Vice President Finance

Position Summary

The Sr. Director / VP of Finance serves as a key financial leader and strategic partner to the CFO and executive team. Operating in a dynamic wholesale apparel environment, this role leads day-to-day financial planning, reporting, and risk management functions while supporting the company's continued growth across domestic and international distribution channels.

This role calls for a commercially savvy finance executive who understands the complexities of seasonal inventory cycles, vendor financing, gross margin management, and the fast-moving economics of wholesale apparel. The Sr. Director / VP of Finance will be a hands-on operator and forward-looking business partner who helps drive sustainable, profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Planning

• Partner with the CFO to develop and execute the company's annual operating plan and support long-term financial strategy
• Lead budgeting, rolling forecasts, and multi-year financial modeling; translate business plans into clear financial targets
• Provide actionable analysis of financial performance, key business drivers, and relevant industry benchmarks
• Support strategic initiatives including capital planning, new channel development, and market expansion with financial analysis and modeling

Financial Reporting & Controls

• Oversee preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Maintain a robust internal control environment and ensure compliance with applicable financial regulations and tax obligations
• Support the CFO in managing relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners
• Drive continuous improvements to financial systems, processes, and reporting infrastructure
• Oversee royalty and licensing accounting across the company’s brand and collegiate licensing agreements, ensuring accurate royalty reporting and compliance with licensor requirements
• Lead consolidation and standardization of financial reporting, systems, and processes across the company’s business units and legacy entities

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Manage cash flow planning and working capital optimization, with particular focus on seasonal inventory build and AR collection cycles
• Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory financing strategies
• Support negotiation of credit facilities and trade financing arrangements; maintain day-to-day lender relationships
• Monitor liquidity and covenant compliance; prepare capital allocation analyses for CFO review

Operations & Supply Chain Finance

• Partner with merchandising, supply chain, and sales teams to improve gross margin and drive operational cost efficiency
• Provide financial oversight of vendor payment terms, landed cost analysis, and freight and duty optimization
• Analyze product line profitability, customer profitability, and channel margin performance
• Support inventory management decisions including open-to-buy planning and markdown strategy

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a finance and accounting team of approximately 5-10 staff
• Foster a culture of analytical rigor, integrity, and continuous improvement within the finance function
• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to business unit leaders across the organization
• Prepare financial results, forecasts, and strategic plans for presentation to the CFO and key stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• MBA or advanced degree in Finance / Business preferred; CPA or CFA designation a plus
• 8 years of progressive finance experience, with 3 years in a finance management or leadership role (Director, Sr. Manager, or equivalent)
• Prior experience in wholesale, consumer goods, retail, or apparel industries
• Experience with licensed or brand-royalty business models (e.g., collegiate licensing, professional sports, or third-party brand licenses)
• Deep expertise in FP&A, GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and management of the full close process
• Experience supporting lender relationships, credit facilities, and working capital financing processes
• Strong understanding of supply chain economics: inventory costing, vendor terms, import/export logistics
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP) and BI / reporting tools
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and influence cross-functional partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a company generating $100M in annual wholesale revenuse
• Background in private equity-backed or investor-owned businesses
• Familiarity with international sourcing and multi-currency financial management
• Experience participating in a financing event, strategic sale, or high-growth phase
• Exposure to EDI systems, wholesale order management platforms, or omnichannel / DTC operations