Head of Finance

Lead, execute and manage the financial organization related to Davidoff of Geneva USA, including US wholesale and US omni-channel business.

The Head of Finance is responsible with his/her team for internal and external accounting, monthly reporting to the management and headquarters, as well as OTIF preparation of financial statements according to local GAAP / SWISS GAAP FER. Further responsibilities include strategic financial and tax planning, budgeting, sales and purchasing controlling, demand planning/analysis and reporting/analysis for management, sales and operations.

In addition to the aforementioned financial duties, the Head of Finance should be a very strong business partner to the US General Manager. He/She needs to have deep understanding of the entire value chain, commercial and retail environment, as well departments outside finance. The ideal candidate must be able to quickly gain insights, understand how they impact the overall strategic picture, properly access risk and work with colleagues throughout the organization to drive meaningful impact and results. The Head of Finance will leverage the breadth and talent of the US finance team to further enable growth, introduce technology solutions to create efficiencies, boost capabilities of all teams within the organization, along with forge new paths towards increased profitability.

Beyond a strong and collaborative relationship with the US GM, it is also expected that the Head of Finance establishes close cooperation with the global CFO and the Finance HQ team at Oettinger Davidoff.

The Head of Finance must be embedded in the business, an excellent communicator, and an influencer. This individual should possess a strong understanding of the company's business model and industry and be able to use this knowledge to provide an independent perspective and constructively challenge all departments and across all levels of the organization, ensuring that business decisions are grounded in solid financial criteria.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties will be assigned.

Strategy, Planning and Management

• Act as a strategic business partner to senior executive leadership team.
• Assess and evaluate financial performance of organization regarding long-term operational goals, budgets and forecasts.
• Provide insight and recommendations to both short-term and long-term growth plan of the organization.
• Communicate, engage, and interact with local GM and Global Executive Leadership Team when requested.
• Support the GM in creation of yearly financial objectives that align with the company’s strategic plan for growth and expansion.
• Participate in pivotal decisions as they relate to strategic initiatives and operational models.
• Implement policies, procedures and processes as deemed appropriate.

Financial Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Develop and maintain monthly operating budget and annual company operating budget.
• Prepare and present monthly financial budgeting reports including analysis of monthly profit and loss by company, forecast vs. budget and latest estimate.
• Identify, develop, and execute analysis of business initiatives, product launches and/or new service offerings.
• Manage financial planning and analysis department. Supervise creation of reports, software implementation and tools for budgeting and forecasting.

Accounting, General Ledger, Administration and Operations

• Ensures that all accounting activities are in full compliance with the federal and state income tax laws, federal and state tobacco & sales tax laws, as well as with generally accepted accounting principles and corporate Swiss requirements.
• Mentor and develop a team, managing work allocation, systems training, performance evaluations, and the building of an effective and efficient team dynamic.
• Supervise the accounting department to ensure the proper functioning of all systems, databases, financial and tax software.
• Ensure fixed asset ledgers for book and tax are properly managed and maintained in SAP and execution the addition/removal of capitalized assets are performed on a timely basis.
• Review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting data for all business stakeholders and company’s Executive Leadership Team.
• Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements.
• Oversee the month-end close process, constantly reviewing procedures while eliminating inefficiencies.
• Review all month-end closing activities including general ledger accounts and balance sheet accounts.
• Remain current on audit best practices as well as state, federal and local laws regarding company operations.

Financial Management

• Manage cash flow planning process and ensure funds availability.
• Oversee Accounts Receivable management and provide guidance relating to the collection process.
• Oversee cash, short-term investments, and asset management area.
• Explore new investment opportunities and provide recommendations on potential returns and risks.
• Maintain outstanding banking relationships and strategic alliances with vendors and business partners.
• Utilize forward-looking models and activity-based analyses to provide financial insight into the organization’s plans and operating budgets.

Requirements

• Uphold Code of Ethics. Build and maintain trust of internal and external stakeholders. Very hands on, with ability to delegate. Flexible, mature team-player with the ability to make decisive decisions.
• Acute understanding of business process flows and related internal controls.
• Knowledge and understanding of GAAP and general understanding of corporate income tax topics.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated leadership ability, confidence, and executive presence – ability to motivate staff.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Profound knowledge of SAP (ideally S/4HANA module knowledge FI-AA / FI-GL / FI-AR / FI-AP / Cash Management / CO-OM / CO-PA) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in business transformation is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related fields (Business Administration / MBA preferred).
• Occupational title for accounting (CA, CMA or CPA).
• 5 to 10 years professional experience in finance; ideally in multinational company with both wholesale and retail operations.