Chief Finance Officer

We are currently seeking a dynamic individual to become part of our team as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This position requires a proactive, team-oriented leader who can thrive in a growing organization. This highly visible position, which is poised for growth, reports to the Chief Operating Officer and will interact heavily with the CEO and executive leadership team. The incumbent will have broad responsibility across corporate and operational financial and accounting functions, directing functions such as: accounting, annual audits, customer accounting support, tax compliance, managing an ERP implementation, monthly close processes, monthly reporting, forecasting, budgeting, long range planning, business partnering, modelling, return on investment analysis and other value-added financial analysis. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires someone who is able to support both high-level complex accounting and finance responsibilities as well as not being afraid to dive into the details on a day-to-day basis.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy, Planning and Management

- Act as Chief Financial Officer and strategic business partner to senior executive leadership team.

- Assess and evaluate financial performance of organization with regard to long-term operational goals, budgets and forecasts.

Provide insight and recommendations to both short-term and long-term growth plan of organization.

- Identify, acquire and implement systems and software to provide critical financial and operational information. Evaluate departments and make suggestions for automating processes and increasing working efficiency.

- Communicate, engage and interact with CEO, VP and Executive Leadership Team.

- Create and establish yearly financial objectives that align with the company's plan for growth and expansion.

- Select and engage consultants, auditors and investors.

- Recruit, interview and hire finance, accounting and payroll staff as required.

- Serve as a key member of executive leadership team and round table discussion panel.

- Participate in pivotal decisions as they relate to strategic initiatives and operational models.

- Interact with and bring department into line with Board of Directors' plans, initiatives and recommendations.

- Implement policies, procedures and processes as deemed appropriate by senior leadership team.

Financial Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting

- Prepare and present monthly financial budgeting reports including monthly profit and loss by division, forecast vs. budget by division and weekly cash flow by division.

- Review and analyze monthly financial results and provide recommendations.

- Identify, develop and execute analysis of business initiatives, product launches and/or new service offerings.

- Develop and maintain monthly operating budget and annual company operating budget.

- Manage financial planning and analysis department. Supervise creation of reports, software implementation and tools for budgeting and forecasting.

Accounting, General Ledger, Administration and Operations

- Supervise the accounting department to ensure the proper functioning of all systems, databases and financial software. Provide regular maintenance and backup of all accounting systems and supervise company financial staff.

- Financial Reporting per the USGAAP and IGAAP, Direct & Indirect Taxation (GST, Custom), Liaoning with Tax department for submitting returns and claiming refunds and identifying the transfer pricing module and checking for the passthrough expense.

- Review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls, SOX compliance and financial procedures.

- Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting data for federal funders, foundations and investors.

- Oversee the preparation and communication of weekly, monthly and annual financial statements.

- Oversee the preparation and timely filing of all local, state and federal tax returns.

- Ensure SOX compliance regarding all financial functions.

- Work with Human Resources to ensure appropriate legal compliance.

- Oversee the month-end close process, constantly reviewing procedures while eliminating inefficiencies.

- Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.

- Review all month-end closing activities including general ledger accounts, balance sheet accounts and overhead cost allocation.

- Enhance and implement financial and accounting systems, processes, tools and control systems

- Hire, develop and manage accounting directors, managers and staff

- Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors; Manage preparation and support of all external audits.

- Coordinate and strategize methods used to attain team goals with Chief Accounting Officer and Regional Controllers

Financial Management

- Manage cash flow planning process and ensure funds availability.

- Oversee cash, investments and asset management area.

- Explore new investment opportunities and provide recommendations on potential returns and risks.

- Maintain outstanding banking relationships and strategic alliances with vendors and business partners.

- Utilize forward-looking models and activity-based analyses to provide financial insight into the organization's plans and operating budgets

- Remain current on audit best practices as well as state, federal and local laws regarding company operations.

Cash Management

- Oversee weekly cash management and AP Department, approve large payables, sign checks, authorize large wires and ACHs

- Supervise Accounts Receivable management and provide guidance relating to the collection process

Requirements:

- Bachelor or Master's Degree in Accounting or Finance

- 5 years minimum experience as a CFO in a large ($500 million+), publicly traded corporation.

- 15 + years total accounting or finance experience

- Outstanding knowledge and understanding of GAAP, IFRS, SOX compliance and SEC reporting.

- Background coordinating with I.T. staff to manage and/or upgrade accounting system. Systems implementation experience strongly preferred.

- "Hands On" ERP Systems Experience - SAP, JD Edwards or PeopleSoft experience preferred

- Outstanding communication and presentation skills.

- Demonstrated leadership ability, confidence and executive presence - ability to motivate staff.

- Excellent analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills

- Significant experience working with external auditors, internal controls and compliance-related issues