What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Financial Operations position at Martin J Grunder Jr Inc?
Position Summary
The Director of Financial Operations at Grunder Landscaping Co. serves as the financial backbone of the organization, overseeing all accounting, reporting, and financial strategy functions. As a key member of the leadership team, this role provides both strategic direction and hands-on execution to ensure financial integrity, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
In the current phase of the company’s growth, the Controller must operate at both a high strategic level and a detailed operational level, often performing and managing multiple critical finance functions until a full team is in place. This includes managing general ledger activity, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, reporting, benefits, insurance, tax filings, vendor relationships, audits, banking, financial systems, and more.
The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem solver, highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of navigating the complexities of a growing business. The Controller must be able to pivot between big-picture financial strategy and day-to-day transactional execution, all while fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and professionalism.
This position reports to the President of GLC and oversees the Finance Department.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field; or equivalent practical experience
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience
- Expert-level understanding of GAAP, financial reporting standards, and regulatory compliance
- Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for modeling and reporting)
- Demonstrated success with payroll execution, benefits integration, and compensation planning
- Experience administering or overseeing accounting and ERP systems
- Strong analytical thinking with expertise in forecasting, job costing, variance analysis, and margin review
- Advanced mathematical aptitude and precision, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- High-level understanding of tax, audit, and regulatory compliance
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills with a sense of urgency and attention to detail
- High level of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and discretion when handling sensitive data
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to collaborate cross-functionally
- Proficiency in financial risk management, cash flow planning, and vendor oversight
- Experience leading process improvement and implementing automation in financial workflows
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on leadership environment
- Familiarity with financial data governance, vendor management, and insurance negotiations
Preferred:
- CPA, CMA, or MBA
- Familiarity with Aspire or industry-specific ERP systems
- Experience overseeing financials across multiple entities or business units
Licenses and Certifications
Required:
- Valid Ohio driver’s license that is not currently suspended or revoked (driving record must meet the insurance carrier’s policy requirements and Grunder Landscaping Co. driving standard)
Position Duties and Functions
Financial Strategy and Leadership
1. Develop, implement, and maintain financial strategy aligned with GLC’s operational and growth goals.
2. Create and monitor financial KPIs and dashboards to drive company performance and profitability.
3. Collaborate with leadership to identify financial opportunities and risks across departments.
4. Maintain financial planning for capital investments, long-term debt, and sustainable cash flow strategies.
5. Maintain constant communication with President/COO to inform of financial performance, concerns, and opportunities
General Accounting and Reporting
6. Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, including posting and reconciliation of all transactions.
7. Oversee full-cycle accounting processes, including AP/AR oversight, creating and posting all journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations and management.
8. Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
9. Produce detailed financial analysis on margin performance, cost allocations, and operational efficiencies.
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Modeling
10. Completion of annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with each department.
11. Maintain financial forecasts, including rolling forecasts, and cash flow projections.
12. Perform detailed variance analysis and create financial narratives for performance evaluation.
13. Evaluate ROI of new initiatives, pricing models, and process improvements.
Payroll
14. Oversee and process payroll, including new hire setup, incentive plans, and adjustments.
15. Monitor accurate tax withholding, benefit deductions, and payroll compliance through payroll provider.
16. Coordinate with TPA on 401(k) administration, employee benefit enrollment, and coordination with vendors.
17. Administer bonuses, commissions, and compensation plans in alignment with GLC’s pay structures.
Financial System and Process Improvement
18. Serve as administrator of the accounting/financial systems, managing maintenance, upgrades, and permissions.
19. Lead continuous improvement and automation initiatives for efficiency and scalability of financial processes.
Vendor, Insurance, and Banking Management
20. Oversee vendor accounts, contracts, and negotiations to control costs and ensure favorable terms.
21. Oversee insurance programs (general liability, workers comp, auto, property) including renewals and claims.
22. Administer banking relationships, reconciliations, cash management, and transfers between accounts.
23. Manage intercompany transactions and billing with any related entities under GLC ownership.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Support
24. Provide support to department managers for informed decision-making.
25. Attend leadership team meetings to present insights, projections, and action plans.
Administrative and Record Keeping
26. Oversee the maintenance financial records, contracts, insurance documentation, and audit-ready files.
27. Ensure accurate and secure document storage, including benefits, banking, and compliance data.
28. Submit required external filings, including industry benchmarks, lender reports, and vendor documentation.
29. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Working Conditions
Requires constant contact with vendors, coworkers, and the public. Work is normally performed in air-conditioned/heated facility. Majority of work is performed at a desk.
This is a full-time position, with the majority of work taking place Monday through Friday. However, due to the nature of the role, candidates should expect to often work outside typical office hours. This includes evenings, early mornings, and occasional weekends to attend networking events, client meetings, and other business opportunities essential to growing and maintaining strong relationships. Flexibility and a willingness to be present where opportunities arise are key to success in this role.
Special Equipment
Must possess working knowledge of office machines and equipment including but not limited to: desktop computer and all related software, printers, multi-line phone systems, copier, scanner, and other general office equipment.
Physical and Mental Demands
Frequent Demands: (34%-66%)
Lifting and/or Carrying (up to 10lbs.)
Bending
Driving
Grasping
Reaching
Constant Demands: (67%-100%)
Working under pressure of deadlines
Reading & Comprehension
Visual Acuity
Focus & Mental alertness
Oral Communication
Decision-making & judgement
Sitting
Telephone use
Computer use
This description may not be all-inclusive and is subject to change at any time. All employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned and directed by management. Position description and duties may be modified whenever deemed appropriate. When applicable, Grunder Landscaping Co. will consider modifications to essential job functions to reasonably accommodate a qualified individual with a disability, if such accommodation does not create an undue hardship. Employment at Grunder Landscaping Co. is at-will. This position description is not intended,
nor should it be construed to modify this employment-at-will relationship.