WineTalent Classifieds: Vice President of Finance - Destinations and Services

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch, to find a Vice President of Finance for the award winning restaurant Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch and the company's hospitality destinations.

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.

The Vice President of Finance is a key participant in all major business decisions regarding the LMR (the Company) portfolio of entities engaged in multi-faceted hospitality, shared services and farming activities. Hospitality operations encompass multiple outlets which include restaurant, hotel, private events, café and retail activities. Shared Services include shared finance, marketing, facility, IT and HR activities for multiple related entities. Farming operations include organic fruit and vegetable, poultry, beef and lamb activities which produce product for internal culinary and retail operations.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President & COO, the Vice President of Finance serves in a core leadership role and is responsible for driving both long-term strategic planning & business structure and hands-on execution of financial planning, reporting & accounting, managerial reporting & analysis, partnerships & contracts.

Strategic Planning & Business Structure

• Develop the multi-year business plan
• Identify short-term and long-term financing requirements
• Establish and oversee construction budgets
• Develop pro forma post-construction start-up and operational budgets
• Identify and install required managerial operating systems

Financial Planning, Reporting & Accounting

• Direct all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, finance, and cash management functions of the Company
• Establish and implement next generation financial accounting systems, controls, and measurement systems to assure fiscal integrity as well as accurate and timely financial and management reporting
• Formalize and document accounting and finance standard operating processes (SOPs) to ensure accurate and timely data synthesis
• Manage the annual budget and strategic business planning processes, working closely with the President & CEO, Executive Vice President & COO, and key operating managers
• Manage accounting firm for assigned business units; oversee and direct all income tax-related activities
• Assure compliance with state, federal, and general accounting and regulatory guidelines
• Manage all sales, use, property and other tax reporting
• Maintain solid banking relationships
• Direct ongoing analysis of Company’s capital requirements to ensure appropriate capitalization and availability of funds
• Manage entity reporting for Company investors including K1
• Maintain all Company financing and capitalization documents, including details related to stock ownership rights, limited partnership interests, warrants and options

Managerial Reporting & Analysis

• Develop and deliver timely, accurate, and effective analysis and reporting of financial and operational performance to the key operating managers, EVP & COO, President & CEO
• Track and measure performance relative to budgets, schedules, milestones, and performance targets, providing timely feedback to the key operating managers, EVP & COO, and President & CEO
• Develop and manage budget, periodic financial forecasts, short and long term financial projections, Company cash positions, current risks and probabilities
• Prepare timely financial report packages for review by the key operating managers, EVP & COO, and President & CEO
• Ensure compliance and accurate reporting with regard to all regulatory matters
• Perform operationally focused financial analysis and intelligence gathering to support strategic and business development initiatives
• Provide guidance and advice on proposed capital expenditures
• Recommend opportunities for profit improvement, productivity enhancement and cost reduction

Team Management & Development

• Maintain organizational structure of shared services finance and accounting team and refine or make changes where required to achieve strategy and goals
• Contribute and continue to drive a culture of collaboration
• Provide training and opportunities for growth as needed for direct reports
• Become a go-to resource by continuing to develop and foster a strong team which is sought out and respected by the entire organization for the quality of information and insight provided
• Encourage innovative approaches to employee communications and continuous improvement, recognition, and celebration in order to attract, reward and retain the highest quality staff

Partnerships, Contracts & Compliance

• Assist the President & CEO, EVP & COO, and key operating managers in financial analysis and negotiation of partnerships, licensing and contracts
• Manage preparation, negotiation, review, and acceptance of all contractual documents
• Advise management of contractual rights and obligations and provide interpretation of terms and conditions
• Ensure the Company is compliant with all federal, state and local regulations and that internal agreements as well as client contracts and SLA’s are properly documented and followed

Shared Services

• Manage expenses, allocations, and financial reporting and analysis of all shared services, including Human Resources, Marketing, IT, and General Admin
• Manage preparation, negotiation, review, and acceptance of all insurance policies; oversee claims
• Consistently review and improve respective policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory environment
• Emphasize cross-departmental collaboration to ensure efficient and effective communication and support provided company wide

Education, Experience and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business
• Certified Public Accountants preferred
• Distinctive finance and accounting experience of 5 years or more within restaurant and/or hospitality organizations
• Proven understanding of finance and accounting issues related to restaurant and hotel businesses highly desirable
• Experience with NetSuite desirable
• Experience with DOMO and KPI analytics dashboard tools desirable
• Extensive experience with Quickbooks required
• Prior experience implementing new accounting software systems and/or ERP required

• 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)

Apply Online Here

All Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

WineTalent Classifieds: Lead Financial Officer in Lodi, CA

WineTalent is working with our client Rutherford Wine Company on a Lead Financial Officer position. This role will be accountable for the administrative, financial, and risk management operations of the company, including the development of a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets and report accurate financial information. 

Responsibilities:

Planning
- Assist in formulating the company's future direction and supporting tactical initiatives
- Monitor and direct the implementation of strategic business plans
- Develop financial and tax strategies
- Manage the capital request and budgeting processes
- Develop performance measurements that support the company's strategic direction

Operations
- Participate in key decisions as a member of the executive management team
- Maintain in-depth relations with all members of the management team
- Manage the accounting department
- Assist the financial operations of subsidiary companies
- Manage any third parties to which accounting or finance functions have been outsourced
- Oversee the company's transaction processing systems
- Implement operational best practices

Financial Information
- Oversee the issuance of financial information
- Report financial results to the family

Risk Management
- Understand and mitigate key elements of the company's risk profile
- Construct and monitor reliable control systems
- Maintain appropriate insurance coverage
- Ensure that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
- Ensure that record keeping meets the requirements of auditors and government agencies
- Report risk issues to the family
- Maintain relations with external auditors and investigate their findings and recommendations

Funding
- Monitor cash balances and cash forecasts
- Arrange for debt and equity financing

Qualifications:

-       Master's degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience will be considered

-       10+ years of progressively responsible experience for a major company or division of a large corporation. 

-       Wine and vineyard industry experience required.

-       Should have experience in partnering with an executive team, and have a high level of written and oral communication skills.

-       Candidates with an MBA in Finance and Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant highly desirable. 

All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

WineTalent Classifieds: Winery Controller in Oakville, CA

Help Wanted:  Controller in Oakville, CA.  

Now in its third full year of operation on the Oakville Cross Road, B Cellars Vineyards and Winery is seeking a Controller who will manage the accounting and financial functions of the business.

Description: The Controller for B Cellars will be responsible for oversight of the accounting function of the company while also maintaining the financial integrity of the business. This role will manage the workflow of the accounting department and ensure timely completion of tasks and reporting. Utilizing B Cellars’ Microsoft Navision platform, the Controller will implement the efficient use of the system for accounting, inventory, POS and costing.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and perform the accounting and financial functions of the business, conduct the monthly close process, prepare, analyze and communicate timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements consistent with both internal reporting formats and GAAP.
  
• Manage the bookkeeping function, which provides basic accounting (AP, AR, invoice entry and creation, payroll, sales reporting, etc).
  
• Understand and upkeep the financial budget model in order to produce regular forecast updates for P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow, including cash flow forecasting and department level budgeting.
  
• Support communications with and provide materials for interactions with Company’s lender(s). Manage and perform necessary activities for monthly and annual bank covenant compliance.
  
• Maintain accurate and timely files for all contracts, insurance and corporate records. Oversee and manage insurance programs and policies, and provide assistance with contract review and administrative oversight.
  
• Manages all aspects of cash and credit card sales out of Napa Valley tasting room; includes analysis of all sales and reporting.
  
• Personnel management of accounting assistant and potential future staff recruiting, hiring and mentoring as needed.
  
  Qualifications and Requirements
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline.
  
• At least 5 years of experience in business accounting.
  
• CPA highly desirable.
  
• Experience with Microsoft Navision and Vintegrate is highly desirable. Relevant experience with other
  sophisticated ERP software platforms also a plus.
  
• A natural ability to manage the accounting and finance team while also being curious and interested in
  learning is crucial to this position.
  
• Strong time management skills
  
• Detail-oriented work style with an interest in finding solutions and creating efficiencies.
  
  
  

WineTalent Classifieds: Accounting Manager in St. Helena, CA

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch, on an Accounting Manager role in St. Helena, CA. 

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. Long Meadow Ranch produces 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 the administration to provide quality customer service to the ranch management team, business partners, customers and vendors. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Accounting Manager will be responsible for the financial reporting and analysis, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and other general accounting functions for Long Meadow Ranch Wine Estates. The Accounting Manager will follow generally accepted accounting practices, adhering to the policies and procedures set forth by the company.  

Responsibilities
Hold accountability for the preparation of monthly financials including handling the month end-close process.
Posting all required monthly journal entries, reconcile inventory in multiple locations, reconcile other balance sheet accounts as required, and perform overhead allocations.
Reporting on any significant budget variances.
Manage daily accounting tasks including: Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Bank reconciliations, daily banking tasks.
Assist with all accounting aspects of Human Resources for Wine Estates including time card and PTO tracking, EDD reporting, workers’ compensation management and policy development.
Monitor, track and report on all required external compliance including wine compliance, TTB reporting, sales tax, property tax returns, organic certifications, etc.
Develop and manage the budgeting/reforecasting process and the cash forecasting process.
Manage a direct report on the wholesale and dtc order desk to accurately, timely, and efficiently process all wholesale and direct wine orders. This includes verifying the accuracy of each wine by type, vintage, variety, brand, inventory availability, price, and size.
Manage sales data reporting for distribution to Tradepulse, Targit and wholesale sales team. Provide support and analysis as needed.
Manage and be responsible for timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and year-end closing cycles.
Evaluate, recommend and implement policies, procedures and systems related to company efficiency, productivity and internal controls.
Support other business accountants as needed with inter-company transactions and inter-company inventory reconciliation.

Qualifications and Requirements
Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial analysis and/or general ledger accounting practices.
Wine business accounting experience required.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related discipline.
In-depth knowledge of Accounting Software including QuickBooks.
Experience with ecommerce and POS systems, Vin65 preferred.
Proficient in MS Excel and MS Office including PowerPoint.
Sharp attention to detail with good oral and written communication skills.
Able to work in a team environment as well as operate independently.
Valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record.
A pre-employment background check is required.
Able to lift 40+ lbs. 

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 applying?  Please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All inquiries are completely confidential.