VP of Finance - Defense Programs #0610

Our client, a private equity-backed defense manufacturer headquartered in Ohio, is seeking a Vice President of Finance to lead and strengthen the organization’s financial foundation. The company is a respected subcontractor with longstanding ties across the naval and aerospace supply chain and operates in full accordance with FAR, DFAR, and CAS standards. This is a newly established, highly visible leadership opportunity created with succession planning in mind. The successful candidate will play a central role in enabling the CFO to focus on growth initiatives and acquisitions, while building toward a clear path to future CFO responsibility. For a finance executive who wants to lead independently, shape financial strategy, and leave a lasting mark, this role offers significant long-term potential. Key Responsibilities Partner with senior leadership across the business to improve operational performance and efficiency Oversee the finance and accounting function, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, audits, certified cost and pricing, and job cost reporting Guide the continued development of the company’s internally built ERP/finance platform, with an emphasis on process improvement and a more efficient, accurate close cycle Provide financial leadership on working capital needs, capital deployment, and cash flow strategy, including assessing capex opportunities through a return‑on‑investment lens Manage, mentor, and further develop a lean but experienced finance team in a dynamic, fast‑moving environment Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team on topics such as investment priorities, capital allocation, and overall business performance Help ensure receivables are closely managed and collections are executed in line with agreed terms Take part as a senior leader in strategic planning efforts, ensuring financial plans support the company’s long‑range objectives Produce and circulate core financial reporting packages for executive stakeholders Work closely with the CFO on cash flow forecasting, management reporting, and board and lender materials Apply benchmarking, financial modeling, and performance metrics to evaluate the scalability, risk profile, and impact of strategic initiatives Monitor the financial health of existing and prospective customers in order to reduce exposure to risk Qualifications Demonstrated success leading a small finance/accounting team Strong skills in financial reporting, analysis, and modeling Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting Ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial, and evolving organization At least 10 years of progressive experience in finance and/or accounting positions Prior experience with percentage‑of‑completion accounting Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities across all levels of the organization US citizenship is required Experience in multi‑site manufacturing environments and financial statement consolidation Proven ERP experience, including implementation work or substantial process improvement within an ERP setting Hands‑on expertise in defense manufacturing accounting, including working knowledge of FAR, DFAR, and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Preferred Qualifications CPA credential Previous experience in a CFO succession or CFO‑track role Background within a private equity‑backed portfolio company, including exposure to equity‑based incentive structures and liquidity events Base Salary: ~$180,000 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 and Non‑Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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