VP/Director of Finance

About the role

We are looking for an experienced finance leader to oversee accounting operations and guide financial planning for the organization in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This role works closely with executive leadership to turn financial results into practical business decisions, while maintaining strong reporting, controls, and operational discipline. The ideal candidate brings a hands-on management style, sound technical expertise, and the ability to strengthen processes, support teams, and drive measurable performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Direct the day-to-day work of finance, accounting, and payroll functions, setting priorities and ensuring deadlines are met with accuracy.
• Coach and develop team members by establishing performance expectations, promoting accountability, and building a collaborative department culture.
• Lead monthly and annual close activities, including review of journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and evaluate financial statements, cash flow analyses, and leadership reports to support informed decision-making.
• Manage the annual budgeting cycle and ongoing forecasting efforts in partnership with department leaders across the organization.
• Analyze operating results, labor spending, revenue patterns, and project profitability to identify trends and recommend corrective action.
• Maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial documentation to protect assets and reduce organizational risk.
• Coordinate audit preparation and serve as a key contact for internal and external auditors, ensuring timely delivery of required schedules and responses.
• Support financial systems enhancements, process improvements, and staff training initiatives that increase efficiency and reporting quality.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, vendors, clients, and business partners on strategic initiatives, special projects, and operational planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline, or comparable relevant experience.
• At least 10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including 5 or more years leading teams or departments.
• Strong command of financial reporting, budget development, forecasting, internal controls, and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel along with experience using financial and payroll software platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet critical deadlines, and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• High level of discretion, sound judgment, and attention to detail when handling sensitive financial information.
• Certification such as CPA or equivalent is preferred; experience in a complex service-based organization is a plus.