What we need

We are seeking a VP of Finance to lead the Smokeball USA finance team. This position will lead and manage all functions within the finance department and be responsible for ensuring solid foundations are in place with processes and systems to enable the finance department to scale. 

This role will suit someone with a strong background as a controller with experience working in a Software as a Service (SaaS) company. You will need to appreciate the challenges and rewards of working in a rapidly growing business. This position is open to candidates who live in the Chicagoland area and are able to travel to the office 1 – 2 days per week.

What you will be doing

• Managing the teams responsible for the various finance and accounting workflows including general ledger, accounts payable, revenue management and accounts receivable
• Lead and optimize the month end and year end close processes
• Delivering all financial reporting including for local management reporting, external reporting, and consolidating local results for Smokeball Global Finance.
• Manage all Federal and state tax compliance and company secretarial requirements
• Developing and enhancing the local budget and forecasting processes
• Developing the skills of the finance team through mentoring, coaching, and training
• Actively manage treasury and cashflow ensuring appropriate allocation and availability of funds
• Continuous improvement projects focusing on implementing technology solutions and automating manual processes
• Establishing and enhancing internal controls

What you bring

• 15 years of accounting and finance experience
• 5 years of experience as a controller or in an equivalent senior finance management role
• Demonstratable experience leading and developing a finance team
• Bachelor’s degree
• CPA or equivalent professional qualification
• Expert knowledge of GAAP and rules for financial reporting
• Excellent understanding of federal and state tax regimes
• Experience with managing company secretarial compliance for multiple states
• Hands on and practical approach to problem solving
• Adaptable, and comfortable with rapid change
• Excellent understanding of finance and accounting technology solutions with experience implementing new systems and automating manual processes
• Experience using cloud-based accounting software for growing businesses for example QuickBooks or Xero
• Advanced MS Excel skills with experience building or maintaining forecast models
• Knowledge of SQL or data analytics software

Your future team

Manager

Ruchie Chadha: Hi, I’m Ruchie! I am the President here at Smokeball. I oversee the US Executive Team which is made up of the Product, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Client teams. As a practicing attorney in Chicagoland, I know firsthand how important it is to find the best way serve your clients and build a healthy business. I love working at Smokeball because it allows me to combine my legal background and technology to focus on delivering innovative solutions to lawyers all over the country (with the bonus of working with amazing, fun, and dedicated people every day!) When I’m not at Smokeball, you can find my nose in a book, recipe testing, or researching my next travel destination!

Colleague

Mary Ellen: Hi, I’m Mary Ellen! I’ve been working in Chicago tech for 10 years, starting out as a support specialist and working my way into Product Management. As the US Head of Product, I am passionate about building features which are intuitive and truly understand the client’s needs. Our Product Team is autonomous day to day but collaborate heavily with each other and other teams to figure out sticky issues or to come up with the best UX for a new feature. Aside from work, I am an enthusiast for national parks, my garden, and all levels of quality of tacos.

Team Members

Arturo Garza: Hi, I’m Art! As the Director of Finance, my goal is to support the business and work with our leaders to grow the company in a smart and efficient way. That includes tackling everything from transactional accounting to FP&A. When I started with the company three years ago, I was a team of one here in our Chicago office. Now the finance team has grown to six staff members to help meet the demands of our growing client base! Although our continued growth is exciting, my favorite part about working for Smokeball remains the people I work with! I draw so much energy from their enthusiasm it makes it that much easier to get up for work each day. When I'm not working, my free time typically consists of doing something active - golf, soccer, or working out! 

Life at Smokeball

• Great Culture: Named Crain’s 2021, 2020, & 2019 Best Workplaces, Inc. Magazine’s 2018 Best Workplaces 
• Work-Life Balance: 20 vacation days, 6 sick days, 10 paid holidays, birthday off, volunteer time, and more!
• Career Growth: Smokeball believes in investing in our own people and promoting from within. Our own President started at Smokeball as an Account Manager!
• Flexible Working: We trust our people to get their jobs done. Work remotely full-time? In the office full-time? A hybrid of both? Your choice!
• Benefits: Excellent medical coverage, 401(k) match, monthly wellness stipend, generous parental leave 
• Transparency: We keep employees in the loop through monthly global huddles and local standups where we discuss company goals, updates, new hire introductions, etc.
• The Office: The kitchen is stocked with breakfast items, snacks, and beverages, and we have plenty of games to help you relax (ping-pong, billiards, pinball, board games, video games). We also offer free monthly massages provided by a licensed massage therapist!
• Fun Events: In-person happy hours, virtual game nights, family-friendly events, and so much more 
• Convenient Transit: We’re located in the heart of downtown Chicago, in walking distance from all major modes of transportation 

The values we live by

Creating and fostering a great culture is just as important as providing a great product. At Smokeball, we don’t have Core Values for show, we live and breathe them every day. 

• Caring is not optional 
• Make it happen 
• Deliver legendary service 
• Innovate for the client, not the press release 
• Be frank 
• Keep listening, keep learning 

These values inform every strategic decision we make and guide our behavior with every person we meet. When we are bringing new team members into the Smokeball Family, we look for compassion, drive, keen judgement, varied perspectives, and no egos. 

What DEI means to us

At Smokeball, we believe that “caring is not optional.” We respect everyone, no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love, where they come from, how they identify, what they believe in, what abilities they have, or what they are trying to overcome. Smokeball is committed to utilizing community partnerships, education, events, and hiring to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for everyone we interact with.

Learn more about our DEI program here.

More, more, more!

Why do we do what we do? Where did the name ‘Smokeball’ come from? How do we give back? Learn more here.

* Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. No one ever meets 100% of the qualifications! We encourage anyone who is interested to apply based on the responsibilities and requirements outlined. You may be the culture add that we are seeking! We look forward to your application.

* Smokeball is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing an open, welcoming environment for everyone.