Job Description

About Our Client

Our client is a privately owned, vertically integrated wholesale/retail apparel company servicing major retailers and retail brands.

The CFO will be a critical leader, responsible for building a scalable, best-in-class financial organization. The CFO will oversee the Company’s accounting and financial operations, and ensure the appropriate balance between a rigorous control environment and the growth needs of the business.

In addition to strong financial, accounting, communication, analytical and management skills, the CFO must have high ambition and low ego -- and be energized about entering a company at its growth inflection point and helping elevate its industry preeminence.

The CFO will be directly responsible for the financial aspects of various U.S. operations (including Sales/Design in NY, Warehouse/Distribution in CA and a small, but growing, retail business nationwide). The CFO also will coordinate closely with the company’s China-based manufacturing affiliate/parent, which is planning an initial public offering on Shanghai exchange in late 2022.

As the public financial face of the Company, the CFO also must have strong communication skills and be comfortable communicating directly with the Company’s financial partners (e.g., factors and bank) and senior financial counterparts within the Company’s customers (e.g., major retailers).

Responsibilities and Duties

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CFO will play a key role in establishing and executing the finance and accounting operations of the Company. Job responsibilities include:

• Planning, directing and coordinating all financial and accounting operational functions, policies and procedures across the wider business;
• Participate in developing and implementing the Company’s strategic goals and sales strategies;
• Define and maintain financial and operational metrics of the Company;
• Managing the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of individual business-level and consolidated business-level results;
• Coordinating and preparing financial statements/reporting and managing the budget process;
• Implementing internal audit programs and coordinating activities of external auditors and tax professionals;
• Establishing, monitoring and enforcing accounting and internal control processes including maintaining constant compliance with any applicable loan covenants;
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve planning, reporting and day-to-day finance operations;
• Partner with internal U.S. business team leaders to support financial profitability improvements, advise leaders regarding the impact of any decisions on overall financial stability and P&L, and conduct internal and external benchmarking to support metrics-based decisions
• Regularly coordinating with China-based professionals working for/with the Company’s parent entity;
• Helping hire, train and retain skilled accounting staff across the wider business;
• Maximizing financial performance and revenue, while minimizing expenses;
• Providing the Executive Team with information vital to the decision-making process;
• Contributing to Company culture and effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

The position will be based onsite at Company headquarters in New York, New York.

Qualifications and Skills

• High ambition, low ego and receptivity to our Company’s culture;
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field. MBA preferred. Certified Public Accountant qualification is a plus;
• Previous experience as a CFO or other senior financial executive (e.g., SVP Finance);
• 12+ years of experience in accounting, financial reporting/analysis/management and budgeting, including knowledge of invoicing, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable functions;
• Previous experience supervising accounting staff;
• Deep understanding of GAAP and current/new standards that need to be adopted;
• Experience owning a company's general ledger and producing timely financial reporting;
• Experience with SAP S4 Hana;
• Mandarin language skills and familiarity with China based businesses (including public companies) are preferred;
• Experience in fashion/apparel industry is preferred;
• Organization and priority setting skills;
• Exceptional project management experience with a demonstrated ability to lead and drive processes and teams;
• Desire for significant responsibility to help shape a new accounting and finance team;
• Interest in joining a well-capitalized entrepreneurial team;
• Strong communication skills and professional maturity and presentation;
• A positive and resourceful attitude excited about building a leading PE-backed business

Benefits and Perks

A compelling compensation package will be outlined for the selected candidate. It will consist of both an annual base salary and an annual bonus incentive.