Vice President Finance

Overview

Salt Creek Capital is seeking a Controller/VP Finance for one of its portfolio companies in the fitness accessories industry. The Controller/VP Finance will be based in the Chicago area with quarterly travel to the Northeast and is the primary owner for the Organization’s finance & accounting processes and functions, including tax and insurance. The Controller/VP Finance is responsible for directing the fiscal functions and performance of the organization. Fiscal management must be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices appropriate to the industry. The successful Controller/VP Finance will also partner with the President & CEO (who is based in Chicago) on operational issues to help drive the value creation plan.

The Controller/VP Finance will be directly responsible for all accounting books and records. Responsibilities include oversight of the accounting function including accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial and accounting internal controls, and other duties as determined.

The Controller/VP Finance maintains both internal relationships with other leadership team members, owners, and private equity investors, as well as maintaining external relationships with banking partners, insurance brokers, independent accountants, income tax preparers, and certain other support vendors. The Controller/VP Finance will have key interactions with all levels and types of employees and executives in the collective organization and related business communities.

The Controller/VP Finance reports directly to the company’s CEO and works directly with the private equity ownership group.

Essential Functions

Management:

• Serve as a member of the leadership team and participate in key decisions pertaining to strategic initiatives, operating modes, and operational execution
• Maintain primary day-to-day responsibility of all financial-related activities of the company, which includes responsibility for accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, deal analysis and negotiations, investor relationships, and compliance
• Provide management with advice on the financial implications of business activities.
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports, and financial trends to assist the President & CEO and other management members in performing their responsibilities.
• Represent the company to financial partners, including financial institutions, investors, executives, auditors, public officials, etc.
• Directly supervise the company’s accounting staff and provide direct oversight of all external vendors supporting finance, tax and audit activities
• Directly engage staff in developing and fostering the culture of the company and client communities

Financial Strategic Direction:

• Plan, implement, manage, and control all financial-related activities of the company to meet both short and long term strategic financial objectives
• Set strategies and initiatives to improve the financial performance, both short and long term, for the company
• Direct and implement financial strategic plans for accounting and financial activities
• Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business activities

Transactional Excellence:

• Oversee the management of short-term working capital and cash flow planning; ensure the availability of funds as needed
• Oversee processing of accounts payable, collection of accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations are completed monthly
• Manage loan payments, monitor loan provisions and manage to debt covenant compliance
• Optimize the handling of credit card, bank, and cash deposit relationships and maintain a system of controls over accounting transactions

Financial Planning, Analysis, and Reporting:

• Evaluate and advise on the financial impact of strategic plans, business development plans, and action
• Ensure credibility of finance/accounting department by providing timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial statements
• Develop, manage and ensure accurate analysis and processes for financial forecasting, planning, budgets, and reporting to the company
• Play a leading role in preparing and developing board meeting power points; participate in, and play a key role in, all board meeting financial reviews
• Coordinate the preparation of the corporate annual report
• Recommend, prepare and manage financial and operating metrics
• Calculate variances from the budget and report significant issues to management
• Develop and prepare a system of management cost reports
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis as needed, including, but limited to, capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations

Compliance:

• Develops, implements and enforces a documented system of accounting policies and procedures, including effective check and balance internal controls
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable city, state, and federal regulatory laws for financial and tax reporting
• Ensure timely filing of tax documents and returns
• Coordinate provision of information to external auditors and ensure timely audits.

Qualifications

Education / Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; advanced degrees a plus
• Successful completion of the Uniform Certified Public Accountants Exam is preferred, but not required
• Ten years of progressively responsible financial leadership
• Previous experience within a manufacturing company is preferred, but not required
• Previous interaction and experience with private equity partners and related banking concepts is strongly preferred, but not required

Personal Attributes:

• High level of integrity and dependability, with a strong sense of urgency and work ethic
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization
• Strong problem solving and assessment skills; ability to exercise sound judgement, and ability to make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis
• Results oriented; driven and engaged to develop, mentor, and manage accounting / finance personnel and functions

Skills:

• Must possess strong financial acumen, reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics skills
• Must possess strong computer skills including Microsoft Office products, most notably Word, Excel, and Outlook (among others); working knowledge of general account software programs
• Must be able to manage confidential information with the utmost integrity and discretion