VP of Finance
We’re working with a fast-growing, independent marketing agency headquartered in Minneapolis that helps national brands connect authentically with their audiences through storytelling and creative strategy. The team is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and moving fast – expanding service lines, investing in new tools, and gearing up for their next phase of growth.
They’re now looking for a VP of Finance to take ownership of the financial function and help steer the company into its future. This is a leadership seat that blends strategic insight with hands-on execution – perfect for someone who enjoys building structure, modernizing systems, and shaping financial strategy in a creative, high-energy environment.
**ONLY CONSIDERING LOCAL, MINNESOTA-BASED CANDIDATES**
Responsibilities
- Own the full finance function - from accounting operations and controls to forecasting, budgeting, and cash management.
- Partner closely with the CEO, President, and senior leadership team to drive decisions that balance growth and profitability.
- Lead annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and long-range planning; provide scenario modeling and data-driven insights to support key business moves.
- Serve as the agency’s financial storyteller - translating complex data into actionable insights for non-finance leaders.
- Oversee month-end close, reporting, and audits with accuracy and timeliness.
- Strengthen systems and processes; implement tools that connect accounting, reporting, and business intelligence.
- Mentor and develop a lean, high-performing finance team; identify when to bring new roles in-house as the agency scales.
- Support strategic growth initiatives including evaluating partnerships, acquisitions, or new business units.
- Uphold a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Uphold a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in finance leadership roles within professional services (marketing, digital, creative, or consulting).
- Strong accounting foundation with direct audit leadership experience.
- Proven success guiding a company through a growth phase
- Comfortable in both the details (month-end close, financial modeling) and the big picture (strategy, forecasting, M&A).
- Tech-forward mindset - someone who embraces automation and smarter reporting tools.
- Exceptional communicator who can make the numbers come alive for creative and client-facing teams.
- Integrity, curiosity, and calm under pressure - a leader who builds trust and leads with empathy.
- Local to Minneapolis
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
