SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY

Executive for Rent: Need a chief financial officer but worried about paying a six-figure salary?

Paul J. Schneider, former chief financial officer of MSI Data Corp. in Costa Mesa, says he has a low-cost solution.

Schneider has started his own business as a consulting chief financial officer in Irvine. He offers various services, such as advice on cost reduction, product margin improvement, new product introductions, merger and acquisition analysis and negotiation, legal analysis, public offering transactions and other financial management issues.

“The continued cost of hiring an internal CFO is well into the six figures, whereas my services can be utilized, on an as-needed basis, with no ongoing financial commitment,” Schneider said.

Because of negative economic conditions, Schneider said he believes that the timing is right for starting a financial consulting service. Schneider said his expertise falls mainly in technology, though he has clients in other fields.