Vice President Finance Accounting (Blue Bell)

Lumera Search Partners has been retained exclusively by our client, a growing and well respected regional Construction Management Firm, to find their first Vice President of Finance. This is a newly created role to address growth, new opportunities and succession.Location: Blue Bell, PA or Allentown, PA. Some minimal travel between offices. Onsite 5 Days/Week, after established, hybrid possibilities may be discussed.Reports to: CFO and CEOOwnership Transition: 100% ESOP targeted by year-endThe OpportunityOur client is a highly regarded, relationship-driven construction firm with a strong balance sheet, and an exceptional reputation for quality and reliability. The business benefits from a loyal customer base, significant repeat work, and long-standing and mutually beneficial subcontractor partnerships.As part of a planned leadership evolution and ownership transition to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), the company is seeking a Vice President of Finance to join as a key member of the leadership team. This role is positioned as the successor to the CFO, with an anticipated transition over the next several years.This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on, technically strong accounting and finance leader who thrives in a lean, highly collaborative environment and is motivated by the opportunity to help guide a successful company through its next phase of growth and employee ownership.The RoleThe Vice President of Finance will partner closely with the CFO, Controller, the Accounting Team and operational leaders to enhance financial performance, strengthen accounting rigor, and support strategic decision-making.Given the company's size and structure, this is a highly engaged, roll-up-your-sleeves role requiring both strategic perspective and day-to-day involvement across accounting, finance, and operations.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Financial LeadershipPartner with the CFO and executive team to drive financial strategy, planning, and performanceLead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processesProvide actionable financial insights to support operational and strategic decisionsSupport execution of the ESOP transaction and ongoing financial governanceAccounting Leadership & Partnership with ControllerBring strong technical accounting expertise to complement an experienced (non-accountant) ControllerEnsure accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting in accordance with GAAPEnhance internal controls, policies, and processes where appropriateEstablish a collaborative, respectful partnership with the Controller, this role is intended to elevate and support the existing team structureOperational FinanceDrive best practices in job costing, WIP reporting, and project profitability analysisWork closely with project managers and field leadership to improve financial visibility and marginsDevelop and refine KPIs and reporting tools to support operational performanceSystems & Process ImprovementAssess current financial systems (Sage 300 Construction) and assist with potential ERP evaluation and implementationImprove reporting capabilities, data integrity, and process efficiencyEnsure systems and processes are scalable and aligned with future growthTreasury & Risk ManagementOversee cash flow, working capital, and banking relationshipsSupport bonding capacity, insurance programs, and financial risk managementAssist in capital planning related to ESOP structureLeadership & CultureOperate effectively in a lean, highly collaborative environment with frequent interaction across all levels of the organizationBuild strong relationships with the small accounting team, operations,administrative and executive teamsContribute to a culture defined by accountability, trust, and teamworkSupport financial education efforts in an ESOP environmentSuccessionWork in close partnership with the CFO to gain exposure to all aspects of the finance functionGradually assume increasing responsibility in preparation for CFO successionRequired ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred10+ years of progressive experience, including significant accounting leadershipDemonstrated experience in construction or a project-based environmentDeep expertise in job costing, percentage-of-completion accounting, and WIP reportingExperience working in lean organizations with high cross-functional collaborationPreferred ExperienceExperience with ESOPs or ownership transition environmentsERP system selection and implementation experienceFamiliarity with Sage 300 or comparable construction accounting systemsPersonal CharacteristicsHands-on, low-ego leader who leads through collaboration and influenceStrong technical accounting capability beyond a typical VP Finance profileHigh emotional intelligence with the ability to build trust across diverse teamsPractical, solutions-oriented mindset with strong business acumenComfortable operating in an onsite, highly interactive environmentWhy This RoleThis opportunity offers the ability to step into a critical leadership role within a financially strong, well-respected construction company at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The successful candidate will play a central role in the company's transition to employee ownership while positioning themselves to assume the CFO role in the coming years.