Director of Finanace

About Us

Blue Ridge Automation is a leading automation company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency for our clients. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our core values: Teamwork, Character, Grit, Excellence, Progress, and Vision.

Job Summary

Blue Ridge Automation is seeking an experienced and driven Director of Finance to serve as the senior financial leader of the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is the financial backbone of our business — a hands-on operator who keeps the books tight and the close process humming today, while building the systems, team, and strategic insight that will carry us into our next stage of growth.

This is not a traditional back-office accounting role. The right candidate understands project-based, service-oriented businesses, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can transition naturally from reviewing WIP schedules in the morning to presenting financial insights to executive leadership in the afternoon. As the company scales, this role is expected to grow in scope and strategic influence.

Job Details

• Position Type: Full-Time Direct Hire

• Location: Pendleton, IN / Opportunity for Hybrid

• Reports to: CEO

• Education: BS Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Own all day-to-day accounting operations: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

• Lead the monthly and year-end close process, ensuring all journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations are completed on schedule.

• Analyze financial results and clearly explain variances to budget, forecast, and prior periods.

• Develop and continuously improve financial reporting packages for leadership.

• Work with the board Treasurer and external consultants for company tax compliance and distributions.

Project & Revenue Accounting

• Ensure accurate revenue recognition in accordance with GAAP within a project-based environment.

• Partner closely with the Project Management team to monitor project profitability, utilization, and contract performance.

• Oversee work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, unbilled revenue, deferred revenue, and project costing to maintain visibility into margin health.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Monitor cash flow weekly and prepare rolling cash forecasts.

• Review and optimize vendor payment timing and working capital management.

• Manage and maintain strong banking relationships; assist with financing requirements as needed.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Finance

• Lead the annual budgeting process and own periodic reforecasting activities.

• Partner with department leaders in developing departmental budgets and tracking performance against plan.

• Develop and present financial insights, KPIs (leading and lagging), and strategic recommendations to the CEO to drive sound business decisions.

• Build financial models to support growth planning, capital allocation, and investment decisions.

• Stay current on trends in financial management, ERP systems, and reporting tools and bring what's relevant to leadership.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Design, maintain, and continuously strengthen internal control procedures.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable financial regulations.

• Coordinate annual audits, tax preparation activities, and external financial reviews.

• Identify financial and operational risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.

• Maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures documentation.

• Work with external insurance broker for audits and renewals.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor the existing accounting team; establish clear expectations, accountability, and a culture of excellence.

• Drive continuous improvement in finance operations — identifying automation opportunities and process efficiencies.

• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented finance function that is viewed as a true business partner across the organization.

• As the company grows, help define and build the future finance team structure.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.

• Minimum 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.

• Proven experience in a service-based, project-driven environment (systems integration, engineering, consulting, construction, or similar).

• Strong command of GAAP, financial reporting, and close processes.

• Demonstrated ability to manage both tactical accounting operations and provide strategic financial insight.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills — able to translate financial data into clear business language.

• CPA designation strongly preferred.

• Experience in industrial automation, systems integration, or a related field highly preferred.

• Proficiency in ERP systems and financial process improvement initiatives.

• Experience establishing KPIs and building financial reporting frameworks from the ground up.