Vice President of Finance, Optical Systems (US)

Gooch & Housego Florida•New Port Richey, FL

12d

About The Position

G&H is seeking an accomplished Vice President of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership for its Optical Systems US Business Unit. Reporting to the Group Chief Financial Officer and serving as a strategic partner to the Executive Vice President, Optical Systems US, the role will help drive profitable growth, operational excellence, and financial performance across four US sites and future growth opportunities. The position calls for deep expertise in financial planning and analysis, commercial finance, and manufacturing operations. The Vice President will establish robust planning processes, develop meaningful performance metrics, and bring rigor and discipline to business decisions and execution. As a member of the Business Unit leadership team, this leader will translate financial insights into actionable strategies, strengthen accountability, and support a consistently high-performing, profitable business. The ideal candidate will live within drivable distance of Tampa, Florida. Extensive travel to the company’s locations in Tampa, Florida; Keene, New Hampshire; Rochester, New York; and Moorpark, California is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
At least 15 years of progressive finance leadership experience, including senior-level responsibility in a complex, multisite manufacturing or industrial organization.
Extensive FP&A experience, including strategic planning, financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, scenario analysis, and financial performance management.
Demonstrated success as a strategic finance business partner to senior executives, influencing commercial and operational decisions and driving measurable business results.
Strong understanding of manufacturing finance, including standard costing, inventory valuation, product profitability, margin analysis, and working capital management.
Experience developing and implementing financial and operational KPIs, management dashboards, and accountability frameworks to improve business performance.
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, financial controls, and reporting requirements.
Advanced analytical and financial modeling capabilities, with strong proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, and financial reporting or business intelligence tools.
Experience leading, developing, and influencing high-performing finance teams across multiple locations, including during organizational change.
Exceptional commercial acumen, communication, and executive-level influencing skills; a proactive, results-oriented approach; and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear business decisions.
Ability to undertake other reasonable and related tasks allocated by the manager.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPA, or equivalent professional qualification.
Familiarity with UK GAAP and international reporting environments.

Responsibilities

Advise the Business Unit EVP and leadership team, providing financial insights, constructive challenge, and recommendations to support profitable growth and long-term value creation.
Partner with operational and commercial leaders to assess growth opportunities, investments, pricing strategies, product-line profitability, and business cases using rigorous financial analysis.
Lead financial strategy and performance-improvement initiatives, identifying ways to strengthen margins, optimize costs, and improve return on investment.
Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning, including scenario modeling, sensitivity analysis, and identification of risks and opportunities.
Design and implement financial and operational KPIs, dashboards, and performance reviews covering profitability, productivity, cost performance, and progress against business objectives.
Establish performance management practices that include variance analysis, root-cause assessment, and corrective-action planning.
Work with site and functional leaders to optimize manufacturing costs, standard costing, inventory, working capital, and cash flow while improving operational efficiency and financial predictability.
Oversee financial reporting, accounting integrity, internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
Improve the consistency and effectiveness of financial processes, systems, reporting, and controls across US Business Unit operations.
Lead, coach, and develop the US finance team, including site financial controllers, fostering accountability, analytical excellence, and proactive business partnership.
Support business transformation, integration, and growth initiatives, including acquisitions, financial due diligence, operational restructuring, and scalable financial processes.
Collaborate with Group Finance and cross-functional leaders to align financial priorities, strengthen organizational capabilities, and embed G&H’s core values.