WineTalent Classifieds: Winery Accounting Manager

WineTalent is working with our client Long Meadow Ranch on a winery accounting role.

Long Meadow Ranch is a family owned and operated producer and purveyor of world-class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible using diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. We produce award-winning wines, handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

Long Meadow Ranch has a unique opportunity for an Accounting Manager to join our administration to provide quality customer service to our ranch and winery management team, our business partners, our customers and our vendors.  Reporting to the Controller, the Accounting Manager will be responsible for review and forecasting of cash flow, implementation and monitoring of policies and procedures, recommendations for continuous improvement, and general accounting functions for Long Meadow Ranch Partners, L.P. and LMR Wine Estates LLC in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  This position requires ethical conduct and thoroughness, along with critical thinking, attention to detail and time management.

The Accounting Manager will follow generally accepted accounting practices, adhering to the policies and procedures set forth by the company.

●      Maintain a comprehensive set of accounting policies and procedures.

●      Prepare journal entries and perform reconciliations in support of monthly and year-end close.

●      Manage daily accounting tasks including: accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and daily banking tasks.

●      Supervise farm production periodic inventory counts and maintain perpetual inventory system for non-financial inventory reporting (tons/lbs/etc).

●      Assist with the budget/reforecasting and cash forecasting processes. Approve and monitor billing activity as processed by the Accounts Payable Specialist. Ensure accuracy of accounts payable coding and work with appropriate departmental manager if billed incorrectly. Record overhead allocations as needed.

●      Ensure accuracy and completeness of  LMR Wine Estates LLC direct-to-consumer sales in financial accounting software, reconciling monthly.

●      Record royalty revenue and other intercompany accounting transactions as deemed necessary.

●      Monitor, track and report on all required external compliance for Ranch entity, including organic certifications, water system compliance, etc.

●      Participate as a team member on key business initiatives, including cost accounting, workflow management, and customer correspondence protocol.

●      Evaluate, recommend and implement policies, procedures and systems related to company efficiency, productivity and internal controls.

●      Solicit​ ​and​ ​act​ ​on​ ​feedback​ ​from​ ​manager,​ ​peers,​ ​and​ ​other business​ ​partners.​ ​Contribute​ ​ideas,​ ​energy,​ ​enthusiasm​ ​and​ ​support​ ​to​ ​the​ ​continuous​ ​improvement​ ​of​ ​the process.

●      Other duties as required.

Education, Experience and Requirements

●      Minimum of 3 years of experience in general ledger accounting practices

●      Wine or consumer beverage product accounting experience required

●      Farming and livestock specific accounting experience, a plus

●      Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related discipline

●      In-depth knowledge of Accounting Software including QuickBooks

●      Experience with Targit or similar sales and depletion reporting software

●      Experience with ecommerce and POS systems, WineDirect preferred

●      Proficient in MS Office including PowerPoint with advanced MS Excel skills

●      Sharp attention to detail with good oral and written communication skills

●      Able to work in a team environment as well as operate independently

●      Able to lift 40+ lbs

●      Valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record

●      A pre-employment background check is required

Compensation and Benefits

●      This is a full-time, salaried position.

●      Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

Interested in this job?  Please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

WineTalent Classifieds: Winery Financial Analyst in St. Helena

WineTalent is working with our client Long Meadow Ranch on a Financial Analyst job opening.

Long Meadow Ranch is a family owned and operated producer and purveyor of world-class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible using diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. We produce award-winning wines, handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.
Long Meadow Ranch has a unique opportunity for a Financial Analyst to join our Finance team to provide quality service to our winery management team, farm production team, and other business partners. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Financial Analyst will be responsible for the financial reporting and analysis for multiple entities, management and oversight of LMR Wine Estates LLC inventory, wholesale revenue and receivables reporting, and other ad hoc analysis as deemed necessary. This position requires ethical conduct and thoroughness, along with critical thinking, attention to detail and time management
The Financial Analyst will follow generally accepted accounting practices, where applicable, adhering to the policies and procedures set forth by the company. 
Responsibilities:
•  Generate and distribute budget to actual variance reporting and document management meetings. Perform analysis, including both financial and non-financial metrics. Provide commentary on significant budget variances.
•  Complete daily labor cost analysis for all departments.
•  Manage Wine Estates sales and inventory data reporting for distribution to Targit and wholesale sales team. Ensure accuracy and completeness of data. Provide support and analysis as needed.
•  Manage Wholesale Logistics Coordinator, whose responsibilities include daily wholesale sales order processing and fulfillment, cash receipts application, and inventory movement. Assist with international shipment requirements on “as needed” basis. 
•  Ensure accuracy and completeness of cased goods and packaging inventory reporting. Reconcile inventory in multiple locations. Effectively manage relationships with third party warehouse, shipping, and logistic companies.
•  Maintain current Wine Estates receivable balances, distributing customer statements on “as needed” basis. Calculate and submit broker commissions for payment. Provide oversight of customer sales incentives processed by Wholesale Logistics Coordinator.
•  Participate as a team member on key business initiatives, including cost accounting, workflow management, and customer correspondence protocol.
•  Other duties as required.

Education, Experience and Requirements
•  Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial analysis and/or general ledger accounting practices
•  Wine or consumer beverage product accounting experience required
•  Farming and livestock specific accounting experience desirable
•  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related discipline
•  In-depth knowledge of Accounting Software including QuickBooks
•  Experience with Targit or similar sales and depletion reporting software
•  Proficient in MS Office including PowerPoint with advanced MS Excel skills
•  Sharp attention to detail with good oral and written communication skills
•  Able to work in a team environment as well as operate independently
•  Able to lift 40+ lbs
•  Valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record
•  A pre-employment background check is required

Compensation and Benefits
•  This is a full-time, salaried position.
•  Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

Interested in this job?  Please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

WineTalent Classifieds: Winery Ambassador: Luxury Wine Club Management

WineTalent is working with our St. Helena, California based winery to find a wine club manager to drive new business to the winery's luxury portfolio wine club. This will be done by cultivating relationship with local businesses while developing the guest experience for the luxury portfolio at the winery and at the private estate vineyard. 

Seeking an entreprenurial spirit that is poised, elegant and a true hospitality professional, this winery is looking for a key member of their team. 

Responsiblities: 

• Execute a member-centric guest experience when hosting luxury portfolio members and their guests. 
• Creating diverse tasting room offerings that cater to the luxury guest. 
• Cultivate a strong relationship with current members, members of the winery's other wine clubs and VIPs. 
• Work closely with the hospitality team to create unique and highly enjoyable experiences. 
• Increased sales from wine club members and increased membership and retention levels. 
• Foster and build on relationships with other businesses within the wine industry that will create continuous referrals and repeat business. 
• Maintain reservations, protocols, follow-ups, standards, trainings and reporting. 

Qualifications: 

• Expertise in selling luxury, lifestyle goods. 
• Excellent wine knowledge and hospitality experience. WSET and CSW Certifications highly desirable. 
• Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management, Communications, Business, Finance or related discipline. Related work expeirence in lieu of a degree will also be considered. 
• 5+ years of hospitality experience. 
• Knowledge of retail and hospitality software database systems. 
• Ability to lift, move and carry wines up to 65 lbs. 
• Valid Driver's License and insurability by company.

All communications will be kept completely confidential.  Please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.

WineTalent Classifieds: Accounting Manager - Ranch

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch, on an Accounting Manager - Ranch position.  

Long Meadow Ranch is a family­ owned and operated producer and purveyor of world-­class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible using diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. We produce award ­winning wines, handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-­fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

Long Meadow Ranch has a unique opportunity for an Accountant to join our administration to provide quality customer service to our ranch management team, our business partners, our customers and our vendors. Reporting to the Controller, the Accounting Manager – Ranch will be responsible for the financial reporting and analysis, cash flow forecasting and review, implementation and monitoring of policies and procedures, recommendations for continuous improvement, and general accounting functions for Long Meadow Ranch Partners, L.P. in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This position requires ethical conduct and thoroughness, along with critical thinking, attention to detail and time management.

Responsibilities:
Maintain a comprehensive set of accounting policies and procedures
Complete daily labor cost analysis for all departments
Prepare journal entries and perform reconciliations in support of monthly, and year end close
Manage daily accounting tasks including: accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and daily banking tasks
Provide monthly budget to actual variance reporting with detailed analysis, including both financial and non-financial metrics
Supervise periodic inventory counts and maintain perpetual inventory system for non-financial inventory reporting (tons/lbs/etc)
Develop and manage the budgeting/reforecasting process and the cash forecasting process
Participate as a team member on key business initiatives, including cost accounting, workflow management, and customer correspondence protocol
Monitor, track and report on all required external compliance including organic certifications, water system compliance, etc.
Evaluate, recommend and implement policies, procedures and systems related to company efficiency, productivity and internal controls
Other duties as required

Qualifications and Requirements
Minimum of 3 years of experience in general ledger accounting practices
Ranch, including farming and livestock, specific accounting experience desirable
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related discipline
In-depth knowledge of Quickbooks preferred
Proficient in MS Office including Powerpoint with advanced MS Excel skills
Sharp attention to detail with strong oral and written communication skills
Able to work in a team environment as well as operate independently
Able to lift 30+ lbs
Must have a valid California Driver’s License
A pre-employment investigative consumer report is required
Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried position.
Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

WineTalent Classifieds: Guest Services Manager at Long Meadow Ranch

WineTalent is working with our client Long Meadow Ranch on the Guest Services Manager role to support Farmstead and Long Meadow Ranch's hospitality operations.

Long Meadow Ranch is a family–owned and operated producer and purveyor of world­-class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible using diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. We produce award–winning wines, handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, grass–fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables. 

We are seeking a Guest Services Manager to be an integral member of our team, providing the highest level of professionalism, customer service and brand ambassadorship for Long Meadow Ranch’s businesses. The Guest Services Manager will be responsible for managing the Guest Services department focusing on providing highly engaged, customer-focused service for our organization.  

Responsibilities:

Handle incoming inquiries and communications with guests for Long Meadow Ranch
Oversee reservation bookings across the company including restaurant, private events, winery visits, wine tastings, food & wine experiences, trade visitors, and housing guests
Provide training to the staff on guest relations, problem resolution and issue escalation
Create and maintain scripts for interfacing with guests in-person, on the phone, and by email
Ensure proper phone etiquette and standard operating procedures are being used by staff and performing routine and spontaneous staff training to ensure the highest level of customer service
Support oversight of customer service to include reviewing current operations, development of new policies to overcome repetitive issues, and ensuring timely response to guest inquiries
Follow company standards to ensure reservation confirmations and encourage cross-referrals to other Long Meadow Ranch experiences
Ensure that all policies and procedures, guest experiences and operating activities carried out by team are consistent with company and brand standards
Oversee general organization and cleanliness of the office areas
Attend weekly meetings and prepare department updates
Manage the scheduling of the guest services department
Qualifications and Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Hospitality, Communications, Marketing, Business or related
3 years of hospitality industry experience, ideally including work experience in hotels, restaurant, resort, customer service and special events
Experience with PBX phone systems, Vin65, OpenTable, Google Business as well as digital tools including iPads, iPhones and related technology
Sharp attention to detail with good oral and written communication skills. Able to work in a team environment as well as operate independently
Highly professional in all interpersonal and business dealings
Must be able to have a flexible schedule working weekends and holidays
Creative problem solver with drive and dedication to succeed
Able to lift 40+ lbs
Must have a valid California Driver’s License and maintain a clean driving record
A pre-employment investigative consumer report is required
Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried position
Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k)

WineTalent Classifieds: Business Development Manager for Oak Products

WineTalent is working with our client, Laffort USA, on a Business Development Manager to represent the Nobile products in California.

Title: Business Development Manager.  

Position Description: The Business Development Manager will be responsible for representing the Nobile brand of oak adjuncts and other products in California to new and existing winery clients. The Business Development Manager will work with an eye towards developing the brand and building business with new clients. The Business Development Manager will be building relationships with winery professionals throughout the market to showcase the company's offerings. Working with customers to craft programs specific to their production needs, this role requires a keen understanding of winemaking and production needs. The ideal candidate will be proactive in tasting specific wines and developing ideas of Nobile products that would match these styles. This role is a key contributor for the company and a Nobile brand builder in the market.

Role and Responsibilities:  
•  Identify potential customers and develop sales strategies for customers throughout California. 
•  Thorough understanding of the product offerings and production requirements to build customized oak adjunct programs for customers.
•  Keen understanding of the adjunct market and an understanding of pricing strategies for customers of various production volumes.
•  Ability to work with winemakers, cellar masters and production managers to provide Nobile product at sufficient levels, in a timely manner, with the proper enological characteristics while also providing technical support and training as needed.
•  Contract negotiation with production staff, purchasing managers and finance professionals to create profitable sales for Nobile while also meeting the competitive pricing of the industry.  
•  Business development with a focus on the premium wine category with medium to large production wineries.
•  Brand building strategy to increase market penetration of Nobile.
•  Continuous follow-up with production staff to monitor programs and make recommendations or troubleshoot as needed.  
•  Thoughtful suggestions to customers on additional products that may benefit their winemaking program and create additional sales opportunities of Nobile products.  
•  Internal financial goal setting and tracking of sales performance against goals.
•  Support of Laffort’s other product offerings and promoting additional products when needs arise. 
•  Routine input of sales calls, customer data and orders into the Laffort CRM system for reporting.
•  Additional administrative duties as required.

Qualifications:  
•  Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology, Fermentation Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Food Science or related. Relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.
•  At least five years of work experience, ideally in the wine industry.  
•  Wine production background required.
•  A proven sales acumen.
•  Strong relationship development and maintenance skills.
•  Attention to detail and ability to multi-task. This is a self-managed role that requires a highly self-motivated individual for success.
•  Ability to travel extensively within the California market. Travel will also involve attendance at various industry trade shows and potentially may include international travel.

Winejobs.com Job Postings Down 8 Percent in October 2017

Just in from Winejobs.com:  Winery Hiring Decreases in October 2017

Winejobs.com Winery Postings Down 8 percent from October 2016

SONOMA, CA—Wineries decreased their job postings as of October 2017 according to the latest report released by Winejobs.com. As the wine industry's leading online job site, Winejobs.com has a unique vantage point over industry trends. Postings for all winery jobs in October 2017 decreased 8 percent from October 2016. Some of that decline is likely due the early October wildfires impacting Northern California. Winery jobs are still up 4 percent compared to October 2016 year-to-date.

Harvest positions are up 11 percent year-to-date. This increase in harvest positions is a prime reason for the increase in winery hiring this year.

DTC, tasting room and retail (Hospitality) jobs remained steady in October 2017, with a 28 percent decline from October 2016 but are up 2 percent year-to-date.

Sales & marketing positions increased in October 2017, up 67 percent from October 2016, and are down 2 percent year-to-date.

Winemaking positions saw the greatest decrease in October 2017, down 25 percent from October 2016, but are up 13 percent year-to-date.