Financial Controller

Founded in 1846, A. T. Cross is a global branded accessories company based in Providence, Rhode Island. Building on a rich tradition of its award-winning fine writing instruments and reputation for American quality, craftsmanship and service. The company’s innovative products appeal to a growing market of consumers who desire distinctive accessories that enhance their image and facilitate their lifestyle.

Cross through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures and markets fine writing instruments throughout the world and is an original equipment manufacturer. Report directly to the Global Corporate Controller and have significant contact across the business. The position will serve as a key member of the financial team.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Financial Controller will work in conjunction with other members of the financial team to develop and achieve all financial reporting and compliance objectives. This individual will bring a keen expertise in technical accounting skills, global consolidations, and exceptional GAAP knowledge.

To be successful in this role, you will need a proven track record of being a strong cross-functional collaborator, an outstanding communicator, and critical thinking capabilities. Through a respectful, constructive and energetic style, guided by the objectives of the company, this role will provide the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that A.T. Cross has the proper plans, people and systems in place to achieve a solid financial reporting environment.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will have the ability to lead the accounting function at a broad-based, strategic level while being capable of driving detailed, tactical execution. More specifically, this position will be tasked with the following:

Accounting, Financial Reporting & Controls – Responsible for the accounting, controls, and finance processes for the company to ensure timely and informative reporting. Leading the implementation of professional (PE level) reporting packages with the quality and insight required to support decision making. Experience in global consolidations and continuous improvement around monthly close cycle.

Cash & Working Capital Management – Supporting the Executive team regarding management of working capital, including monitoring cash balances, improving policies, and implementing initiatives to optimize working capital, and cash and liquidity forecasting.

Tax, Treasury & Risk Management – Treasury responsibilities, credit facility management, tax compliance, and reporting. Additional responsibility for risk management and insurance.

Audit and Compliance Management – Main catalyst and point of contact for external audits and any financial statement examinations. This includes interface with auditors on accounting and reporting matters and any related services.

REQUIRED 12 MONTHS ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

There are several priorities to accomplish during the initial 12 months in the role:

- Gain a detailed knowledge of all aspects of financial reporting across all geographies.

- Evaluate current internal controls and make / implement required process improvements.

- Bring an immediate focus around consistent application of accounting standards.

- Lead standardization of accounting practices and GL account utilization on a global basis.

- Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to more junior members of the accounting and finance organization.

- Provide insight and support in streamlining the IT infrastructure and applications.

- Implement several specific initiatives addressing statutory and compliance requirements.

- Develop a trusted working relationship with the CEO, finance team and PE counterparts.

- Develop a collaborative working relationship with all members of the Executive Team and the key functional groups;

- Be the consummate team player, who can operate in a complex, fast paced, multi-faceted business environment which is undergoing significant change.

- Leading and managing all accounting with the assistance of global staff, which included acting as “air traffic controller” for all accounting functions, managing timeliness and accuracy as detailed in the below duties.

- Overseeing the monthly closing and reporting process in compliance with US GAAP while ensuring all required transactions are recorded in the monthly results and appropriately distributing financial statements to Management Team, Bank et al.

- Assuring accuracy of month-end and annual financial reports and narratives prepared for the Management Team.

- Supporting communications with credit facilities and maintaining relationships with bankers, and managing cash flow and covenants.

- Assisting with monitoring budget to actual revenue and expenditures and working with budget holders to analyze and report on variances, and proactively recommending required actions.

- Identifying areas needing improvement in financial accounting applications and operational procedures and effectively communicating these value-added solutions.

- Ensuring accounting systems and processes for fiscal closings and reporting are continually streamlined via process improvement to achieve greater efficiencies and accuracy in the level, and timeliness of reporting (continuous improvements).

- Maintaining internal controls and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs and program budgets and actual expenditures.

Qualifications & Experience:

The ideal candidate will be a hard-working, take-charge person with excellent judgment. The successful candidate will have a track record of optimizing accounting processes and driving the company’s overall financial reporting platform. More specifically, the position will require the following qualifications and experience:

Financial Reporting Experience – The successful candidate will be an experienced executive with 7 to 10 years of senior financial management roles of progressive responsibility, including at least 3 years in a financial leadership position for small to mid-sized entrepreneurial companies leading major transformations and driving working capital.

Relevant Industry Experience – It is essential that the successful candidate bring solid cost accounting experience in a manufacturing, distribution and ecommerce business model. CPG / Branded products experience is a plus but not required. Excellent Cost Accounting experience.

Functional Expertise – This individual should possess strengths in accounting and financial controls, working capital management, tax and treasury, and banking relations. Excellent financial skills, with the ability to detect trends from financial statements and provide analysis to company managers to improve their decision-making ability.

Systems – Experience with a variety of small to mid-sized company ERP systems, preferably NetSuite along with superior data management & spreadsheet skills.

Private Equity Experience – Previous private equity experience ($50M to $100M) would be favorably viewed. Experience dealing directly with lenders and bankers and in managing credit facility covenant compliance.

Leadership & Management Behavioral Competencies:

The successful candidate will be a dynamic problem-solver with a passion for playing a key role in an environment that promotes continuous improvement while maintaining impeccable integrity.

Collaborative Leadership Skills – Must have the ability to quickly assimilate into the culture of the Company and work effectively as a business partner with the entire senior management team and the Board. Must be collaborative and hands-on; encourages cross-functional cooperation and builds strong working relationships between the finance and operating teams. Must be forward thinking and open and receptive to new ideas. S/he is someone who thrives in an environment of continuous improvement.

Strong Business Acumen – The candidate must understand the levers on both the operational (strong detail orientation) and commercial side of the business. S/he must have a track record of having built outstanding and effective relationships with business leaders across the enterprise with strong credibility both internally and externally.

Excellent Communication Skills – Excellent oral and written communication skills; the ideal candidate will possess the ability to present his/her ideas in a clear, concise and compelling fashion to the CEO, Board, investors and lenders with exceptional command of facts and emotional IQ.

PERSONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

- Strong conceptual and analytical skills combined with an ability to develop & implement reporting capabilities

- Strong business acumen with the ability to understand profit and loss and balance sheet management, capital planning, cash flow analysis and fundamental business finance;

- A “hands-on” individual who is willing to “roll up” his/her sleeves, as necessary;

- Demonstrated track record of success in leading a complex organization through transformational growth, implementing appropriate systems, organizations structures and process to scale growth

- Ability to build relationships up, across and down the organization and who can lead the development and expansion of the company’s operations to maximize profitable opportunities;

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; skilled listener, able to communicate effectively both internally and externally;

- Characterized as high character; acting in line with a clear and visible set of values and beliefs; dealing and talking straight

EDUCATION:

- Bachelors Degree in Accounting

- CPA Certification, CMA is a plus

- MBA or MSA highly desired