Director of Finance

Job Title: Director of Finance

Job Purpose and Position Overview: Snow & Company is a dynamic, fast-growing shipyard specializing in new vessel construction and ship repair. We are seeking a Director of Finance to serve as the company’s senior financial leader, owning the overall finance function and playing a key role in shaping Snow’s financial strategy as the business continues to scale.

This individual will be both a strategic partner to the founder and a hands-on leader who can build out the finance function over time. The Director of Finance is responsible for financial stewardship, cash and capital planning, forward-looking analysis, and the integrity of all financial reporting. This role will work closely with project management, operations, and executive leadership to inform decisions across all areas of the business, from pricing and contracts to investments and growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Strategy

- Serve as a key member of the leadership team and primary financial advisor to the founder/owner.

- Own the development of the company’s financial roadmap, including annual budgets and multi-year financial plans.

- Lead cash flow planning, working capital management, and capital allocation to support growth, risk management, and project execution.

- Maintain and deepen relationships with banks and other financial partners; support debt financing, equipment financing, and covenant compliance as needed.

- Partner with leadership to evaluate new opportunities (projects, capital investments, staffing, infrastructure), providing clear financial modeling and scenario analysis.

- Translate financial results and trends into actionable insights and recommendations for the business.

Accounting & Financial Operations Oversight

- Oversee all accounting activities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and a strong internal control environment.

- Ensure robust processes are in place for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, job costing, bank reconciliations, and monthly/annual close.

- Own the preparation and review of financial statements and management reporting packages, including dashboards for leadership.

- Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, insurance and bonding partners, and financial institutions.

- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements, as well as internal policies and procedures.

- Evaluate and improve accounting and reporting systems (including potential ERP/finance system upgrades) to support a growing, project-based business.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

- Design, maintain, and continuously refine KPI dashboards and performance metrics for the executive team.

- Build out the FP&A capability to provide forward-looking visibility into revenue, margins, cash flow, and capital needs.

- Partner with project and operations teams to develop and monitor project budgets, forecasts, and job cost reporting.

- Analyze project, customer, and portfolio-level margins; identify trends and recommend strategies to improve profitability and efficiency.

- Support pricing and contract decisions with data-driven analysis, including “what-if” scenarios and sensitivity analysis.

Team Development & Scale

- Lead and mentor finance and accounting staff (current team and future hires), setting clear expectations, standards, and development paths.

- Define the structure of the finance function as the company grows (e.g., roles such as Controller/FP&A, accounting staff, etc.).

- Drive continuous improvement in processes, systems, and reporting to support a high-performance, growth-oriented culture.

- Champion a financially disciplined mindset across the organization, ensuring project teams understand the financial impact of their decisions.

Essential Skills:

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

- 12+ years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, with significant time in manufacturing, construction, shipyard, or other project-based environments.

- Prior experience in a senior-level finance role (e.g., Controller, Director of Finance, VP Finance, or equivalent) with responsibility for both accounting operations and FP&A.

- Demonstrated experience owning budgets, forecasts, cash flow planning, and financial reporting for a growing business.

- Strong understanding of project/job cost accounting and margin analysis.

- Proven ability to partner with owners/founders and operational leaders, translating financial data into clear business insight.

- Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

- Comfortable operating in a hands-on capacity while also thinking strategically and building for scale.

Preferred Certifications / Licenses:

- CPA, CMA, and/or MBA.

- Experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, or marine industry accounting.

- Experience with WIP / percentage-of-completion accounting and working with bonding/insurance partners.

- Background in implementing or upgrading ERP/accounting systems in a project-based environment.

Physical Requirements:

The work environment is a dynamic, fast-paced shipyard with moderate to loud noise levels due to ongoing production activities. This position is based in an office within an active boatyard and requires periodic visits to vessels and production areas. These environments may include moderate to high noise levels, uneven surfaces, and physical access challenges such as inclined gangways and vertical ladders. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols are mandatory. Occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required to meet reporting or project deadlines.

Pay and Benefits:

- $170,000 / annually

- Full time, overtime exempt position

- Positive and supportive work environment

- 100% paid medical insurance for employees, 80% for spouses and dependents

- Comprehensive dental insurance

- Vision insurance

- Life insurance options available

- 401(k) retirement plan

- Flexible and generous PTO plan

- 9 paid holidays, including the day after the Super Bowl

About Snow & Company: Snow & Company is a leading boatbuilding and ship repair company located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. We specialize in constructing commercial vessels for the fishing industry, government agencies, tugboat operators, aquaculture businesses, and more. In addition to vessel construction, we provide comprehensive overhauls and repair services. Our modern facilities include enclosed fabrication halls and waterfront repair spaces, all situated along the picturesque Ship Canal. Conveniently located on the Burke-Gilman Trail and just one block from the Metro bus stop, Snow & Company is a commuter-friendly workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Snow & Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, age, disability, or genetic information. In addition to federal laws, Snow & Company complies with all applicable state and local nondiscrimination laws.

For more information, check out our website at www.snowboatbuilding.com