Job Title: Vice President of Finance
Job Description
The Vice President of Finance is responsible for leading and managing the financial operations of a high-growth defense technology organization, ensuring its financial health, integrity, and long-term stability. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the executive team, this hands-on leader owns all aspects of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, controls, and compliance. The VP of Finance acts as a strategic business partner, developing and executing financial strategies that support the organizations mission and goals, presenting a balanced view of risk and opportunity, and driving outcomes aligned with company strategy while serving as the single point of accountability for the accuracy of financial information, including figures reported to the parent company.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organizations mission, goals, and long-term growth objectives.
Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and related financial systems.
Prepare and present timely and accurate financial reports to the Chief Executive Officer and the parent company, providing insightful analysis and actionable recommendations.
Lead the organizations financial readiness by establishing and maintaining robust internal controls, including SOX-related controls, and ensuring audit readiness and reporting disciplines consistent with public company rigor.
Ensure full compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, audits, and other statutory reporting obligations.
Develop, lead, and oversee the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts, partnering with department leaders to create realistic and achievable budgets.
Monitor and report on the organizations financial performance, including regular updates on budget versus actuals, forecasts, and a balanced view of financial risks and opportunities.
Build, maintain, and refine financial forecasting models that support long-term financial planning and strategic decision-making.
Partner with the executive team to develop and implement strategic plans and goals, translating financial insights into decisions that drive profitability, cash generation, and strategic outcomes rather than simply reporting results after the fact.
Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and professional development.
Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that align with the organizations values, risk tolerance, and strategic objectives.
Ensure compliance with all applicable tax, regulatory, and financial-reporting requirements, and confirm that the organization adheres to relevant laws and regulations.
Manage relationships with external auditors and other financial service providers to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant reporting and regulatory adherence.
Evaluate mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments to drive business growth, including leading financial due diligence, risk assessment, and alignment with long-term financial strategy.
Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to improve financial processes, systems, and reporting capabilities to support scalable growth.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the evolving needs of the organization and finance function.
Essential Skills
Bachelors degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, with at least 5 years in a management-level position.
Proven track record of successful financial management, including developing and implementing financial strategies, managing budgets, overseeing financial reporting and compliance, and leading comprehensive forecasting efforts.
Demonstrated experience operating with the rigor of a public-company finance function, including SOX controls, audit readiness, and disciplined financial reporting.
Strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and financial analysis.
Deep knowledge of US GAAP, accounting principles, tax considerations, risk management, and general ledger management.
Experience evaluating and supporting acquisitions and strategic investments, including financial due diligence and risk assessment.
Strong leadership and management skills with a proven ability to build, lead, and develop a high-performance finance team and to serve as a trusted business partner to executive leaders.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to think critically and provide clear, data-driven recommendations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
Robust ERP and financial systems experience, preferably with NetSuite, and the discipline to govern financial data at scale.
Authorization to work in the United States.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
MBA or other advanced degree in business, finance, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in defense or government contracting finance is a plus.
Industry experience in aerospace or high-tech products is a plus.
Experience building and refining financial forecasting models that support long-term strategic planning.
Background in developing and enforcing financial policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with organizational values and strategic goals.
Ability to evaluate and integrate mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments into long-term financial planning.
Comfort operating in a high-growth, dynamic environment where processes, systems, and structures are evolving.
Work Environment
This role is based in an office environment with an expectation of being on-site three days per week, while many members of the C-suite and executive team are in the office five days per week. The Vice President of Finance works closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-growth defense technology setting. The position involves regular use of ERP and financial systems, with a preference for experience in NetSuite, and requires a disciplined approach to managing financial data, internal controls, and reporting processes. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement, with a focus on operating with the rigor and discipline characteristic of a public-company finance function.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $96.15 - $108.17/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Portland,OR.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
