In this role, the Vice President of Finance will partner with senior management to oversee development of long-range strategic plans for the business unit, becoming the focal point for business issues and concerns. Partner with senior management in developing growth strategy for the business. Participate in the decision-making process regarding diversification of business interests through mergers/acquisitions and/or joint ventures, leading the financial evaluation of alternative opportunities, assessing specific options and providing initial recommendations for optimal course of action. You will oversee development of annual operating plans and capital budgets. Manage all processing activities for Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Credit and Collections. Monitor and manage key business drivers of financial results, appropriately communicate business trends and results to senior staff, and oversee the integration of finance and accounting discipline into the operations. Provide financial consulting and strategic support to business management, including financial presentations, capital expenditure analysis, industry/peer group comparisons, acquisitions analysis and other projects requested by management. Liaise with Shared Services in Linde's Corporate Accounting group to ensure appropriate accounting treatment for transactions in the business. You will also be accountable for optimizing working capital for the business. Responsible for validation and approvals on capital spend in the business. Responsible for monthly reporting on financial results, forecast and variances. Provide guidance to management on overall financial policies and regulations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Contribute to the overall operation of the business and the attainment of financial goals as a member of the senior management team. • Responsible for the compilation of information used in the review of actual financial results versus forecasted results on a monthly basis: • Creation of meaningful financial models that facilitate timely review and analysis of actual results vs. forecasted results • Assist in the preparation of presentation material to senior management highlighting the business performance versus forecast and versus prior actual periods • Lead in the business closing review process • Preparation and administration of work process timeline to ensure timely completion and submission of reporting requirements on a month-end and quarter-end basis • Compilation of quarter variance reports, income statement variance reports, DSO, productivity, capital expenditure, headcount reporting requirements • Responsible for the overall coordination of annual planning cycle, including: • Preparation and administration of planning cycle timeline and ensuring compliance by department managers • Coordination in development / maintenance of budgeting environments used for plan consolidation and analysis • Coordination with Corporate FP&A to ensure submission deadlines are met timely and accurately • Development / maintenance of multiple financial models analyzing plan submissions in terms of financial trends • Assist in the preparation of detailed presentations to senior management • Development / Maintenance of multiple financial models, which include but are not limited to: • New product development financial models • Industry/peer group comparisons • Acquisition analysis • Capital project requests • Productivity financial evaluation and validation • Ensure career pathing, ongoing skill development, and capability-building within the finance team. • Strong managerial and team leadership skills • Will lead a team of approximately 60 people, including exempt and non-exempt employees • Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Vice President of Finance is responsible for the following departments: • Accounting Services including compliance, fixed assets, sales tax, use tax, compensation and benefits administration • Financial Planning and Business Analytics • Collections • Cash applications • Billing • Billing Resolution • Contract Data Administration QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA and/or MBA preferred • 8+ years Finance experience in a management capacity • Advanced Microsoft Excel; Microsoft PowerPoint • Intermediate knowledge of Hyperion and JD Edwards is preferred • Strong problem solving, analytical, planning, and organizational skills • Demonstrated people leadership and training skills • Ability to communicate effectively and foster strong relationships with colleagues at all levels within and outside of the organization • Recognized as a source of expertise • Ability to travel up to 15% of time as necessary • Cross functional experience in a highly transactional service industry preferred