Vice President of Finance

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Date: January 2022

With new leadership often comes new inspiration and, in this case, the opportunity to build a “Dream Team.” Our client, once family-owned and operated for over 40 years, was recently acquired by private equity. A vertically integrated agriscience company and leader in the horticultural industry, they offer both private label and branded products for retailers, focusing on providing high quality products at the best price. With their rich history, outstanding reputation, an infusion of capital, and a highly experienced newly promoted President, they are poised to grow and scale the business. 

As Vice President of Finance, the successful candidate will play a critical role as a key member of the strategic leadership “Dream Team” working closely with the President, the Board of Directors, and the Private Equity Partner. They will build out and develop the existing finance team as they establish new financial reporting structures, processes, and internal controls required to support strong business growth.

Key success factors: 

• Establish credibility throughout the organization as a strategic, solution-based leader for the challenges/ opportunities facing the business. 
• Prepare financial reports for senior management and prepare and present financial information to the Board of Directors and develop and implement a financial strategy to meet the business’ objectives.
• Provide robust financial data through the development of appropriate reports, i.e., income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, product profitability analysis product profitability analysis, variable vs. fixed costs analysis; expense tracking vs. budget; ROI on new products or services; cashflow analysis; CAPEX. 
• Establish efficient and effective processes for ensuring sound internal controls and financial decision making throughout the organization.
• Implement a new ERP system.
• Collaborate with other senior leaders in the evaluation and management of supply chain relationships.    
• Work closely with operations to develop product pricing and costing models to ensure target margins are being met and support the operations team with analysis and recommendations on current and future manufacturing operations and issues.
•  Provide recommendations concerning business policy, resource allocation and business operations to   improve company performance. 
• Establish, implement, and monitor relevant KPIs. 
• Analyze the financial performance of the company and propose strategies to maintain and develop the profitability of projects and investments. 
• Manage cash flow to ensure that the company meets its financial obligations.
• Support financial modeling and due diligence efforts related to the company’s new business, major capital expenditure and M&A activities.   

The ideal candidate will… 

Have a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ mindset, coupled with an ability to see and shape the big picture and be highly results oriented with the ability to pivot quickly. A strategic thinker, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a high degree of integrity and credibility and a commitment to the values of quality and continuous improvement. The candidate will provide insights and strategic perspective gained through previous experience in a manufacturing setting, ideally having had exposure to both supply chain and logistics. 

The candidate will also be fully bilingual, French and English, have six plus years of progressive senior financial and business leadership experience, and have spearheaded or been deeply involved in the implementation of a new ERP system. A CPA, CA designation is preferred, and an MBA would be an asset.  

If you are curious about this opportunity, please reach out to Jill Renton for more information at jrenton@richter.ca.