Demo

Vice President of Finance

The Workplace Advisors
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 8/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/22/2026

The Company is a high-growth, entrepreneurial organization in the branded merchandise, kitting/fulfillment, and eCommerce space. With a strong reputation for creativity, executional excellence, and long-standing client partnerships, the company is driven by a sales-first culture, operational rigor, and a commitment to continuous improvement.


We are now seeking a strategic and hands-on Vice President of Finance to lead financial operations and partner closely with executive leadership to support continued growth and scalability. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team, translating financial data into clear insights, the "why" behind the numbers, that drive confident decision-making, operational discipline, and long-term strategy.


The ideal candidate is a seasoned finance leader who brings both strategic vision and operational depth. They must be comfortable operating at a high level while also understanding the "nitty-gritty" of accounting, cash management, and commission/comp structures. Genuine executive presence with a commission-based sales team (respecting sales as the engine of the business, not a cost to control) is essential. Experience with nonstandard sales comp/commission plans and a conservative, cash-disciplined approach to treasury are strongly preferred.


I. Scope of the Position


The Vice President of Finance leads and oversees all finance operations, including accounting, treasury, tax, risk management, warehouse/operations finance, and compliance. This role balances strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational oversight to ensure accuracy, compliance, scalability, and alignment with company objectives.


Reporting directly to the CEO, the Vice President of Finance partners cross-functionally with Sales, Warehouse/Operations, HR, and eCommerce to align financial structures with revenue strategy and day-to-day execution. The role also oversees treasury, payroll, financial coordination, and compliance. As the organization continues to grow, this leader will build processes, strengthen systems, and develop talent, while working alongside the current finance leader during a transition period before assuming full ownership of the function.



II. Experience and Qualifications


The company seeks a candidate who possesses:


  • 10 years of progressive finance or accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (CFO, VP Finance, or Controller)


  • Demonstrated success supporting budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning, and executive-level reporting


  • Strong treasury management expertise, including cash flow planning and a conservative, cash-disciplined approach to liquidity


  • Experience managing commission and bonus calculations and reporting for a commission-based sales team; nonstandard or complex comp plan experience a strong plus


  • Proven experience overseeing payroll operations and multi-state tax/nexus compliance


  • Deep experience implementing and optimizing financial systems (QuickBooks, ERP platforms, Excel/Power Query) within a growing technology stack


  • Strong understanding of billing structures, invoicing processes, AR/AP oversight, and revenue alignment


  • Industry experience in promotional products, branded merchandise, or an adjacent sector with similar dynamics (e.g., beverage, hospitality; rebates, credit memos) a plus


  • M&A experience, including due diligence and post-acquisition integration, a plus but not required


  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred


III. Key Responsibilities


Financial Management, Collaboration & Oversight


  • Oversee all finance operations, including accounting, AR/AP, treasury, and liquidity management


  • Maintain executive oversight of invoicing, customer billing structures, and vendor payments to ensure strong cash discipline


  • Support month-end and quarterly close processes with appropriate controls and visibility


  • Partner cross-functionally to ensure financial alignment with sales strategy, commission/bonus structures, and operational execution


  • Manage relationships with the external CPA firm,  board of directors, valuation company, attorneys, and insurance providers


Financial Planning, Analysis & Strategy


  • Partner with executive leadership to lead annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and long-range financial planning


  • Develop and refine financial models, reporting dashboards, and forecasting systems to support growth


  • Provide regular performance updates and strategic insights to executive leadership, translating data into the clear "why" behind the numbers


  • Support M&A evaluation and integration efforts as opportunities arise


  • Identify and drive financial and operational improvement opportunities


Payroll & Compliance


  • Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing


  • Ensure compliance with multi-state sales tax filings, nexus tracking, and 1099/audit requirements


  • Oversee 401(k) compliance and reporting


  • Maintain transparency and governance across all financial operations


Team Leadership & Development


  • Lead the accounting, warehouse, and operations teams to ensure accountability, alignment, and performance


  • Build, coach, and develop a high-performing finance team, with a focus on professional growth


  • Standardize roles, responsibilities, and processes to improve efficiency and accountability


  • Foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and operational excellence


  • Contribute meaningfully to company culture and help advance it forward


Systems, Process Improvements & Technology


  • Evaluate, select, and implement scalable finance and accounting systems


  • Optimize QuickBooks, tax automation (e.g., Avalara), payroll, budgeting, and forecasting tools


  • Leverage financial API/AI integrations to enhance reporting quality and operational efficiency


  • Drive continuous innovation in financial processes and infrastructure, including warehouse/inventory financial controls


IV. Ideal Competencies and Behaviors


The next Vice President of Finance should demonstrate:


Strategic & Operational Balance - Able to think long-term while understanding operational detail


Calm, Decision-Enabling Presence - Explains the "why" behind the data rather than reacting with alarm; a steady presence the organization can rely on


Executive Presence with Sales - Respects and is approachable to a commission-based sales team; understands comp plans and is willing to engage directly with AEs


Financial Acumen - Deep command of treasury, cash management, compliance, and billing structures


Conservative Financial Discipline - Maintains a deliberate, risk-aware approach to cash and treasury management


Collaboration - Works effectively across departments and builds strong executive partnerships


Leadership & Accountability - Builds high-performing teams and models integrity, transparency, and professional growth


Industry Insight - Understands the nuances and financial dynamics of the promotional products or adjacent industries



Benefits

V. Compensation and Benefits


The Company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:


  • Base salary in the $150,000 to $175,000 range plus performance-based bonus

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Paid time off and paid holidays

  • Additional performance and team-based incentives


VI. How to Apply


The Workplace Advisors is facilitating this confidential search process and will begin accepting applications immediately. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit:


  • A current resume

  • A cover letter detailing leadership experience and strategic accomplishments

  • Two to three professional references


All inquiries relating about this search should be directed to Lisa Ritchie, The Workplace Advisors: lisa@theworkplaceadvisors.com.  


Please note, all applicants for this position will be kept strictly confidential by The Workplace Advisors.



Salary : $150,000 - $175,000

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