Vice President Finance

Serves as custodian of company assets and is responsible for determining funding requirements, managing financial resources, and maintaining external relationships with banks, shareholders, insurance providers, accounting firms, law firms, and other members of the financial community. This role establishes and oversees accounting policies, financial controls, and reporting frameworks to ensure company objectives and financial goals are achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Oversee and direct the activities associated with cash management and manage the relationships with financial institutions and other outside providers in coordination with the ELS President and the ELS Controller.

Support Executive Management through financial analysis, interpretation of data, and special management studies.

Work with the ELS Controller in processing and reviewing weekly, monthly, and annual financial processes, including status reports, general ledger closing, financial status/statistical reporting, analytic reporting, income statements, and balance sheet account analysis/reconciliations.

Establish, monitor, and enforce internal accounting controls for compliance with corporate and GAAP.

Analyze departmental processes and cost drivers, recommend improvements to workflow, simplify or enhance management reporting, and improve transaction efficiency.

Collaborate with Directors and Executive Management to evaluate operational impact on financial performance, including the preparation of monthly Business Unit profit and loss statements. 

Provide financial updates at regularly scheduled management meetings.

Ensure the financial aspect of the company is appropriately structured and staffed; work with the ELS Controller to develop departmental key performance metrics; work with Human Resources on staffing, training, and employee relations.  

Participate in personnel selection, staff development, performance evaluation, corrective action, and termination as necessary.

When requested, collaborate with Executive Management on strategic planning, business model modifications, KPI setting/monitoring, and action plan implementation.

Analyze economic, business, and financial trends impacting company performance and strategy.

Lead the semi-annual budgeting process, utilizing input from Directors and Executive Management regarding projected business and economic trends, expected operational changes, and business model modifications.

Protect company assets through effective financial controls and oversight of accounting and administrative functions.

Oversee and direct treasury, real estate, shareholder distributions, and selected tax functions of the company.

Oversee and direct the contractual review process.

Manage and oversee the company insurance programs, including surety, liability, property, contingent cargo, executive risk, and workers' compensation. Coordinate policy renewals, claims, broker selection, and risk mitigation with independent insurance brokers and carriers.

Evaluate enterprise risk exposure, measure financial impact of risk on company, and recommend mitigating processes and procedures as appropriate.

Serve as a key liaison with outside law firms on legal matters. 

Work with the ELS President in managing the company’s Charles Schwab investment portfolio, reviewing performance metrics and coordinating asset sales/purchase when deemed appropriate.

Participate in the Retirement Plan and Health Care Committees, working with outside parties to provide oversight of the 401K, Deferred Compensation, and Health/Life/Disability Insurance plans of the company.

Demonstrate support to the Quality Management System and its objectives, as applicable.

Work with the IT Department to ensure technology effectively supports the financial system of the company.

Perform other duties as may become necessary or assigned.

• Supervise Controller position.
• Supervise freight claims and contract aspects of the Business Support Specialist.
• Coordinate and prepare performance appraisals of subordinate supervisors/managers as needed.
• Responsible for performance and efficiency of all department members.

PRIORITIES SERVED

• Asset protection and financial control
• Executive-level financial reporting and analysis
• Problem resolution
• Strategic planning
• Process improvement and cost management

NECESSARY SKILLS:

• Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills
• Proven leadership and team-building capabilities
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication
• Advanced financial and analytical capabilities
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed 
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to professionally interact with employees, vendors, and customers
• Willingness to learn and accept responsibility
• Ability to handle multiple priorities under pressure