Johnstone Supply – The Ware Group Looking for Director of Finance at Jacksonville, FL Full Time

In conjunction with the VP of Finance and Senior Leadership, the Director of Finance is charged with ensuring the stability of the company’s long-term financial health and growth.  Working with the Finance team and under the direction of the VP of Finance, supports the business strategy of the company through financial reporting, working capital management forecasting and analyzing performance and risks, and oversees the company’s Accounting, AP, and AR functions.

Responsible for directing the accounting functions and financial management of the organization including the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, monthly forecasts, annual budgets, and comprehensive financial / operational analytics and reporting. This role also has critical responsibility for establishing and maintaining tools and processes that enhance the financial forecasting and analytics capabilities of the organization, including P&L, balance sheet and cash utilization forecasts.

This role drives the financial close processes, internal and external financial reporting, tax compliance, accounts receivable / payable functions, payroll process, maintain physical inventory processes, M&A due diligence activities and financial oversight of capital expenditures. Interaction with the Technology team to ensure proper systems’ controls and efficient processes are in place is critical to this role. This position is expected to assist the VP of Finance in managing key relationships with the Johnstone Supply LLC, banking and financial institutions, external auditors, tax advisors, state and federal authorities and business insurance and risk management partners. 

Essential Job Function 

1. Responsible for safeguarding the assets of the corporation, supporting strategic plans and protecting the shareholders’ interests at all times.
2. Maintains accurate accounting and financial records and robust internal controls processes to protect integrity of company assets. Oversees the activities of the accounting department to ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports.
3. Leads, mentors and coaches the accounting department and other assigned personnel. Responsible for professional development, goal setting, and hiring and firing of team members.
4. Establishes and ensures execution of internal control policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting practices, maintenance of required fiscal records, and identifies areas of process improvement.
5. Reviews month-end financial close and related general ledger activity for all locations.
6. Manages the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, purchase orders, petty cash, employee expense reports, cash control, and payroll processing.
7. Oversees the development and maintenance of management reporting tools / analytics, financial planning / forecasting models, annual budgets, and asset management activities to ensure operations leaders and senior leadership have the required data to make effective and timely decisions in the tactical and strategic management of the business.
8. Directs the processes of a decentralized Accounts Receivable (A/R) function, inclusive of timely management of billings and cash receipts. Provides A/R subject matter expertise, support, and training.
9. Partners and collaborates across departments to provide financial support and analysis necessary to drive alignment and sound decision making.
10. Ensures audit process compliance and facilitation. Manages external auditors and tax advisors, as well as State and Federal auditors, assuring all legal reporting / compliance requirements are met regarding financial obligations and mandated documentation.
11. Conducts analysis, forecasting, and modeling using a variety of tools and methods and participates in budgeting and other financial planning activities.
12. Assists VP of Finance in financial advisory and support role to company owners and assists in the respective tax planning / filings as required.
13. Provides financial leadership for all critical business projects and leads, supports, and/or participates in special projects as assigned.
14. Ensures adherence to financial laws and guidelines and all regulations and standards.
15. Performs other duties as assigned and assists with any other projects, as needed, that will further the Ware Group’s business objectives.

Internal Relationships

This position oversees accounting and other assigned finance personnel to ensure quality, accuracy and timeliness of work performed. Consults, confers, communicates, and interfaces with the senior leadership team on company asset management objectives and strategic business initiatives. Communicates regularly with various members of sales, operations, marketing, purchasing, human resources, information technology, as well as Regional, Market, and Branch Managers to achieve short-term and strategic financial objectives. 

External Relationships

Consults, confers, communicates, and interfaces with banking / financial institutions, external CPA firms, Johnstone Supply LLC, trade vendors, insurance carriers, and financial consultants on a wide variety of projects and responsibilities.

Final Decision Maker

Decision making is performed within GAAP standards, all state, local and federal regulations and requirements and consistent with company policies and procedures.

Education, Work Experience & Specialized Skills or Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and CPA required; master’s degree in finance, accounting, or business preferred.
• Ten plus years of experience in a controller, accounting management, or financial planning and analysis management role.
• Thorough knowledge of finance and accounting, forecasting and financial analytics, budgeting, accounts receivable and payables management, cash flow management, payroll process, and business taxation is required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively drive and manage change with the capability to serve as a business coach and mentor to functional and operational teams.
• Proven team player with process improvement mindset and high degree of initiative to respond to business requirements and changes.
• Strong managerial and organizational skills to manage continuous flow of requests from varied teams.
• Proficient at modeling for budgets, forecasting, reporting, expense and profitability evaluation or improvement.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate proficiently in English in both verbal and written forms and across a wide variety of audiences; must possess excellent presentation, phone, and face to face communication skills.
• Proficiency with PC applications including the full suite of products within the Microsoft Office Suite of Products including Excel and spreadsheet usage at an expert level.

Physical Environment / Working Conditions

Typical office environment with standard working conditions in assigned branch locations that requires standing, walking and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Visual acuity required for reading, producing reports, or doing computer work for extended periods of time. Limited, but some physical exertion and dexterity required in the course of daily activity that may require the ability to climb stairs, walking from place to place in a standard office environment, occasionally lifting or carrying supplies, books, etc. Auditory acuteness required to perform heavy volume of telephone and personal contacts on an individual and group meeting level. Moderate volume of personal business travel (automobile, primarily in assigned geographic markets) of up to 25% on the local and state level.