Business Unit Finance Director

Fortune of Hinsdale is an executive search firm that specializes in the placement of highly skilled finance and accounting professionals for manufacturing and distribution clients. Our client is a leading provider of high performance products and system solutions for the defense, homeland security, commercial aviation and medical instrumentation markets. Their products are found in the most complex commercial and defense applications. They are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. They employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy in all product lines and their products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value. They have a unique and exciting career opportunity for a Business Unit Finance Director. Reporting to the Division Vice President of Finance the successful candidate will serve as the principal financial advisor to the Business Unit Vice President, providing project financial planning, performance measurement, and risk assessment information to facilitate timely and effective decision making. Additionally, this position will be responsible for overall financial control and accountability of the Business Unit operations to the Division Vice President of Finance.Additional major responsibilities include: evaluating revenue forecasts; new business forecasts; discretionary spending and program profits; influencing Business Unit management regarding cash flow, Inventory and receivables; directing efforts to prepare Business Unit, departmental and project budgets and schedules; evaluating cost/price data for contract efforts, R & D efforts and production programs; and active participation in processes to insure accurate and timely Program Control and EAC preparation for major programs. Maintain all reports and reporting systems as necessary to provide appropriate managerial visibility and control of all active projects within the assigned Business Unit Evaluate financial risks of Program business decisions and appraise Business Unit and Site management as appropriate. Support the BU VP with oversight of the cost, revenue, and GP estimates at time of proposal bid. Perform Return on Investment Analysis for new initiatives requiring investment. Assure timely, accurate forecasts of program and total BU sales, gross profit, cash, inventory, receivables and discretionary expense and accurate analysis of problem areas. Provide analysis of variances to AOP and forecasts. Responsible for the implementation of planning and scheduling systems to insure quality Program Control for all contractual and internal projects. Actively participate in the timely preparation of routine estimates to complete, EACs, revenue recognition, and gross profit. Responsible for the coordination of the Departmental budgets including capital equipment, expense budgets and manning requirements, and analysis of actual performance, including variance analysis and corrective action, against those budgets. Responsible for the formulation and preparation of special reports to management such as R & D proposals/reports, long range plan presentations. Ensure that accounting for all Business Unit Projects is in accordance with GAAP and Corporate Policy. Direct Business Unit efforts in the preparation of the Annual Operating Plan. Prepare accurate presentations for Management, Corporate, Finance Committee and Board of Director reviews. Interface with customer as necessary to answer questions and provide backup and follow up as required. Review and update, as necessary, all pertinent business unit Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) operating procedures as well as compliance to such procedures. Responsible for reviewing and approving Key Controls of each SOX operating procedure on a quarterly basis.The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration (MBA Desired); will have at least 10 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering defense environment; will possess strong PC based computer skills; will have working knowledge of relevant GAAP, Sarbanes-Oxley procedures and controls, FAR/DFAR, project EAC and general defense contracting principals. They will be motivated, flexible and able to work with minimal oversight. Detailed knowledge of budgeting and planning in a defense contracting organization is essential. The ideal candidate possesses an extensive financial background, with specific experience in Program accounting in the Defense Industry.