Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Job Description:

Saab Inc, operating under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) as a U.S. wholly owned subsidiary of Saab AB headquartered in Stockholm Sweden, is currently seeking a strategic, commercially minded, and operationally focused Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to lead the Saab, Inc’s financial strategy and performance and serve as a member of the Executive Team.

Reporting to the Saab Inc. CEO, the CFO will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, Executive Team, and Saab AB bringing financial insight and disciplined decision-making to the company’s strategy, growth, investments and operations. The CFO will have enterprise responsibility for financial planning and analysis, accounting and financial reporting, program finance, cost and pricing, treasury, tax, internal controls, government accounting and compliance and other financial functions.

The CFO will play a critical role in translating company’s strategy and growth ambitions into sustainable financial performance. This leader will establish financial frameworks, business models, operating mechanisms, and insights required to drive profitable growth, strengthen margins and cash generation, allocate capital effectively and ensure the company has the financial capacity and infrastructure required to scale and deliver on its strategic commitments.

Operating in a complex aerospace and defense environment, the CFO will bring a deep understanding of program economics, government contracting, cost structures, pricing, investment decisions and regulatory requirements. The CFO will partner closely and cross-functionally with domestic and global stakeholders to ensure financial considerations are embedded in decisions throughout the business lifecycle from opportunity identification and capture investment through contract execution and delivery.

The successful candidate will combine strong financial stewardship with global business leadership; protecting the financial integrity of the company while helping the organization make better decisions, improve performance and invest confidently in its future.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Assume fiduciary responsibility for the company’s financial health and serve as the principal financial advisor to the CEO, Board and Executive Team, providing objective financial perspective, strategic insight and constructive challenge.
• Serve as the financial subject matter expert on the current and future US business environment and conditions as a member of the global Finance leadership team.
• Develop and execute the company’s long-range financial strategy in alignment with US enterprise strategy and growth objectives and the Saab AB global strategy.
• Translates enterprise strategy into financial plans, investment priorities, capital requirements and performance expectations.
• Partner with Executive team to evaluate significant strategic decisions, including organic investments, partnerships, acquisitions and other growth opportunities.
• Coordinate with international parent company financial personnel on all matters of P&L performance, cash management, tax returns, treasury instruments, and worldwide insurance programs
• Lead the company’s financial operating plan including budgeting, forecasting and financial performance processes including development and distribution of appropriate financial targets to ensure long term growth.
• Provide clear, predictable and compelling financial updates and recommendations to the Board and appropriate governance committees.
• Develop scalable financial analytics, dashboards, systems and processes that enable faster and more informed decision making.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance organization capable of supporting the organization’s growth and increasing complexity.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of the company’s financial statements and reporting in accordance with US regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government-contracting requirements, including FAR, CAS and DCAA requirements.
• Interface regularly with the Saab AB finance global leadership team and provide detailed, predictive, and appropriate analysis and reporting on US operations in compliance with SSA regulations as required.
• Serve as an active member of the Executive Team and contribute beyond the traditional boundaries of Finance providing thought leadership to enterprise strategy, organizational priorities, M&A, and business performance.
• Interface with DCAA, DCMA and other U.S. Government agencies with respect to various audits, system reviews and compliance inquiries.

Total Compensation Opportunity: $300,000 - $600,000

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred. 
• 18+ years of progressive financial leadership experience in aerospace and defense.
• Demonstrated success leading a broad finance organization and serve as a strategic partner to a CEO, Board and Executive team.
• Demonstrated understanding of aerospace and defense business models, including long-cycle programs, government contracting, program finance, cost accounting, pricing and operational finance. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate well orally and in writing and manage well at all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem solving, creative thinking, and analysis skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.
• Internally motivated with high level of integrity and dependability and a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.
• Strong U.S. Government Contracting experience including working knowledge with FAR, DFARS and CAS rules and regulations; experience working directly with DCAA, DCMA and other U.S. Government agencies.
• Demonstrated experience recommending, leading and implementing changes within the Finance domain including process improvements, re-organizations, changes to rate structures, new tools and systems and integration of new businesses. 
• Demonstrated experience working with international diverse business leadership at the Executive level to recommend and analyze strategic business decisions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS, DCAA requirements and government-contracting financial practices.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing economics, working capital, inventory, capital investment and margin management. 
• Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills with the ability to report, convey and communicate complex financial decisions and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with annual and long-range planning, forecasting, performance management and capital allocation. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence across a complex, matrixed organization.
• Exceptional executive and board-level communication skills.
• Ability to influence key stakeholders throughout the organization; recommend, drive and implement change based on best practices in the U.S. Aerospace & Defense industry.
• Expert knowledge of U.S. GAAP, IFRS and other general accounting rules and principles; ability to recommend and implement best practices while adapting to rule changes.

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays

• 401(k) with employer contributions

• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance

• Wellness and employee assistance resources

• Employee stock purchase opportunities

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.