VP/Director of Finance

Job Description

Job Description

Bill Watts is partnering with a growing defense contracting manufacturer who is looking to directly hiring a Director of Finance with the ability to grow into a CFO! The Director of Finance will lead all accounting and financial reporting activities for a defense manufacturing organization, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, FAR, CAS, and applicable government contracting regulations. This role requires deep, hands-on experience within defense/aerospace manufacturing environments, with expertise in cost accounting, government audits, and complex contract structures. The Director of Finance will partner with operations, program management, and executive leadership to support financial performance, compliance, and strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, cost accounting, inventory, revenue recognition, and financial reporting
• Ensure full compliance with FAR, CAS, and DCAA requirements; serve as primary liaison for government audits and reviews
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Manage project and contract accounting (e.g., cost-plus, fixed-price, T& M contracts)
• Develop and maintain standard costing systems, including variance analysis for manufacturing operations
• Oversee inventory accounting, including WIP, raw materials, and finished goods within a regulated manufacturing environment
• Drive preparation of internal and external financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Support FP& A by partnering on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls aligned with SOX or government compliance expectations
• Collaborate with supply chain and operations on cost control, margin analysis, and efficiency initiatives
• Lead and develop accounting team; establish best practices and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support ERP system optimization (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Deltek, or similar systems commonly used in defense manufacturing)
• Ensure proper accounting treatment for government-funded R& D, capital projects, and indirect rate structures

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a mid-to-large defense contractor environment
• Exposure to ITAR/EAR compliance considerations
• Experience supporting or leading ERP implementations or system upgrades
• MBA or advanced degree

Key Competencies

• Strong technical accounting and regulatory expertise
• High attention to detail and commitment to compliance
• Ability to operate in a highly regulated, audit-intensive environment
• Excellent communication skills, particularly with executive leadership and auditors
• Strategic mindset with hands-on execution capability
• Ability to partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and program management