VP, Finance

Genesee & Wyoming•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

SUMMARY The VP Finance is the most senior financial leader for the Region, a key member of the Regional Senior Management Team and a key member of G&W's Finance Leadership Team. This executive leads a high-performing finance organization that partners with Operations and Commercial to deliver profitable growth, disciplined capital allocation, and continuous improvement. The VP Finance is accountable for regional financial performance management, planning and forecasting, investment underwriting, and cash/working capital optimization. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Finance Leadership & Business Partnership Own the regional value creation plan and partner with RSVP, Operations, Commercial, Engineering, and Safety leaders to translate strategy into financial outcomes. Lead robust annual planning and rolling forecasts and facilitate monthly business reviews that distill insights and actions for operational and commercial leaders. Serve as the financial steward and sounding board for divisional leaders and General Managers—bringing fact-based analysis, scenario planning, and decision support. Capital Allocation & Investment Underwriting Own the regional capital planning process for maintenance and growth capital, including working with operations to understand long-term capital needs for each operation, develop robust and data-driven long-term capital plans, working with commercial teams to source, underwrite, and prioritize investments using standardized models and hurdle rates; ensure clear memos and post-investment reviews. Optimize working capital and cash flow; design actions with Operations and Shared Services to release cash and fund growth. Partner with Corporate Development on larger deals/partnerships when scale or board approval thresholds apply. Performance Management, Analytics & Continuous Improvement Lead performance management conversations with railroads and divisions to review monthly results and forecasts including KPIs, leading indicators, P&Ls and institutionalize root-cause/action routines. Sponsor lean/continuous improvement programs and cross-functional teams to remove waste and automate workflows within the regional support teams. Drive digital adoption and analytics that accelerate decision cycles; partner with Transformation/IT to unlock the business case and data quality. Team Leadership & Talent Development Build and lead the Regional Finance & Accounting team with clear objectives, coaching, succession plans, and engagement. Elevate finance as a trusted business partner- develop capabilities in modeling, data storytelling, change management, and commercial acumen across the team. Represent the regional teams to improve the effectiveness of financial and support processes broadly within G&W Develop future leaders, both financial and operational through mentorship, throughout the region and broadly within G&W. Controls, Compliance & Reporting (Regional Execution) Ensure timely, accurate regional financial reporting and adherence to Corporate Accounting policies and SOX-aligned controls. Maintain effective property tax compliance in coordination with Corporate Tax Support claims administration under the company's insurance program in coordination with Corporate Finance/Legal.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting
15+ years' related experience, including 10 years of finance / accounting management with a successful record of supervision/leadership
Experience with U.S. GAAP required
Solid understanding of financial accounting / processes, excellent analytical skills, strong knowledge of controls, excellent judgment and financial acumen
Ability to interact and collaborate with managers across all levels and disciplines (i.e. Finance, Technology, Operations) and Senior Management Teams
Strong communication skills, team player and demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence without authority
Self-motivated individual capable of driving change, managing multiple tasks and continuously evaluating priorities to lead tasks / projects to completion

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in finance, economics or business administration preferred
Railway experience is not required, but is a plus

Responsibilities

Strategic Finance Leadership & Business Partnership Own the regional value creation plan and partner with RSVP, Operations, Commercial, Engineering, and Safety leaders to translate strategy into financial outcomes.
Lead robust annual planning and rolling forecasts and facilitate monthly business reviews that distill insights and actions for operational and commercial leaders.
Serve as the financial steward and sounding board for divisional leaders and General Managers—bringing fact-based analysis, scenario planning, and decision support.
Capital Allocation & Investment Underwriting Own the regional capital planning process for maintenance and growth capital, including working with operations to understand long-term capital needs for each operation, develop robust and data-driven long-term capital plans, working with commercial teams to source, underwrite, and prioritize investments using standardized models and hurdle rates; ensure clear memos and post-investment reviews.
Optimize working capital and cash flow; design actions with Operations and Shared Services to release cash and fund growth.
Partner with Corporate Development on larger deals/partnerships when scale or board approval thresholds apply.
Performance Management, Analytics & Continuous Improvement Lead performance management conversations with railroads and divisions to review monthly results and forecasts including KPIs, leading indicators, P&Ls and institutionalize root-cause/action routines.
Sponsor lean/continuous improvement programs and cross-functional teams to remove waste and automate workflows within the regional support teams.
Drive digital adoption and analytics that accelerate decision cycles; partner with Transformation/IT to unlock the business case and data quality.
Team Leadership & Talent Development Build and lead the Regional Finance & Accounting team with clear objectives, coaching, succession plans, and engagement.
Elevate finance as a trusted business partner- develop capabilities in modeling, data storytelling, change management, and commercial acumen across the team.
Represent the regional teams to improve the effectiveness of financial and support processes broadly within G&W Develop future leaders, both financial and operational through mentorship, throughout the region and broadly within G&W.
Controls, Compliance & Reporting (Regional Execution) Ensure timely, accurate regional financial reporting and adherence to Corporate Accounting policies and SOX-aligned controls.
Maintain effective property tax compliance in coordination with Corporate Tax Support claims administration under the company's insurance program in coordination with Corporate Finance/Legal.