performance. As CFO, I see my role not only as protecting the financial health of the company, but also as
helping position the organization for future opportunities and continued mission impact.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
The best career advice I can offer to those who want to follow a similar path is to stay curious and never limit
yourself to just one functional area. Strong financial leaders understand operations, strategy, customer
needs, and people—not just accounting principles. Be willing to take on challenges outside of your comfort
zone, build relationships across the business, and focus on earning trust through consistency and integrity.
Technical skills are important, but leadership, communication, and adaptability are what ultimately create
long-term success.