JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Finance & Accounting is the senior finance and accounting leader for Hess Persson Estates, accountable for the full accounting cycle, treasury, capital and fixed-asset management, tax, beverage-alcohol and regulatory compliance, audit, financial planning and analysis, and IT systems oversight. The Director leads a dedicated team of four direct reports: Assistant Controller, Staff Accountant, AR/AP Coordinator, and IT Manager - and is responsible for outcomes across these functions through that team, not as the sole executor of each. The role demands deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and the leadership ability to direct and develop capable staff, while partnering closely with department heads across the winery, vineyard, hospitality, and sales operations.
ABOUT US:
Passion, dedication and perseverance have been the guiding principles of Hess Persson Estates since Donald Hess founded the winery in 1978. Led by the next generation of Hess Family, we honor Donald’s legacy through our world-renowned Napa Valley wines. We pride ourselves in providing a space for our employees’ talents to shine, encouraging professional growth, and prioritizing a positive culture where we celebrate our company wins together.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Accounting Operations
- Direct the month, quarter, and year-end close, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with US GAAP.
- Oversee the general ledger, including wine production and inventory cost accounting, barrel and bulk-wine costing, and COGS recognition across DTC, wine club, and wholesale/three-tier channels.
- Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and documentation appropriate to a privately held estate winery.
- Supervise accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and intercompany accounting through the AR/AP Coordinator and Staff Accountant, ensuring sound segregation of duties.
Treasury & Cash Management
- Manage cash, liquidity, and working capital, including banking relationships, credit facilities, and debt covenant compliance.
- Manage related party loan balance schedule, administer payments as necessary
- Lead cash-flow forecasting that reflects the seasonality of harvest, bottling, and selling cycles.
Capital & Fixed-Asset Management
- Own fixed-asset accounting, including capitalization policy, depreciation, disposals, and the fixed-asset register.
- Lead capital expenditure budgeting, tracking, and reporting for vineyard, winery, equipment, and hospitality investments.
- Evaluate financing options and prepare ROI/payback analysis to support capital investment decisions.
Tax
- Manage federal, state, and local tax compliance in partnership with outside advisors, including income, sales & use, property, and payroll taxes.
- Support tax planning and entity-structure matters in coordination with the COO/CFO and external tax counsel.
Beverage-Alcohol & Regulatory Compliance
- Oversee beverage-alcohol compliance, including TTB excise tax filings and federal and state reporting, performed through internal staff and an outsourced compliance firm.
- Maintain alcohol licenses, permits, and registrations, and ensure ongoing compliance across all jurisdictions in which the company sells.
- Monitor regulatory changes affecting wine production, distribution, and direct-to-consumer shipping.
Audit
- Lead the annual external audit/review, serving as the primary liaison and owning preparation of schedules and workpapers.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Partner with the COO/CFO to develop the annual budget and periodic reforecasts, shepherding department leaders on operating expense & unit rate projections.
- Deliver management reporting, variance analysis, KPIs, and margin analysis by channel and product to inform decision-making.
- Provide the COO/CFO with ad hoc analysis, scenario modeling, and support for strategic and capital decisions.
IT & Systems Oversight
- Serve as the executive owner of the company’s IT function, with the IT Manager as a direct report; set technology priorities, oversee vendor and service-provider relationships, and ensure IT infrastructure reliably supports operations across the winery, DTC, and hospitality.
- Own the IT systems strategy and roadmap in coordination with the COO/CFO, including evaluation, selection, and implementation of technology solutions across finance, accounting, and operations.
Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four direct reports - Assistant Controller, Staff Accountant, AR/AP Coordinator, and IT Manager - building a culture of accuracy, accountability, continuous improvement, and service orientation with respect internal stakeholders.
- Improve and automate finance workflows and systems, and partner effectively across all departments.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
Required
The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Active CPA license.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including a controller, finance director, or equivalent senior leadership role.
- Deep, demonstrated mastery of accounting, treasury, tax, and audit.
- Strong command of US GAAP and internal control design.
- Proven people-leadership experience.
- Advanced Excel and experience with mid-market ERP/accounting systems.
- Ability to work on-site in Napa, CA five days per week.
Preferred
- Public accounting background (Big 4 or regional firm).
- Experience in the wine, beverage, agriculture, or consumer-products industries.
- Familiarity with inventory/production cost accounting and TTB/beverage-alcohol regulatory reporting.
- Experience with DTC, wine club, and three-tier wholesale revenue models.
- Familiarity with Commerce7, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Cosmos.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- Annual bonus and merit increase programs.
- Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Short and long term disability, AD&D, and life insurance plans 100% paid by the employer.
- 401k plan with a 100% company match up to first 6% an employee contributes.
- Paid Time Off (starting at 3 weeks vacation accrual, 5 sick and 10 paid holidays).
- Wine Club Membership to Hess Persson Estates (per availability of the wines).
- Employee wine discount.
- A work environment where you can be your authentic self and be a part of a winning team!
This role’s compensation is anticipated to fit within the range of $175,000 to $195,000. These figures represent what we reasonably expect to pay for this position, but the actual compensation offered will depend upon numerous job-related factors, including but not limited to candidate skills, experience, knowledge and education.
Hess Persson Estates is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information, see the EEOC’s “Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law” poster. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at 707-265-3487.
Want to learn more about our brands and the company? Check us out online!
Hess Persson Estates: https://www.hessperssonestates.com
