Director of Finance And Administration

Clifton Larson Allen  (CLA) Search has been retained by Stratford Homes to identify a Director of Finance & Administration to join their team.

Stratford Homes is a 53-year-old custom modular home manufacturer based in Central Wisconsin. They build homes through a network of independent builders and developers across the Upper Midwest and are actively expanding partnerships with commercial, workforce, and affordable housing developers. Neither a startup nor a corporate bureaucracy, they are a long-tenured manufacturer at a pivotal transition point—modernizing systems, diversifying channels, and strengthening financial discipline to support their next phase of growth.

The Director of Finance & Administration serves as the senior finance leader, reporting directly to the President. This is a hands‑on, player–coach role responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the financials, including ownership of the close, audit, accounting policy, and ERP implementation, while working alongside a lean team.

This role oversees the full administrative backbone of the organization—Accounting, AP/AR, Human Resources, and outsourced IT—and manages key relationships with banking, brokers, and capital partners. The ideal candidate is a technically strong, high-potential finance leader who brings both accounting rigor and operational credibility, is comfortable challenging inaccuracies, and equally focused on building processes that prevent them. This position is designed to grow into a VP of Finance/CFO role over time.

To learn more, :

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including financial reporting, reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Establish and maintain GAAP‑compliant accounting policies, with strong oversight of WIP, job costing, and inventory
• Lead internal controls, audit readiness, tax compliance, and 401(k) oversight
• Manage key external relationships, including banking, insurance brokers, and capital partners
• Oversee core administrative functions:
  Accounting, AP/AR, HR, and outsourced IT
• Lead ERP selection and implementation while driving continuous process improvement
• Partner cross‑functionally on budgeting, forecasting, and operational performance

• 8–12 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities
• CPA and public accounting background preferred
• Experience in manufacturing or construction (modular/homebuilding a plus)
• Strong GAAP foundation and ERP implementation experience
• Exposure to costing, estimating, and operational finance
• Ability to manage external IT partners and support cybersecurity oversight
• High‑potential leader with interest in growing into a VP of Finance/CFO role

• Consistent, on‑time close with clear and actionable financial insights
• Smooth, issue‑free audit process
• Well‑managed banking, insurance, and HR operations
• Clear visibility into costing, margins, and business drivers
• Strong team performance with defined development plans
• Early strategic impact and a defined ERP roadmap