Director of Accounting & Finance
SE Denver (In-Office Position)
Restaurant / Franchise Industry
Salary: $100,000 - $140,000 + Bonus + Full Benefits
Start-Up experience helpful
Accounting / ERP system implementation experience req.; HRIS &/or POS system implementation exp. helpful
Unique growth opportunity in a growing company offering bonus and full benefits package
Company Information
Navigator Recruiting client is an established $26M restaurant franhisor with 16 stores in 5 states. An entreprenuerial CEO has plans to take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace and grow this 90-year-old company by opening several new stores over the next many years. However, systems and processes need to be improved and updated and the environment is similar to that of a start-up. In order to help facilitate this growth from an accounting and finance perspective, the company has created a strategic new position, a Director of Accounting & Finance, who will be a part of the senior management team, and work alongside the CEO, Director of Human Resources and Director of Operations. Candidates do need to be local (in the Denver metro area) and able to commute into the office every day (Monday through Friday from 8 am - 5 pm). The office is located in Southeast Denver, just north of the Denver Tech Center, close to Hampden & I-25. The full benefits package includes medical, denal and vision insurance, a 401(k), life, AD&D insurance, paid vacation, holidays and more. There is a discretionary bonus as well. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact in a growing company.
Responsibilities
The position will be responsible for:
- Meeting tight deadlines and overseeing a multitude of accounting activities, including billing, general ledger preparation, financial reporting and analysis.
- Managing, mentoring and developing the accountants in the Accounting Department (currently two employees) who are responsible for all daily and monthly accounting tasks, including the month-end close, account reconcilations, AR/AP, etc. (As the company grows, the number of direct reports may increase.)
- Directing the budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Business Planning:
- Supporting the development of the company’s budget as directed by the CEO
- Supporting the successful implementation of the CEO's vision, long-range strategic goals and annual objectives
- Analyzing existing accounting systems and processes and making recommendations in order to increase efficiencies and/or reduce costs
- Formulating financial policies in conjunction with the goals and objectives of the company
- Managing projects related to budgeting, audit, capital requests and strategic initiatives
- Leading the initiative (and consulting with others in Operations and Sales) in evaluating, selecting, and implementing a viable ERP / Accounting system which streamlines Sales, Operations and Finance activities.
- Collaberating with the Director of Human Resources to help evaluate an HRIS system and possibly to improve benefits (insurance).
- Collaberating with the Director of Operations to help evaluate a new POS system.
- Reviewing purchasing/AP to ensure proper compliance with business objectives.
- Producing a monthly senior management team information package.
- Providing financial modeling to help the CEO determine viability of new store locations.
- Analyzing current operating costs and suggesting improvements and efficiencies.
- Implementing internal controls over financial reporting.
- Preparing, monitoring and maintaining capital budgets and spending.
- Being a liaison to the external CPA firm, responsible for managing the audit and tax information requests.
- Collaborating with the senior management team and the other team members as appropriate to support overall company goals and objectives.
- Obtaining and maintaining a thorough understanding of all financial processes, systems and reporting.
- Revising, updating, and implementing accounting policies and procedures as needed.
- Updating and maintaining the fixed assets ledger.
- Directing and monitoring banking relationships and requirements.
- Proactively managing cash accounts and line of credit.
- Protecting the company’s value by keeping information confidential.
- Supporting management and other team members with special projects as requested.
Requirements
- BS in Accounting, Finance or Business. MBA is helpful.
- CPA preferred.
- 10+ years' accounting expeirence with ideally some experience in the restaurant, retail, store or franchise industry.
- 3+ years’ expeirence managing an accounting department ideally within the restaurant, retail, store or franchise industry.
- Contruction accounting experience is also helpful.
- Experience implementing an ERP or Accounting system.
- Experience with Sage 50 is helpful but not required.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, including modeling experience is ideal.
- Someone who’s energetic, intelligent, amenable and a good manager who wants to take ownership of the department (a “take charge”/”get it done” type of person) who’s not inhibited by putting their stamp on the group and company.
- Technology-savvy; including experience helping a company go from a paper-based to paperless environment.
- Experience with preparing budgets, forecasts and cash flows.
- Strong interpersonal, customer service and verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up-like environment.
- Ability to manage change, accepting the challenges involved in transitioning the organization.
- The Director of Accounting & Finance is expected to be a positive influence within the company by living, communicating, and showing others the vision and core values of the company.