Overview
Vice President of Finance (Hands-On Leadership Role) Jobs in Lafayette, IN at DeFOUW Automotive
Title: Vice President of Finance (Hands-On Leadership Role)
Company: DeFOUW Automotive
Location: Lafayette, IN
Company Overview
For more than 60 years, DeFOUW Automotive has been a trusted part of the Greater Lafayette community. As a family-owned and operated business, we’ve built our reputation on something simple but powerful—doing right by our customers, our employees, and our community.
At DeFOUW, we believe the dealership experience should feel different. That’s why we’ve created an environment that is transparent, pressure-free, and focused on what matters most: helping people make the right decision for them.
We call it the “DeFOUW Difference.” It’s our commitment to delivering exceptional service, building long-term relationships, and showing up for our customers and community every day.
We’re proud of where we’ve been—but we’re even more excited about where we’re going.
About the Role
If you’re a finance leader who enjoys building, improving, and staying close to the numbers—not just reviewing them—this role offers the best of both worlds.
DeFOUW Automotive is seeking a strategic, hands-on Vice President of Finance to lead financial operations across our multi-rooftop dealership group (BMW, Chevrolet, Nissan, Pre-Owned, and Collision Center).
In this role, you’ll be part of the executive leadership team, helping shape business decisions, drive performance, and guide the organization through its next phase of growth.
We’re actively expanding and strengthening our operations, and this position will play a key role in developing the financial structure, insights, and discipline needed to support that growth.
You’ll have the opportunity to operate at a high level—while also staying connected to the day-to-day financial activity that drives the business. If you take pride in understanding how the numbers are built and are comfortable stepping in when needed, you’ll thrive here.
Note: We are targeting a VP of Finance; however, we are open to strong Corporate Controller candidates who are ready to grow into a broader leadership role.
What Makes This Role Different
- You’ll own financial strategy and influence key business decisions
- You’ll lead and develop the accounting team
- You’ll stay close to the work—including financial reporting, close processes, and accounting operations
- You’ll have direct visibility to ownership and leadership
- You’ll help build and scale financial processes across multiple locations
What You’ll Do
- Lead financial strategy, planning, and performance analysis
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting across all dealerships
- Maintain strong internal controls and compliance
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and capital planning
- Partner with operational leaders to improve profitability
- Perform hands-on accounting work, including involvement in payroll, close, reconciliations, and reporting
Growth & Opportunity
We are not a static organization—we have a clear vision for continued growth across our dealership group. In this role, you will:
- Help build and scale the financial infrastructure to support expansion
- Play a key role in evaluating growth opportunities, investments, and operational improvements
- Partner with leadership to ensure the organization is financially positioned for the next stage of growth
This is an opportunity to step into a role where your impact extends beyond reporting—into shaping the future of the business.
Who We Are at DeFOUW
Our culture is built on a set of core values that guide how we operate every day:
Our Core Values
We care about our customers, company, and community
We prioritize our customers, company and community. Our unwavering commitments is the exceed expectations and deliver the "Wow" factor.
We get it done – We embrace a strong work ethic and "whatever it takes mindset".
We have positive attitudes – We embody positive attitudes. Yes, we have the power to make it happen.
We have passion for winning – We are driven by a passion for winning & focused on results.
We do the right thing – We are honest, have integrity and accountable.
What That Means for This Role – As our Vice President of Finance, you will:
- Take full ownership of financial outcomes across the organization
- Lead with integrity in all financial reporting, controls, and decisions
- Drive results while building a strong, accountable team
- Approach challenges with urgency, focus, and a solutions mindset
- Continuously raise the bar for financial performance
What We’re Looking For
- 10–15+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience
- Experience as a VP of Finance, Director of Finance, or Corporate Controller
- Strong mix of strategic leadership and hands-on accounting expertise
- Automotive dealership or multi-location business experience strongly preferred
- CPA, MBA, or equivalent is a plus
Who You Are
- You don’t just review numbers—you understand how they’re built
- You’re comfortable moving between big-picture strategy and detailed execution
- You’re a leader who builds teams but also rolls up your sleeves when needed
- You take ownership and care about getting it right
- You have a "get it done" attitude
Compensation and Benefits
At DeFOUW Automotive, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being.
Corporate Controller Total Compensation: $120k to $170K
VP of Finance Total Compensation: $180K to $225K
Health & Wellness
- Medical coverage with multiple plan options, including PPO and HDHP with HSA (preventative care covered at 100%)
- Dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Pharmacy benefits, including mail-order and specialty support
- 24/7 virtual care access through Teladoc
- Wellness program with incentives for maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle
Financial Security & Protection
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Profit sharing based on company performance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with annual company contribution
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage (up to 60% income protection)
- Life insurance options for you and your family
Work-Life & Additional Perks
- Paid vacation and company-paid holidays
- Various employee support programs for mental health, financial, and family support
- Employee vehicle purchase programs and discounts on parts and service
- Demo allowance and weekly fuel benefit
We’re committed to providing benefits that not only support you today, but also help you plan for the future.
