Director of Finance & Controller

Position Overview

The Director of Finance leads all accounting and financial functions for the organization, ensuring precise, timely financial reporting, robust internal controls, effective cash flow management, and the development of a capable finance team. Reporting directly to the CEO, this senior leadership role collaborates with operations, sales, purchasing, and executive management to enhance company profitability and financial health.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor the Accounting and Finance Department, cultivating a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous enhancement.
• Deliver accurate monthly financial reports punctually, clarifying variances against budgets.
• Maintain GAAP-compliant bookkeeping and communicate financial outcomes to executive leadership.
• Oversee daily cash management, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity optimization, and payment prioritization.
• Direct the budgeting process, rolling forecasts, EBITDA projections, and financial modeling activities.
• Supervise cost accounting duties such as inventory valuation, standard costing, variance analysis, and product/customer profitability evaluations.
• Collaborate with Operations to boost labor efficiency, improve inventory turnover, minimize scrap, secure purchasing savings, and enhance gross margins.
• Ensure strong internal controls, readiness for audits, and support for tax obligations.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, vendor relations, credit policies, and aging reports.
• Prepare lender reports, maintain banking relationships, monitor debt covenants, and aid in financing activities.
• Conduct financial analyses to support pricing decisions, capital investments, acquisitions, profitability assessments, and strategic planning.

Leadership Expectations

• Exemplify leadership, enforce accountability, and build effective cross-department communication.
• Coach and develop team members while driving improved departmental efficiency.
• Promote ongoing improvement through data-informed decision-making.
• Meet deadlines consistently and foster strong collaborative relationships across functions.

Performance Metrics

• Complete month-end close within 7 business days.
• Issue financial statements by day 8 following month-end.
• Achieve weekly cash forecast accuracy within 5% variance.
• Increase operating cash flow and minimize borrowing demands.
• Reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and enhance collections performance.
• Optimize vendor payment practices while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Improve inventory accuracy and turnover rates.
• Support monthly EBITDA target attainment.
• Cross-train finance staff to bolster overall departmental performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential preferred but not mandatory.
• 7 to 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management.
• 3 to 5 years leading accounting teams.
• Strong background in manufacturing and cost accounting highly desirable.
• Experienced with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis.

Candidate Attributes

• Proactive and hands-on leader willing to engage with operational specifics.
• Exceptional expertise in managing cash flow.
• Robust understanding of manufacturing processes and cost accounting.
• Analytical thinker who remains composed under pressure.
• Highly responsible with excellent communication abilities.
• Committed to continuous improvement focused on profitability and operational efficiency.

Strategic Role

This position acts as the organization’s principal advocate for cash flow management, overseeing liquidity, forecasting, working capital optimization, and enforcing financial discipline to sustain EBITDA growth and facilitate long-term value generation.