The trucking company USA Truck announced Thursday morning Clifton R. Beckham will resign as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective September 30.

The reason is “to pursue new career opportunities” the company said, and is conducting a search for a new CFO.

Beckham is willing to remain available in an advisory capacity if a permanent chief financial officer has not been appointed before he leaves, in which case the company board will appoint an interim CFO, according to USA Truck.

"On behalf of the board of directors and the entire company, I want to thank Cliff for his invaluable contributions over 20 years of service to USA Truck," said USA Truck Chairman Robert A. Peiser.  "Since returning to his previous role as chief financial officer in February 2013 after serving as chief executive officer for nearly six years, Cliff continued to demonstrate singular dedication and tireless efforts to implementing the company's turnaround plan.”

The news comes as USA Truck last week reported its first quarterly profit in three years. 

"The milestone we achieved for the second quarter, reporting the first quarter of positive net income in three years, presented an opportune time for me to pursue new career challenges,” said Beckham.