Vice President of Finance (in person)

Position OverviewSEP is seeking an experienced financial leader to serve as Vice President of Finance. This role is critical to our continued success and growth, providing strategic financial leadership while managing day-to-day financial operations. This position represents a unique opportunity to join a financially strong, employee-owned professional services firm.
The successful candidate will partner closely with our COO and executive leadership team to execute financial strategies, ensure operational excellence, and steward our resources in support of our employee-owners and clients. You'll have the opportunity to shape financial processes, lead strategic planning initiatives, and build the financial infrastructure needed to support our continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership & Strategy
• Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies aligned with company objectives
• Lead annual budgeting process, consolidating department budgets and providing strategic financial guidance
• Create and maintain financial models to support strategic decision-making and capital deployment
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations for capital investments, business opportunities, and resource allocation
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term financial planning and scenario analysis
• Prepare and present financial insights to the Board of Directors
• ESOP Administration & Compliance
• Oversee all financial aspects of SEP's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Lead annual ESOP valuation forecasting and analysis
• Manage ESOP repurchase obligation planning and cash flow modeling
• Ensure compliance with ESOP regulations and reporting requirements
• Coordinate with ESOP administrator and trustee on financial matters
• Analyze and communicate ESOP financial impacts to leadership and employee-owners
• Financial Operations & Reporting
• Oversee all accounting operations including AP, AR, and bank reconciliations (performed by bookkeeper/office admin)
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
• Maintain and improve financial controls, policies, and procedures
• Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure successful audit outcomes
• Oversee tax compliance and planning in coordination with external tax advisors
• Implement and optimize financial systems and tools (QuickBooks, Excel, financial planning platforms)
• Treasury & Cash Management
• Monitor cash flow and manage banking relationships
• Optimize working capital and liquidity management
• Oversee credit facilities and debt management
• Manage investment strategies for reserves
• Provide cash forecasting and variance analysis
• Contract & Pricing Support
• Collaborate with operations team on pricing strategies and rate-setting
• Review and analyze contract terms from a financial perspective
• Support contract negotiations with financial analysis and risk assessment
• Support reporting on profitability by client, project, and service line
• Vendor & Subscription Management
• Oversee vendor relationships and negotiate favorable terms
• Oversee software subscription portfolio and cost optimization
• Conduct regular audits of tool usage versus budget
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements
• Maintain insurance programs and coordinate renewals
• Manage financial risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Oversee compliance for government contracting requirements as applicable

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
• Professional services industry experience required (consulting, engineering, software development, or similar project-based business models)
• Demonstrated success managing full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and planning functions
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills with advanced Excel proficiency
• Experience presenting financial information to executive leadership and boards
• Proven ability to build and improve financial processes and systems
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial controls
• Experience managing external audits and ensuring compliance
• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• ESOP company experience or demonstrated knowledge of ESOP structures and regulations
• Experience in growing professional servic