VP of Finance

Piston Automotive•Southfield, MI

14h

About The Position

The Vice President of Finance is a senior executive responsible for leading the financial strategy, operations, and governance of Piston Automotive. This role ensures sound fiscal stewardship, operational effectiveness, and long-term value creation across the organization’s U.S. operations. As a key member of the Executive Team, the VP provides strategic counsel to the President and positions the Finance function as a core enabler of business performance, resilience, and growth. This leader manages through other leaders, balances strategic and operational priorities, and builds functional capabilities aligned with business goals. The VP of Finance ensures that financial strategy, reporting, and risk management practices are consistent with enterprise standards through close coordination with the Piston Group CFO and Finance leadership community. In addition to leading financial planning, accounting, and treasury operations, the VP partners cross-functionally to drive cost discipline, evaluate investment opportunities, and deliver data-informed insights that support decision-making and execution. This position serves as both a strategic advisor and operational leader, accountable for ensuring financial rigor today while building the systems, talent, and practices to support sustainable business success.

Requirements

A minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience in Finance, Accounting, and related areas.
CPA or CMA certification highly desired.
Master’s degree (MBA, M.A. or equivalent) strongly preferred, significant public accounting experience acceptable alternative.
Executive-level experience overseeing financial operations, capital planning, and strategic investments.
Prior experience in a manufacturing or automotive organization required.
Proven success leading enterprise financial strategy, risk management, treasury operations, and supplier partnerships.
Experience presenting complex financial topics to senior executives, boards, and external partners.
Demonstrated experience building high-performing teams and leading through other leaders to optimize workflows and implement internal controls.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; executive presence and influence.
Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar), advanced Excel, and financial reporting tools.

Nice To Haves

Strategic Mindset – Anticipates future trends and positions the business for long-term success.
Financial Acumen – Applies financial insights to inform and drive enterprise decisions.
Manages Complexity – Navigates ambiguity and breaks down complex challenges into clear actions.
Drives Results – Achieves outcomes with urgency, accountability, and cross-functional alignment.
Global Perspective – Applies a broad, international lens to risk, and business decisions.
Business Insight – Applies knowledge of the industry and operations to improve performance.
Builds Effective Teams – Builds strong, inclusive leadership teams that deliver on shared goals.
Instills Trust – Acts with integrity, transparency, and enterprise ethics.
Develops Talent – Coaches and grows leaders, building a sustainable leadership pipeline.
Collaborates – Works effectively across boundaries to drive alignment and performance.
Optimizes Work Processes – Continuously improves financial systems to enhance efficiency.

Responsibilities

Serve as the principal financial advisor to the President and Executive Team, offering insight into performance, risk, and growth opportunities.
Develop and implement long-term financial strategies that align with organizational goals and drive sustainable value.
Analyze macroeconomic and industry trends to inform forecasting and capital planning.
Represent the company in external financial discussions with banking, legal, and investment stakeholders.
Oversee accounting, treasury, audit, tax, budgeting, forecasting, and insurance functions.
Supervise cash flow management, credit access, and liquidity to ensure financial resilience.
Maintain strong internal controls, policy compliance, and audit readiness.
Oversee the Director of Finance in managing financial records, reporting, and systems.
Partner with functional leaders to evaluate financial impacts of business initiatives and guide investment decisions.
Lead annual budget cycles and implement performance tracking systems to ensure fiscal accountability.
Prepare and deliver periodic financial reports that assess liquidity, profitability, and strategic outcomes.
Identify and evaluate potential business partnerships and capital investments.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and industry standards.
Strengthen internal controls and drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
Conduct enterprise risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies aligned with governance frameworks.
Maintain transparency and communication with board members and institutional stakeholders.
Lead and develop the Finance team to support current and future business needs.
Provide strategic guidance to the Director of Finance, supporting leadership development and succession planning.
Promote a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous learning.
Align talent practices with the ONE PISTON Talent Cycle, integrating development, performance, and succession strategies.