• Job Tag: #LI-BO1
• Posted: June 03,2025

SkyWater is proud to be leading the search for a Chief Financial Officer on behalf of one of the most highly-respected commercial construction services companies in the Midwest.  Our client’s long history of success and sterling reputation are a direct result of the company’s keen focus on safety, quality, integrity and teamwork on every project it undertakes. These values, coupled with a dedication to continuous investment in people, technology, and equipment, have resulted in a sterling reputation – one that is both admirable to clients, and enviable to competitors. 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be a key member of our client’s Strategic Leadership Team. This critical role partners directly with the President/CEO and is responsible for driving the financial direction and growth strategy of the company. The position requires deep financial acumen, hands-on experience with construction industry-specific accounting, and a forward-thinking mindset toward technology, risk management, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the President/CEO on all high-level decisions.
  • Identify opportunities for growth, expansion, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Lead M&A efforts, including opportunity identification, due diligence, integration, and financial modeling.
  • Provide creative financial strategies (e.g., depreciation schedules, offsets, equipment/material management).
  • Drive innovation and efficiency through the use of artificial intelligence in financial and operational workflows.
• Financial Oversight
  • Partner with the Controller to lead preparation and oversight of monthly and annual financial statements and audits.
  • Oversee job costing, unit-rate contract performance, WIP reports, under/overbilling, accounts receivable, and open retainage.
  • Direct cash management, including forecasting, cash balance optimization, and seasonal investment strategies.
  • Develop internal financial reporting, establish annual budgets, and monitor monthly variances with department heads.
• Banking & Financial Relationships
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with banks and lenders.
  • Manage and negotiate annual line-of-credit renewals, equipment financing, and investment opportunities.
  • Ensure compliance with all loan covenants and borrowing base requirements.
• Risk & Insurance
  • Serve as primary liaison with surety and insurance agents to negotiate coverage, bonding, and renewals.
  • Lead the Captive Insurance program, ensuring proper structure and strong partnerships.
  • Oversee risk management, claims handling, and ensure adequate coverage across all operations.
• Internal Controls & Compliance
  • Ensure GAAP compliance with a strong understanding of the percentage-of-completion method and unit-price contracts.
  • Maintain compliance with tax regulations including federal, state, payroll, sales tax filings, and benefit programs.
• Construction Operations Integration
  • Conduct ongoing WIP and accounts receivable reviews with Project Managers.
  • Collaborate with the Equipment/Fleet Manager to monitor utilization and manage capital asset planning.
  • Partner with the Fleet Manager to manage all aspects of fleet vehicle leases, including new leases, renewals, expirations, trade-ins, and disposals.
  • Work closely with the Safety Director to ensure insurance and workers’ compensation claims are managed for optimal outcomes.
  • Partner with Human Resources to ensure company policies and employee relations are aligned and appropriately handled.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Directly oversee and support the Accounting and Payroll functions.
  • Provide mentorship and development opportunities to the finance team.
  • Lead financial training for project management and operational leaders.
  • Guide accounting software efforts using Vista by Viewpoint and support IT infrastructure in partnership with internal IT staff.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • 15+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a CFO or senior finance leadership role.
  • In-depth knowledge of construction accounting, including unit-price contracts, WIP schedules, cost-to-complete analysis, and job cost/cash experience.
  • Proven experience managing banking, surety, insurance, and other critical partnerships.
  • Experience with Captive Insurance programs and risk/claims management.
  • Familiarity with Vista by Viewpoint software.
  • Strong financial decision-making ability and leadership during periods of growth and change.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites and attend meetings with clients, financial partners, auditors, board members, and staff.
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
  • Strong critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and attention to detail.
• Preferred:
  • CPA or CMA designation.
  • Experience with M&A transactions in the construction or related industries.
  • Background in mid-size or large construction firms with equipment-intensive operations.
  • Proven ability to navigate and execute merger and acquisition opportunities.