The Vice President Finance/Controller will be one the of the most senior and valued executives in the organization. This role is a key strategic business leader responsible for providing financial support and business partnership to the executive team and company owners. This person will create and drive key initiatives across the organization in support of improved productivity and profitability. The role will oversee the organization’s overall financial plans, policies, accounting practices, and relationships with lending institutions.
Any successful leader at American Freight Furniture and Mattress (AF) must be willing to roll up his or her sleeves and be willing to take on a number of different roles. The VP must take a key role in increasing the analytical capabilities of the organization. Finance must not only “keep score” but must help executives and associates understand the key value levers in the business and how to use them to drive results.
AF has a very flat and flexible organizational structure. Teams form across departments to address problems. Individuals are expected to work cross-functionally to evaluate problems and opportunities, then develop and execute solutions. Unlike a more hierarchical or formal company, executives must be comfortable with ambiguity and work in teams to find and implement actions quickly.
Specific Responsibilities
- Serving as a key business partner to the Executive Team and Owners as a key member of the senior management team, providing the tactical execution necessary to enhance profits and leverage market opportunities
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Act as liaison with banks and lending institutions. Manage communications and relationships with financial institutions
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Lead the development and management of the organization-wide financial strategy, performance measures, financial processes and controls
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Oversee all financial and accounting controls. Lead the FP&A, business finance, accounting, risk-management, treasury, tax, audit and investor relations functions
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Drive an intense analytical focus across the organization and improve quantitative and analytical capabilities
The ideal candidate must be a business partner, a natural leader, and have a strong entrepreneurial acumen for building a business. He/she must be collaborative, hands-on, results-oriented and efficient. In addition, he/she must exhibit an ability to build relationships across the organization and have experience in a dynamic, performance-oriented environment.
The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes, skills and professional experience:
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BS/BA required; MBA and/or CPA a plus
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A minimum of 10 years of finance experience within a multi-site, geographically distributed model (e.g., retail, restaurants, hospitality, consumer banking, etc.)
- Experience working within a licensee or franchise business model is preferred
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Experience in a small-box, hardline retail business is ideal
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A responsive, flexible, adaptive personality with an ability to deal with ambiguity
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Demonstrated success in influencing decision makers to adopt new ways of thinking and execution that helps propel the business
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Very strong quantitative and analytical skills
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Operationally focused
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Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with a history of achieving superior results
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Established track record of professionalism, innovation, integrity and high energy
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Ability to build an effective and competent team. Develop financial/department competency to support long term organizational needs
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Someone who makes things happen: a “can do” attitude
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Strong listener and communicator. Professional presence
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Strong strategic abilities: a thoughtful leader who comes up with great ideas, but also enjoys being challenged
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High energy level; must motivate and be capable of getting a team to work together
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Eager to take on new responsibilities as an opportunity to expand skill sets and help the company succeed
