Position Overview:
Korn Ferry is seeking a VP Finance & Controller for our client, one of the fastest growing business units of a multi-billion-dollar global manufacturer and solutions provider known for delivering innovative, energy-efficient technologies for customers across residential and commercial markets.
This is a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to the Division GM and functionally to the Segment CFO, with oversight of Finance, Pricing, and IT.
As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role will lead an overall team of 25+ and serve as a strategic partner in driving business performance across North America. The position oversees all financial reporting for the division, including monthly close, forecasting, analysis, and long-range planning. It also provides indirect leadership to a shared services team. Responsibilities include developing annual operating plans through a collaborative, bottom-up approach and continuously monitoring short-term business trends, ensuring alignment with company policies.
This is a hands-on, high-impact opportunity to shape financial strategy, champion the adoption of Power BI, and influence cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
Location:
West Columbia, SC area (hybrid position - 4 days in office)
Measurements of Success:
The VP's goal is to increase the division's profitability as well as sales; and to bring consistency and standardization to forecast and closing accuracy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Partner with the General Manager and Business Unit Leadership to develop and execute strategies across product, manufacturing, distribution, operations, sales, and marketing that align with key business priorities.
- Analyze financial and operational data to support strategic planning and decision-making, providing insights that shape the business strategy.
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to drive growth initiatives, including business case development for HRP-specific product programs.
- Establish and maintain robust financial processes to ensure compliance with GAAP, SOX, and internal accounting policies.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial close and forecasting processes in alignment with corporate policies.
- Oversee financial operations and cost analysis for the company's South Carolina-based manufacturing plant.
- Monitor and analyze gross margin, product line profitability, inventory performance, pricing effectiveness, and SKU rationalization.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across finance, pricing, and IT functions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Manage and develop the Finance, Pricing, and IT teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Champion the adoption of Power BI across the organization, designing and enhancing dashboards and reports to improve financial visibility and enable data-driven decision-making.
- Oversee credit policy adherence and ensure proactive cash flow forecasting to support business needs.
- Lead the development of the Annual Operating Plan and Long-Range Strategic Plan.
Qualifications:
- 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
- Proven background in both FP&A and Accounting within the manufacturing sector, with experience at both corporate and plant levels.
- Full P&L ownership for a business unit, division, or plant.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial data into strategic business insights in a fast-paced environment.
- Advanced Power BI skills for building interactive dashboards and driving data-informed decision-making.
- Proficient with ERP systems; SAP experience is a strong asset.
- Results-driven, hands-on leader with a track record of performance in dynamic, performance-based settings.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
- Skilled in managing complex business processes and adapting to evolving market conditions across North America.
- Effective in matrixed organizations, with strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
- Experience with mergers and acquisitions is an asset.
- Strong analytical and presentation skills; able to simplify complex topics for operational impact.
- Committed to continuous improvement and process simplification.
- Organizationally savvy with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Positive, balanced demeanor with executive presence and leadership potential to advance to a VP of Finance role.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance;
MBA, CMA or CPA or equivalent preferred.
SE