Vice President Finance

MRA Search; Ladson (SC); On-site; USD 245,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Equity on sale

Relocation assistance

Company housing option

Job summary

MRA Search is seeking a VP of Finance for our Ladson, SC client in the defense manufacturing sector. This senior role leads accounting operations, program finance, and internal controls, shaping financial strategy and governance. You will partner with executives to drive profitability, compliance, and scalable systems for growth.

Ideal candidates hold a CPA (or in progress) with 10+ years in manufacturing, GAAP, FAR/DFARS familiarity, and proven team leadership. Relocation support available.

Qualifications

• CPA or in progress with Big4 or top CPA firm experience.
• Strong Audit Readiness skills.
• Strong Reporting Skills.
• Strong in creating and implementing internal controls and processes.
• DEEP MFG finance experience is a must.
• Strong with building and developing teams; Supervises 12-ish folks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations, program finance, and internal controls.
• Lead monthly close, GAAP reporting, and financial statements.
• Drive audit readiness and government contract compliance.
• Mentor finance team and ensure timely reporting.

Skills

CPA or in progress

Audit Readiness

Reporting

Internal controls

MFG finance experience

Team leadership

Supervises 12-ish folks

Education

CPA Certification or in progress

Job description

Popular and Exciting Company. Government Contractor.

• Notes: Big DOD Naval Warfare MFG - super cool stuff going on there.
• Location: Ladson, SC AKA North CHS
• PE backed by a reputable PE Firm,
• Recession proof because of the arms race we are in and behind on with China; our navy is way behind. Both Parties have recognized this, Biden and Trump admins recognize this and have and will be making a large investment into this for many years to come
• Doing about $325/350 M in Revenue now and predicted to grow to $500+M in the next 2 years
• A ton of upward growth and mobility, and this position will be protected and potentially promoted to CFO upon sale in 2-3 years, and also trying to go public too
• The client is technically a new company, only like 3 yrs old, but the merger for 3 very long-standing companies: 2 local to CHS and a 3rd in MI. There are some legacy employees and a location in MI, but CHS will always be the Corp HQ

The client wants an A+++ player to that checks all the boxes except for not having the DOD/Gov Con. Acct experience (FAR, DFARS, CAS, etc - it's in the JD).

This IS NOT a Finance/FP&A role - It’s straight Technical Acct, reporting, Audit, internal controls, shared services, etc

Must Haves:

• CPA or in progress, and/or BIG 4 or top CPA firm experience
• Strong Audit Readiness skills
• Strong Reporting Skills
• Strong in creating and implementing internal controls and processes
• DEEP MFG finance experience is a must
• Strong with building and developing teams: Supervises 12-ish folks
• That DOD experience is the one thing that excludes candidates. It is what it is.

The client said he will pay well based on experience: BASE + BONUS + EQUITY:

• Target like $245-$290K-ish in a base wage
• Bonus 20 or more % BOE
• Equity upon sale, also BOE
• Paid relo (The client always tells us that it is case by case basis), they prefer someone local, but if the candidate is A+ and won't relocate to South Carolina F/T, they will consider putting them up in company housing
• Everyone is in the office 4.5 days per week; Friday is a half day

VP of Finance

Ladson, SC

Description

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You.

The client was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands-on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

That means when you join our client, you’re joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real-world results.

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions — and we do it with pride.

Your Mission:

The Vice President of Finance serves as the organization’s senior financial leader, responsible for overseeing accounting operations, program finance and internal controls. This executive provides strategic direction for the company’s financial infrastructure, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and integrity in all financial activities. The VP of Finance partners closely with executive leadership to support long term planning, optimize financial performance, and drive operational excellence across the enterprise. This role leads the accounting, reporting, and financial shared services functions, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross functional collaboration.

The VP of Finance is responsible for mentoring and managing a finance team and meeting monthly due dates for reporting financial results and compliance requirements.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a key financial advisor to the CFO and executive leadership, supporting strategic planning and long term decision making.
• Lead all accounting, tax, program finance, financial reporting, and internal control functions.
• Provide financial insights through analysis, forecasting, trend evaluation, and performance monitoring.
• Drive continuous improvement and modernization of financial systems and processes.
• Communicate financial information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Recruit, develop, and lead high performing accounting and finance teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner across operations, supply chain, program management, and engineering to enhance cost visibility and support business decisions.

Accounting Operations & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including AR/AP, payroll, tax, inter-company accounting, program finance, and technical accounting.
• Manage general ledger activities, month end close, and consolidated financial reporting.
• Prepare and ensure timely, accurate, and GAAP compliant financial statements and disclosures.
• Manage cost accounting, inventory valuation, and variance analysis within a manufacturing environment.
• Develop and maintain methods for tracking revenue, expenses, and overall financial performance.
• Oversee the organization’s investment plan and insurance programs.
• Conduct regular audits of transactions, expenditures, assets, and liabilities.

Financial Planning, Analysis & Compliance

• Gather and analyze financial data for budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and decision support.
• Ensure compliance with tax laws, financial regulations, and industry specific requirements.
• Support organizational growth and profitability through sound planning, modeling, and financial controls.
• Provide timely and accurate financial reports to internal stakeholders, regulators, and external agencies.

Audit Readiness & Government Contract Compliance

• Lead annual external audits in accordance with U.S. GAAP and corporate accounting policies.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA requirements.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the indirect rate structure and related allocations (overhead, G&A, fringe, service centers).
• Maintain documentation, policies, and internal controls to support audit readiness and rate compliance.
• Oversee an approved Earned Value Management framework.
• Support external, internal, and customer audits with transparent, complete documentation.
• Manage compliance with DFARS 252.242 7005 Contractor Business Systems, including Accounting, Estimating, and MMAS.
• Establish and maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard assets and ensure financial accuracy.
• Lead internal control assessments, risk mitigation initiatives, and remediation plans.
• Implement and monitor SOX style controls or equivalent frameworks.

Requirements:

Mission Readiness:

• B.S. degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA or equivalent experience is required.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including controller-level responsibilities. Preferably experience with company’s over $100M of annual revenue.
• Manufacturing experience is sought-after
• Extensive knowledge of government contract accounting, FAR/DFARS, CAS, and DCAA audit environments is valued
• Extensive experience with ASC 606 Revenue from Contract with Customers is preferred.
• Demonstrable experience with financial systems integrations.
• Private equity experience a plus.
• Strong Excel and data analytics capabilities.
• Team building, leadership and execution.

Travel Requirements:

• Role will be based out of our corporate headquarters in Ladson, SC and travel to locations within designated company locations is ~15%.