WineTalent Classifieds: Senior Financial Analyst in the Napa Valley

WineTalent is working with our client, Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards, on a Senior Financial Analyst role within the Napa Valley.

About the Company:  Far Niente is a group of well-respected wineries and sustainably grown vineyards.  The six wine brands have widespread distribution and a strong direct-to-consumer business.  

About the Position:  The Senior Financial Analyst is responsible for the day-to-day analytical support for the company’s sales divisions and overall wine operations. This position requires ethical conduct and thoroughness in conjunction with critical thinking, attention to detail and strong time management skills.  

Responsibilities:  

• Support budgeting, forecasting and longer-term planning processes by providing revenue and cost inputs, including drivers and assumptions for various channels and products
• Assist in tracking consolidated cased goods inventory reporting
• Track marketing metrics to help measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns
• Serve as interface between 3rd party data providers and develop, maintain and identify inaccuracies for daily dashboards
• Perform ad hoc analysis of daily business issues and provide sales support for the company
• Analyze and explain variances and prepare reporting package and presentation for monthly Management financial review
• Proactively analyze profitability trends - evaluating revenue, cost of goods sold and operational expenses and make recommendations to various teams
• Ability to navigate the three-tier system, recognize depletion trends and evaluate pricing
• Ability to organize and efficiently manipulate large data sets in Excel
• Work extended hours during peak times

Requirements:

• BS/BA in finance or business-related discipline
• Minimum of three years of increasingly responsible experience in a sales finance role with financial planning/analytics and modeling experience
• Experience in budgeting/forecasting and explaining a P&L
• Proficiency in Targit is a strong preference. Familiarity with Adaptive and NAV are highly desirable
• Advanced computer skills, especially in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• Successful candidate will be a very motivated self-starter and be able to work without daily guidance

Desirable Qualifications:

• Strategic thinker with highly competent analytical skills 
• Versatile, flexible, and willing to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Positive, energetic, engaging and able to maintain composure under pressure
• Team-oriented professional who is willing to help and support others in their work to contribute to the overall success of the Company 
• Detail oriented, with ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Curious and pro-active in recognizing trends and able to recommend action-oriented insights
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Prioritizes and balances workload to respond to new reporting and data requests
• Service orientation - maintains collaborative relationships with multi-functional teams while managing relationships and expectations of management and their various team members

Compensation and Benefits:

• This is a full-time, salaried position
• Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical, dental and  vision coverage, paid time off and 401(k).

About WineTalent:  WineTalent is a wine industry focused recruitment company. We work closely with our clients and our job seekers to find the right fit of talents, experience and work environment. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Please email resume and all inquiries to amy@winetalent.net  

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

WineTalent Classifieds: Information Technology Manager

 
WineTalent is working with our confidential client on an Information Technology Manager role in the Napa Valley.

About the Company:  Our client is a well-respected and long-established winery in the Napa Valley.  The company has several brands with widespread distribution and a strong direct-to-consumer business.  

About the Position:  The IT Manager will provide ongoing technical support to staff for all computer problems and manage company’s outsourced IT vendor. Along with the outsourced vendor, the IT Manager will manage company-wide hardware and application infrastructure.  This role will provide support for the implementation of new digital platforms, including vendor selection and project management.

Responsibilities:

• Primary point-of-contact to third-party IT support company.

• Day-to-day oversight of systems and troubleshooting of issues.  On the ground hardware and software support for all company computer users. 

• Installs and maintains servers, desktop computers, notebook computers, smart phones, peripherals, printers, etc. Keeps current inventory of all devices and maintains current licenses.

• Maintains working knowledge of cybersecurity threats, and ensures company has appropriate protections in place.

• Works with third-party vendor to select, configure and install all software, including upgrades to existing software.

• Standardization of business software across the organization.

• Creates and maintains batch files, drive mappings, login scripts, and menus in order to provide appropriate secure user access to applications and data. 

• Oversight of the entire network infrastructure, with responsibilities that include server upkeep, security upgrades, planning all infrastructure upgrades or changes, managing contracts with vendors, and managing the IT department's budget.

• Managing the development, maintenance and technical support of the network, servers, telecom and operating systems including external application contractors.

• Ensures connectivity of monitoring and alarm lines.  

• Manages and maintains all communications systems used throughout organization.

• Collaboration with all departments to determine technology needs, to ensure problems are resolved swiftly and completely, and to understand the business IT needs of each department.

Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related discipline.  Work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.

• 4+ years of IT support work experience in a similar sized company (50 +/- users)

• Experience with NAV highly desirable.  

• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to work across an organization with many different types of departments.  

• Service-oriented, collaborative approach to IT support.

• Experience managing new hardware and software implementation projects with attention to budget and timeline.

• Innovative team member in a newly created position with a flexible, can-do attitude to ensure current IT needs of company and departments are met and future needs are anticipated and planned for.

Compensation and Benefits:

• This is a full-time, salaried position

• Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and 401(k).

About WineTalent:  WineTalent is a wine industry focused recruitment company. We work closely with our clients and our job seekers to find the right fit of talents, experience and work environment. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Please email resume and all inquiries to amy@winetalent.net  

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

WineTalent Classifieds: Cost Accountant in the Napa Valley

WineTalent is working with our confidential client on a Cost Accountant role within the Napa Valley.

About the Company:  Our client is a well-respected and long-established winery in the Napa Valley.  The company has several brands with widespread distribution and a strong direct-to-consumer business.  

About the Position:  The Cost Accountant will apply the principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports by compiling information, preparing account reconciliations, and utilizing appropriate accounting control procedures.  The Cost Accountant provides accounting support in inventory, COGS reporting and analysis, account reconciliations, monthly close activities and end of year accounting resolution. 

Responsibilities:  

• Assists in month-end accounting close by performing accurate and timely completion of assigned financial close activities. 
• Performs complex analysis functions, reviews sub-ledger transactions and posts entries to general ledger accounts. 
• Responsible for the preparation of more complex account reconciliation and analysis.
• Perform analysis and forecasts on project and operational production costs.  
• Recommends and supports improvement opportunities and/or risks based on review and analysis of variances. 
• Develop and report key metrics to senior management. 
• Applies cost principles to analyze project costs and reconcile variances.
• Supports audit and regulatory requests, generates ad hoc analyses reports ensuring needed financial information is presented clearly, consistently, and on time.  

• Assists with specialized and complex assignments.

Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or closely related discipline.  Experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.

• Can-do attitude, with at least 5 years of closely related work experience.

• Knowledge of finance, accounting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with NAV, Adaptive Planning and Vintrace strongly desirable. 

• Experience in manufacturing (including but not limited to wine industry) accounting highly desirable.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.

• Proven effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, working with various levels throughout an organization.

Compensation and Benefits:

• This is a full-time, salaried position

• Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and 401(k).

About WineTalent:  WineTalent is a wine industry focused recruitment company. We work closely with our clients and our job seekers to find the right fit of talents, experience and work environment. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

Apply today: Email resume to amy@winetalent.net

Winery Intern Positions Job Board

Wineries need good interns for the 2020 harvest.  If you are looking for a job, would enjoy learning how wine is made, and are ready to work hard with great people, visit the Napa Valley Vintners job board:  https://napavintners.com/wineries/harvest-interns-needed.asp

Job Board Created for Napa Valley Wineries Hiring this Harvest Season

7/15/2020 - St. Helena, CA – The Napa Valley Vintners has launched a matchmaking webpage that connects job seekers with Napa Valley winemaking teams looking to hire this harvest season.  

In a typical year, Napa Valley’s harvest intern positions are largely sought out by international applicants. With the interruption of international travel, and a freeze on J-1 educational exchange visas related to Covid-19, winemakers are optimistic that workforce needs will be filled by local talent.    

More than 25 Napa Valley wineries are currently seeking interns, and hope to attract workers who want to deepen their wine knowledge or wish to explore a career in winemaking. 

“A harvest internship provides an opportunity to learn about every aspect of wine production and can be helpful for those considering a career in winemaking as well as for those in related industries,” said Matt Reid, winemaker at Benessere Vineyards.  

“Understanding the process of winemaking can yield insights that are helpful to many careers. For example, a wine buyer can ask better-informed questions, or a sommelier can better describe how a wine was produced,” said Reid. 

While prior cellar experience is not necessary, there are several character traits that winemakers agree are essential to working a harvest.  

“Those that have the highest aptitude for the work typically possess a maniacal attention to detail, a tireless work ethic, and the ability to meet adverse situations head on, all while keeping an upbeat attitude,” said Josh Widaman, winemaker at Lewis Cellars. 

For those who might wonder what role a harvest intern plays, Widaman said, “Every task that they complete is integral to the making of wine. We hope that they will leave here with an in-depth knowledge of the complete process from dirt to glass.” 

Applicants are encouraged to explore job postings at https://napavintners.com/wineries/harvest-interns-needed.asp.  

About the Napa Valley Vintners 
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, to provide environmental leadership and to care for the extraordinary place they call home. Learn more at napavintners.com.

Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Marketing Communications - 707-968-4210, twall@napavintners.com

WineTalent Classifieds: Director of Events and Hospitality

WineTalent is working with our client, Castello di Amorosa, on a Director of Events and Hospitality role.  The Director will be responsible for bringing in events to this phenomenal property and managing the events to ensure all guests have a world-class experience at the Castle.  

About Castello di Amorosa:  The property is an amazing and unique event venue in Calistoga.  The winery is an authentically-styled 13^th century Tuscan castle winery.  The winery was voted the Best Tasting Room in the US this year by USA Today.  Events at the winery can be held for groups of 200 to 1000, ranging from social parties, corporate events, wine club get-togethers and industry meetings.  The property is vibrant and sophisticated, creating limitless opportunities to create memorable events for guests.

About the Job:  The Director of Events and Hospitality will be promoting the property as a premier venue for corporate and social events.  This person will be handling new business development with hospitality professionals as well as planning and managing memorable events for guests.  The Director will interact closely with industry contacts at a wide variety of businesses including destination management companies, caterers, corporate event planners, as well as resort and hotel event managers.  The ideal candidate will have a strong network of meeting professionals and a keen understanding of the needs and desires of the luxury resort guest.  The Director of Events and Hospitality will also work closely with primary guests to plan and execute world class events throughout the year.  This role manages a team of event professionals and ensures that events are carried out to the highest level of guest satisfaction. 

Requirements:  A successful Director of Events and Hospitality will have the following:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Hospitality, Tourism, Recreation, Business or a closely related discipline.  Industry experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.

·       Proven track record in event sales and business development within the hospitality, resort or related industry.

·       Excellent understanding of the Napa Valley and the venues for events in it.

·       Highly tuned eye for luxury.

·       Effortless ability to build rapport in person, on the telephone and through electronic communications. 

·       An ability to work with your team to create memorable and creative events for a wide range of guests.

·       Commitment to creating a strong team work culture within your department to ensure events are carried out to the highest level of customer satisfaction.

·       Ability to represent the winery and its affiliated companies throughout the hospitality and wine industry to continuously promote and support the resort. 

·       Dedicated and professional work habits with a desire to build business and support a luxury brand in Napa Valley.

Compensation and Benefits:

·       This is a full-time, salaried position.

·       Competitive compensation depending on experience including performance bonus, medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

About WineTalent:  WineTalent is a wine industry focused recruitment company.  We work closely with our clients and our job seekers to find the right fit of talents, experience and work environment.  All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

To Apply:  Email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  

WineTalent Classified: Staff Accountant in St. Helena, CA

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch on a Staff Accountant role to join this growing company. 

About Long Meadow Ranch: Long Meadow Ranch is a family-owned agricultural enterprise producing grapes and wine, olives and olive oil, grass-fed beef and lamb, fruits, vegetables, and eggs in the Napa Valley, Anderson Valley and Marin County. The Long Meadow Ranch operations also include an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, a general store and wine tasting bar in the historic Logan-Ives House, an outdoor cafe, a farmer's market, a working garden and a variety of unique event spaces all located at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. 

About the opportunity: Long Meadow Ranch has a unique opportunity for a Staff Accountant to join our Finance team to provide quality service to our winery management team, farm production team, and other business partners. Reporting to the Controller, the Staff Accountant will provide general accounting support, maintain financial reports, records, and general ledger for multiple affiliated entities. This position requires ethical conduct and thoroughness, along with critical thinking, attention to detail and time management.

Responsibilities
Facilitate and complete monthly close procedures
Prepare journal entries and perform analysis and reconciliation of general ledger accounts
Support accounts payable where necessary, including invoice processing, coding and approvals. Provide additional support for corporate credit card processing and facilitating employee expense reimbursement as needed
Support Senior Staff Accountant with daily financial reporting
Support other critical accounting areas as needed, such as fixed assets and accounts receivable. Liaison with sales team and order processing team to effectively manage wine accounts receivable
Collaborate with Controller to ensure that the financial information is prepared in strict adherence with US GAAP, company policies and procedures and sound financial management practices

Education, Experience and Requirements
Minimum of 3 years of experience in general ledger accounting practices
Wine or consumer beverage product accounting experience preferred
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related discipline
Experience with QuickBooks and/or NetSuite preferred
Proficient in MS Office 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
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).

About WineTalent: WineTalent is a wine industry focused recruitment company. We have worked closely with LMR on job opportunities for over 7 years. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

WineTalent: The Right People for the Job

Interested in applying?  Email resume to amy@winetalent.net

All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential