Vice President, Finance

Alvest Equipment Services (AES)
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Aug 21, 2025
COMPANY INTRODUCTION Alvest Equipment Services (AES) is a trusted leader in ground support equipment (GSE) rental & leasing, fleet management & pooling, maintenance services, refurbishment of equipment, second hand GSE and consulting. As part of the global ALVEST Group, we have a presence in 10 countries. AES USA continues to expand, delivering high-quality service solutions that keep airport operations running smoothly. In North America, AES USA has the largest presence within the company, providing comprehensive GSE services across the U.S. and Canada. Our team of skilled mechanics and industry professionals are committed to maximizing equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and ensuring operational efficiency for our customers. Now offering FLIGHT BENEFITS for exclusive airfare savings along with hotel and rental car discounts! POSITION SUMMARY The Vice President of Finance will lead the financial planning, analysis, and operational finance functions for AES USA, ensuring strong financial management aligned with both operational execution and strategic growth objectives. Reporting directly to the AES USA CEO and functionally to the AES Division CFO in France, this role partners closely with senior leadership to oversee accounting, financial reporting, cost controlling, budgeting, forecasting, tax and overall financial operations. The VP of Finance provides hands-on leadership to the finance, accounting and administrative teams and plays a critical role in driving data-informed decision-making, ensuring compliance with regulatory and Group requirements and optimizing financial systems. As a key member of the leadership team, this role is responsible for strengthening internal controls, improving reporting capabilities and supporting the company's long-term growth strategy. This position is located in Des Plaines, IL (hybrid work schedule). Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $160,000-$175,000, plus a Performance Bonus. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position, as well as geography of the selected candidate. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned and are not limited to the following) Oversee the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close and reporting processes, ensuring timeliness, accuracy and compliance with local accounting standards and with Group guidelines. Deliver financial reports including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow statements for internal leadership and Group reporting. Provide monthly financial insight and performance analysis to Alvest Group and JV board members Lead AES USA's budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes to support strategic business decisions and performance targets. Member of AES USA steering committee, focusing on strategic planning and financial modeling initiatives to support business growth and operational goals. Manage financial performance reviews, including variance analysis and recommendations to optimize profitability and efficiency. Supervise tax compliance and coordinate with external tax advisors and auditors to ensure accurate filings and successful audit outcomes. Oversee cash management, including cash flow forecasting, working capital optimization and capital expenditure planning. Strengthen and maintain robust internal controls and financial policies to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with corporate and legal requirements. Provide leadership, mentorship and development opportunities for the Accounting Manager, finance and sales administrative team, promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Optimize ERP and financial systems for data integrity, reporting accuracy and process efficiency to support scalability. Serve as a key financial advisor to functional and operational leaders, offering insights and analysis to guide cross-functional initiatives and business decisions. Act as a financial liaison to department heads, supporting cross-functional initiatives with financial insights and data-driven decision-making. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. CPA or CMA certification preferred. 10+ years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within the industrial and service sectors. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Proven experience with ERP systems such as SAP, NetSuite or similar. Proven ability to define, implement, and enforce financial processes that ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with group policies and internal controls Strong analytical, strategic planning and leadership skills. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders. Strong ethical standards, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and multicultural environment. Strategic mindset combined with hands-on operational capabilities. Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain a broad, strategic perspective. Must be able to read and speak English fluently. Must hold a valid driver's license. Willingness to travel up to 25% as needed. Legally authorized to work in the United States; must be at least 18 years of age. AES provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, AES takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. AES is committed to ensuring that its online application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all candidates, including individuals with disabilities. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an application, please contact us at hr.usa@aes-gse.com. Only messages send for this purpose will be reviewed. EEO is the Law (English) EEO is the Law (Spanish) This is a management position This is a full time position