at Zernco in Wichita, Kansas, United States
Job Description
The Director of Finance/CFO serves as a strategic partner to the President, Senior Vice President, and leadership team. This role leads all finance, accounting, forecasting, tax, and corporate risk functions while advancing the company’s financial performance, job costing accuracy, and long-term growth strategies. The Director of Finance plays a critical role in shaping business decisions through data-driven insights, process optimization, and fiscal discipline aligned with the complexities of commercial construction.
Supervision/Direction
As a member of the Leadership Team, this position reports directly to the Sr. Vice President. The SVP defines strategic objectives, key priorities, and deadlines, while also providing guidance in situations requiring executive-level support. The Director of Finance is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and strategic foresight.
Performance Expectations
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements, in alignment with GAAP.
- Maintain disciplined cash management by overseeing prompt processing of payables, receivables, and all tax obligations.
- Prepare comprehensive audit documentation to facilitate smooth execution of financial, workers’ compensation, and general liability audits.
- Lead the monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) review process, ensuring accurate job costing, forecasting, and financial health assessment.
- Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure accurate financial representation of all organizational activity.
- Provide ongoing training and oversight to accounting staff on proper accounting procedures and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Demonstrate strategic leadership in forecasting, risk management, and tax structure optimization.
- Lead team development through structured performance management, including onboarding reviews, quarterly check-ins, coaching, and annual development planning.
- Collaborate with the President and SVP to evaluate performance against budget and strategic goals, offering data-driven insights to support executive decision-making.
- Attend Leadership Team Meetings and engage with leadership goals and initiatives.
Essential Functions
Financial Strategy & Leadership
- Collaborate with the President and SVP to align financial strategy with the company’s short- and long-term growth goals.
- Provide financial modeling and decision-support tools to guide capital investment, resource allocation, and growth initiatives.
- Serve as a core contributor in strategic planning, market expansion, and organizational forecasting.
Accounting Operations & Controls
- Direct accounting operations, including GL, AP, AR, and financial reporting.
- Design and implement internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to ensure accurate financial data and reduce risk.
- Lead and manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
- Coordinate insurance renewals, bonding requirements, and compliance with financial covenants.
Job Costing & Construction-Specific Accounting
- Oversee accurate job cost tracking, variance analysis, and alignment with estimating teams.
- Conduct monthly WIP reviews and revenue recognition per percent-complete method.
- Ensure financial transparency across all project lifecycles to support operations and field leadership.
Taxation & Compliance
- Oversee preparation and review of all tax filings (income, sales/use, multi-state).
- Partner with external CPA firm to ensure efficient tax strategy and compliance.
- Lead audit preparation, including workers’ comp, general liability, and financial statement audits.
Technology & Process Improvement
- Evaluate and implement financial systems and tools to improve accuracy, reporting, and forecasting.
- Drive automation initiatives to streamline data entry, cost coding, and reporting.
Leadership & Team Development
- Manage, coach, and develop the accounting and finance team through clear expectations and professional development planning.
- Conduct reviews, establish goals, provide regular performance feedback, and participate in hiring and disciplinary actions.
- Foster a culture of accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Attend Leadership Team meetings and actively contribute to organizational initiatives and strategic discussions.
- Serve as a key liaison between accounting/finance and operations, estimating, legal, and project management teams.
- Administer and review contracts, interpret covenants, and ensure alignment with financial obligations.
