VP of Finance - Defense Manufacturing

Keller Executive Search; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base Salary: ~$180,000 - $210,000

Performance-based bonus

Equity participation through Management Incentive Plan

3 weeks of vacation

Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

A defense manufacturing company seeks a Vice President of Finance to lead their financial infrastructure. This high-visibility role will allow the candidate to significantly influence strategy and prepare for a CFO position. Key responsibilities include managing financial reporting, advising executives, and optimizing the finance team. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial analysis skills and a proven ERP system background, with at least 10 years in finance or accounting. Excellent communication and leadership abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting roles.
• Demonstrated background in defense manufacturing accounting.
• Experience with percentage-of-completion accounting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the finance and accounting team.
• Serve as a key advisor to the executive team on financial matters.
• Support the CFO with cash flow forecasting and management.

Skills

Financial analysis

Financial modeling

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Our client is a PE‑backed defense manufacturer based in Ohio—a trusted subcontractor with deep roots in the naval and aerospace supply chain, operating in full compliance with FAR, DFAR, and CAS requirements. Built for scale and positioned for aggressive M&A, the business is now seeking a VP of Finance to own the financial infrastructure of the enterprise.

This is a newly created, high‑visibility role designed with intentional succession in mind: the right candidate will free the CFO to pursue growth and acquisitions while establishing themselves as the CFO‑in‑waiting. For a finance leader ready to operate with autonomy, influence strategy, and build something lasting, this role offers a clear path to the CFO role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the finance and accounting team, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, job cost reporting, certified cost and pricing, and audits
• Serve as a key advisor to the executive team on financial matters, including capital allocation, investment decisions, and financial performance
• Support the CFO with cash flow forecasting, management, and board and lender reporting
• Design and distribute key financial reports to executive leadership
• Provide strategic input on working capital requirements, capital expenditure investments, and cash flow — including evaluating capex projects for return on investment
• Ensure accounts receivable are managed carefully and payments are collected according to established terms
• Monitor the financial standing of current and potential customers to minimize risk exposure
• Participate as a senior team member in the strategic planning process, ensuring plans align with long‑term financial goals
• Apply benchmarking strategies, performance measurement indicators, and financial modeling to assess the risk, scalability, and impact of strategic projects
• Collaborate with senior leaders to drive operational efficiency across the organization
• Lead the ongoing learning and improvement of an internally developed ERP/finance system, with a view to streamlining processes and establishing a fast, accurate close procedure
• Manage, develop, and groom a small but experienced finance team within a fast‑paced, evolving environment

Requirements

• US Citizenship required
• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting roles
• Demonstrated background in defense manufacturing accounting, including hands‑on knowledge of FAR, DFAR, and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
• Experience in multi‑site manufacturing and financial statement consolidation
• Experience with percentage‑of‑completion accounting
• Proven ERP system experience, including implementation or significant process improvement within an ERP environment
• Strong financial analysis, modeling, and reporting capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead a small finance/accounting team
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels of an organization
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial, and evolving business environment

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation
• Experience working within a private equity‑backed portfolio company, with familiarity with equity‑based management incentive plans and liquidity events
• Prior experience in a CFO‑track role

Benefits

• Base Salary: ~$180,000 - $210,000
• Bonus: Performance‑based bonus
• Equity: Equity participation through the Management Incentive Plan (MIP)
• Vacation: 3 weeks
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and ancillary coverage
• Retirement: 401(k)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.