Vice President of Finance

RHH202205

Manufacturing

THE COMPANY

Our client is a privately-owned high-mix low-volume manufacturing company in Southeast Michigan. They produce unique products that help better people’s lives every day. They have a strong culture based on collaboration, caring, and teamwork.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Vice President of Finance will organize and manage all finance and accounting activities, systems, and resources. This role is part of the company’s leadership team and will participate cross-functionally in both leading and supporting the overall performance improvement and growth of the business. They will provide both financial and operational support to the Company and the entire leadership team. The VP of Finance will report on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to GAAP, accounting functions, budget management, cost-benefit analysis, compliance, and forecasting. The VP of Finance will prepare or direct the preparation of reports which summarize and forecast business activity and the company’s financial position in areas of income, expenses, earnings, and cash flow. The position incorporates essential duties and responsibilities that involve reviewing past performance, management of daily and monthly activities, and financial forecasting. The VP of Finance will lead the finance team promoting efficient departmental and system operations. This is an opportunity to have a big impact on an already successful company.

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and has four direct reports.

JOB DEFINITION

The ideal candidate will be passionate about the company’s mission and an active participant in helping to drive optimization across all levels of the organization. In alignment with the company’s culture, the candidate will be humble, respectful, hands-on, honest, intelligent, cooperative, and responsible (“owns it”). The VP of Finance’s responsibilities will be broad and include coaching and mentoring a collaborative team, as well as helping to build a roadmap for success.

SKILLS

Manage all aspects of the Finance and Accounting functions of the organization.
The VP of Finance will partner with other members of the leadership team and provide consultative support for planning initiatives with financial information, analyses, and recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities.
Partner with the President/CEO to help create and set financial and performance goals for each department that are aggressive, achievable, and tied to long-term strategic goals. Monitor department performance against performance goals to ensure that progress is being made.
Work with the leadership team in the development of financial planning, budgets, and business models to determine the prospective cost-effectiveness and ROI.
Partner with individuals on the leadership team to provide consultative support to departmental planning initiatives through financial and management information, analyses, reports, and recommendations.
Direct and train Accounting and Finance staff raising awareness and knowledge of accounting and financial related matters and best practices.
Manage, develop and implement finance, accounting, billing, and auditing procedures while increasing visibility.
Manage the banking activities of the Company.
Coordinate tax planning and preparation with the CEO and CPA.
Manage the Company’s liquidity and mitigate risk.
Develop and maintain systems of internal controls to safeguard the financial assets of the Company.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting.
Oversee the production of monthly reports as well as financial statements and cash flow projections.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial key performance indicators (KPIs).
Establish and maintain continuity of appropriate program costing models/controls.
Manage and oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, ensuring adequate cash flow to meet the Company’s needs.
Analyze cash flow, cost controls, and expenses to guide business leaders along with analyzing financial statements.
Direct the company’s risk management programs and systems to safeguard corporate assets, assuring property and liability risks are appropriately insured, and legal/contractual relationships do not have undue risk.
Establish and implement short and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
Provide leadership in the development for the continuous evaluation of short and long-term strategic financial objectives.
Oversee financial management including developing financial budgets and budget policies and procedures.
Ensure Company credibility by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends, and forecasts.

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE

MUST HAVE experience working for a privately held or family-owned manufacturing business.
Minimum of seven years of experience in senior-level finance or accounting position with the day-to-day financial operations of an organization of at least $30M in annual sales.
Proven creative problem-solving skills.
Proven “take-charge” record of accomplishment.
Ability to develop a financial strategy and supporting budget plan.
Proven ability in finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including GAAP.
Must have knowledge of automated (ERP) financial and accounting reporting systems.
Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
Ability to participate in a team environment and facilitate group meetings.
Results-oriented and data-driven with attention to detail.
Proactive, highly focused, organized, analytical thinker who initiates as opposed to reacts. Capable of operating within a disciplined, high-quality, growth environment.
Successful experience with the financial and accounting management of material, labor, quality, and operational planning costs.
Demonstrated degree of passion and energy with a laser focus on execution and results.
An open, honest and respectful communication style tailored to the audience. Must be comfortable speaking in public, in formal and informal settings.
Dedicated, passionate, fun, organized, willing to get the job done, and adaptable to a well-developed team.
Must be resourceful and creative, possessing the ability to work with and adapt to all kinds of people. Must be patient, persistent, and persuasive. Strong work ethic, e.g., a “roll-up your sleeves” leader.
Sense of humor.
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting designation is required; a master’s degree or CPA is preferred but not required.

If you have these qualifications and are looking for a challenging career, please submit your Resume using the button below.

Eric Hohauser

President & Lead Consultant

Kate Scott

Director, Executive Recruitment