Director of AR & Financial Operations

About the Opportunity: Maxima Apparel is building the future of its financial operations — and we need a builder, not a manager. As our family of brands continues rapid global expansion, we are seeking a visionary AR leader to architect a world-class Accounts Receivable function from the ground up. This is a rare, high-impact opportunity to design and lead an entire department — from org structure and people strategy to tech stack and AI-powered workflows. You won't be inheriting a mature team; you'll be creating one. If you've built functions before, led through transformation, and believe that AI and automation are the foundation of modern finance operations — this role is for you. You will report directly to the CFO and COO, and serve as a critical partner across Sales, Operations, and Accounting as we scale across the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the EU, UK, and UAE.

What You'll Own Department Architecture & Team Building Design and build a scalable AR department from scratch — segmenting roles, establishing accountability structures, and determining the right mix of onshore, offshore, and AI-assisted functions. You will define how work gets done, by whom, and where automation makes human roles more strategic. AI & Automation Strategy Lead the identification, evaluation, and deployment of AI tools and automation across the full AR lifecycle — including intelligent invoicing, predictive collections, AI-assisted dispute resolution, cash application automation, and real-time reporting dashboards. You will not just implement tools — you will build a roadmap for an AI-first AR function that scales with the business. Technology & Systems Ownership Assess and evolve the AR tech stack, driving ERP integrations, automation platform rollouts, and data architecture that supports a global, multi-currency operation. Leverage technology to eliminate manual effort, accelerate cash flow, and build a department that can grow without proportionally growing headcount. Credit Policy & Risk Management Develop and enforce credit policies tailored to our wholesale, domestic, and international operations — using data and AI-driven risk scoring where possible. Establish creditworthiness assessment protocols, credit limit structures, and bad debt mitigation strategies suited to each market. Collections Performance Own the end-to-end collections cycle, driving measurable DSO improvement and reducing aging receivables. Implement proactive, AI-assisted outreach cadences, automated dispute resolution workflows, and escalation protocols that accelerate cash collection. KPIs, Reporting & Accountability Build the metrics framework that doesn't exist yet. Define and track KPIs across the full AR lifecycle — aging, collection rates, dispute resolution times, cash application accuracy, and more. Deliver executive-ready reporting to the CFO and COO that drives data-backed decisions. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Operations, Accounting, and Sales to ensure accurate AR, aligned customer communication, and process harmony across commercial and financial teams.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field; MBA or CPA a plus
• 8 years of progressive experience in Accounts Receivable, Credit, or Collections — preferably in apparel, retail, or consumer goods
• Demonstrated experience building or restructuring AR departments, including org design, process creation, and change management — this is non-negotiable
• Hands-on experience implementing AI tools, automation platforms, or intelligent workflows within finance or AR operations (e.g., AI-driven collections, automated cash application, predictive risk scoring)
• Experience managing or establishing offshore/near-shore AR teams
• Proven track record with AR automation and ERP integrations (NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar)
• Deep understanding of international credit and collections across multiple markets (North America, LATAM, EU, UK, Middle East preferred)
• Strong command of AR metrics and the ability to build reporting frameworks from scratch
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional influencing skills
• A builder's mindset — energized by ambiguity, capable of operating without a playbook, and driven to create something lasting

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary performance bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Direct access to senior leadership with high organizational visibility
• A genuine seat at the table to build a department — and define what modern AR looks like
• Investment in your professional development, including tools, training, and AI capability building