Back in September of 2021, Jeremy Johnson, Senior Vice President of Finance at Ceridian (now Dayforce), decided it was time to test his mettle—a decision that led him far from where he began, only to return with a leadership perspective somewhat different from what he expected. Determined to challenge himself and expand his horizons, Johnson left the familiarity of Ceridian, where he had steadily advanced his career for the past nine and a half years, to accept a CFO position with SmartRecruiters.

Johnson’s test, however, was about to grow exponentially. At SmartRecruiters, circumstances propelled him into an even more demanding role, that of the interim CEO. This unexpected turn of events was not just a mere career stint but a transformational experience—one Johnson tells us has influenced his approach to finance leadership, infusing it with broader strategic insights and a nuanced understanding of the business.

Upon his return to Dayforce as CFO, it felt like a narrative coming full circle. “This return signifies more than just coming back; it represents the culmination of my growth, challenges, and the broader leadership perspective I’ve gained,” Johnson remarks. His journey, including the unforeseen stint as CEO, Johnson tells us, has endowed him with experiences and a visionary approach to the finance leadership role.

His Early Days: Johnson tells us his early career was significantly shaped by his early experiences at Capella University, where he built a relationship with CFO Lois Martin, who became a critical mentor. His responsibilities in SEC reporting and managing disclosure committees provided a strong foundation in financial reporting and regulatory compliance.