- Are you an accomplished finance leader who enjoys balancing strategic financial leadership with hands-on execution?
- Do you excel at building scalable systems, improving processes, and bringing structure and accountability to a growing organization?
- Are you energized by the opportunity to influence organizational strategy while supporting workforce development and the future of Northern Kentucky's construction industry?
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky (BIA) is a leading voice for the region’s building industry, representing builders, developers, remodelers, contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, financial institutions, and professional service providers. As one of the largest local chapters of the National Association of Home Builders, BIA serves a 12-county region and advances its members’ interests through advocacy, education, industry standards, networking, and workforce development.
BIA also operates the Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI), recognized as the nation’s longest-running association-based skilled-trades training program under the National Association of Home Builders. EBI connects classroom instruction with practical experience through apprenticeship-style evening programs and high school pathways. Its programs span carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, masonry, facilities maintenance, diesel mechanics for construction, and historic preservation. The institute has prepared approximately 2,000 trades graduates and plays a meaningful role in addressing the region’s skilled-labor shortage.
Together, BIA, a 501(c)(6) trade association, and EBI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operate as an affiliated enterprise with a shared commitment to strengthening the construction industry, expanding career opportunities, and supporting regional economic growth and housing affordability.
The enterprise has established an ambitious long-range vision for 2034: approximately 2,200 enrolled students, four educational campuses, 100,000 square feet of educational space, $10 million in annual revenue, and $4 million in operating reserves. These are future strategic targets, not current operating figures. This next chapter will require disciplined financial leadership, scalable infrastructure, and thoughtful stewardship of public, private, and philanthropic resources.
This position is onsite at the corporate office in Erlanger, Kentucky.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
BIA and EBI are seeking a strategic and hands‑on VP of Finance to lead the enterprise's financial operations and build the infrastructure necessary to support ambitious organizational growth. Reporting directly to the Executive VP/CEO, this executive will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and both Boards of Directors, providing financial insights, strengthening operational effectiveness, and ensuring disciplined financial management across the enterprise.
The VP of Finance will be accountable for developing scalable systems, establishing effective controls, building a capable team, and creating an operating environment characterized by proactive problem‑solving, clear accountability, and continuous improvement. This leader will anticipate organizational needs, independently resolve operational challenges, and bring forward thoughtful recommendations that support informed executive decision‑making.
Beyond traditional finance and accounting leadership, the role encompasses executive oversight of human resources administration, outsourced IT, facilities, compliance, and enterprise risk management. The VP of Finance will initially lead an Accounting Coordinator, with the opportunity to expand the team as the organization grows. The VP of Finance will also manage:
- Lead annual budgeting, multiyear forecasting, financial modeling, cash‑flow planning, and three, five, and ten‑year financial plans.
- Develop capital, reserve, debt, investment, and liquidity strategies that support growth and financial sustainability.
- Provide proactive financial analysis, strategic recommendations, and independent executive judgment to the CEO, senior leadership, and Boards of Directors, including constructively challenging assumptions when warranted.
Accounting, Reporting, and Controls
- Establish a disciplined financial operating rhythm, ensuring timely monthly closing, accurate divisional reporting, reconciliations, cash‑flow forecasting, treasury management, and reliable financial information. Oversee the general ledger, monthly closing, financial statements, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, treasury, and banking relationships.
- Oversee intercompany accounting, cost allocations, restricted funds, and grant financial compliance across both affiliated entities. Coordinate audits, tax and regulatory reporting, and related compliance requirements.
- Build scalable, technology‑enabled financial systems, documented processes, and effective internal controls that improve efficiency, reduce manual dependencies, and support organizational continuity.
Enterprise Administration & Operations
- Oversee administrative HR processes, including benefits, personnel records, onboarding and offboarding, employee policies, workers’ compensation, and employment compliance; department leaders retain responsibility for staff supervision.
- Provide executive oversight of outsourced IT, cybersecurity, software and hardware planning, user access, disaster recovery, and technology vendors.
- Establish proactive facilities maintenance and capital replacement plans, including building systems, security, grounds, custodial services, and asset inventories.
- Manage enterprise insurance, contracts, vendor relationships, regulatory deadlines, business continuity, and organizational risk. Establish processes for tracking contractual obligations, renewal dates, and recurring financial commitments.
People & Process Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a capable finance and administrative team, establishing clear accountability, effective delegation, and measurable performance expectations.
- Build sustainable, repeatable operating systems that promote proactive issue resolution, organizational continuity, and independence from routine executive oversight.
IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, including oversight of accounting and finance operations. Nonprofit finance, grant management, or construction industry experience preferred but not required.
- Strong command of GAAP, advanced Excel skills, and financial modeling capabilities.
- Demonstrated success building and leading finance operations, including implementing scalable systems, strengthening internal controls, developing staff, and improving financial reporting and operational effectiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate financial results and recommendations to executive teams and governing boards.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, judgment, and organizational skills.
- CPA, MBA, or relevant master’s degree preferred but not required.
KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Proactive and Solutions‑Oriented: Anticipates challenges, identifies opportunities for improvement, and takes initiative to address issues before they become problems.
- Hands‑On Leadership: Comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels, with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and take ownership of outcomes.
- Strong Communicator: Translates complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders.
- Systems and Process Mindset: Naturally looks for ways to improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and build scalable processes that support organizational growth.
- Collaborative Relationship Builder: Develops trusted relationships across departments and with external partners through transparency, responsiveness, and a service‑oriented approach.
THE PAYOFF
- Meaningful Impact: Help advance workforce development, the construction industry, and economic growth throughout Northern Kentucky.
- Strategic Influence: Partner with executive leadership and governing boards to shape financial strategy and organizational growth.
- Exciting Growth: Play a key role in an ambitious expansion that includes new campuses, increased enrollment, and revenue growth.
- Broad Leadership Responsibility: Influence both financial strategy and enterprise operations in a dynamic, growing organization.
- Competitive Rewards: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES
Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration.