Area Director Finance (100% Onsite)

About the role

As a member of the local leadership management team, the Area Director, Finance I oversees one or more Distribution Centers (DCs). Key business partner working with the Area President and cross-functional team members including VP Sales, VP Operations, Human Resource Business Partner, Pricing Director and VP Merchandising & Marketing to achieve Area and company key results.

Responsibilities

• Own the execution of Area finance strategy: Advisor on long-term business financial and strategic planning to the Area President and Area functional leaders for future growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with all other functional partners in driving improved financial results and assist on plays to support strategic initiatives.
• Audit financial performance and initiate strategic actions to drive results.
• Develop appropriate financial targets/outcomes through an understanding of key operational drivers; discuss and support with the Area Leadership Team.
• Own P&L management through strategic decisions to drive EBITDA; by managing costs, improving efficiencies and enhancing gross profit.
• Provide clear visibility and comprehensive guidance to the Area leadership team in meeting financial outcomes.
• Demonstrate analytical foresight to help make immediate decisions that will positively impact the future of the business.
• Act as a trusted advisor for all things Finance: Partner with Controller’s Group, Managed Services, COE and Region staff to deliver timely and accurate reporting and analysis.
• Collaborate with Area functional leaders, COE and Region leadership on the annual business planning and monthly forecast for the Area.
• Be the gatekeeper for the Area team on all financial processes that affect results and highlight any potential risks and opportunities.
• Establish credibility and trust with leaders across their area by building relationships and understanding individual needs and pain points.
• Operate as a business partner by bringing an end-to-end value chain perspective, broad business acumen, and an independent point of view.
• Lead financial acumen training for all Area and DC management to improve understanding of how they contribute to the Area financial results.
• Collaborate with and influence Area leaders to understand financial complexities and make sound decisions: Identify opportunities for gross profit improvement and cost management and drive accountability for execution.
• Drive profitable sales growth by reviewing, providing guidance, and approving all local customer contracts and incentive agreements.
• Collaborate with Sales Excellence, Area Sales management (Local and National), and Revenue Management teams in Customer profitability decisions.
• Understand critical levers to ensure the annual business plans and forecast are met through review of daily and weekly results dashboards, analyze data, provide insightful explanations of variances / trends, and coordinate action plans.
• Lead an effective Inventory Adjustments routine by collaborating with Operations, Merchandising, and Inventory Control in attaining the company targets for damage, spoilage and shrink.
• Partner with the Credit organization to support Sales growth while minimizing risk and managing working capital.
• Influence others: Increase the financial acumen across the functions at all management levels including basic to more advanced training to align specific functional responsibilities with their ultimate impact to improving financial results.
• Lead by example and own their personal development (e.g., ask for feedback, act on feedback, continue to expand working knowledge).
• Drive an environment of continuous improvement.
• Offer continual support and guidance for area team as they manage change.
• Demonstrate courage and conflict resolution to improve area team performance and drive results.
• Drive continuous improvement across the Area and broader business to improve financial outcomes: Lead continuous improvement through performing root cause analysis, implementing solutions, and challenging the status quo to drive improved results.
• Lead the implementation of standardized work practices.
• Take initiative to solve business problems or inefficiencies, both inside and outside of their designated Area.
• Partner with Area leadership to translate and conceptualize new approaches and offer concrete guidance to drive operational cost improvements, operating efficiencies, and opportunities for the business.
• Own all field related SOX controls for the Area Hub and DCs.
• Support control environment for all DCs in the Area by reporting and correcting any control deficiencies.
• Complete ad hoc projects, analysis and initiatives as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7 years of accounting and/or financial analysis management experience
• Proven experience and effectiveness in leading and influencing others
• General knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and SOX
• Broad skillset in financial analysis and financial modeling
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
• Strong organization and prioritization skills

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance
• CPA or MBA
• Industry experience and understanding of inventory management
• Experience that includes collaboration within a functional matrixed environment and virtual leadership across multiple sites
• Anaplan experience