Director of Finance
Gonnella Baking Co., Schaumburg, IL, United States
Job Description
The job of the Director of Finance is to oversee all accounting functions, financial reporting, internal controls & compliance activities, cash flow & risk management. This is a highly visible role within the organization and will be a key influencer in shaping the department, providing strong leadership through staff development and coaching, and helping the company achieve its long‑term goals. The individual will work with the divisional accounting teams to ensure financial reporting is accurate and completed in a timely manner. In addition, they will work closely with the management team and Board of Directors to provide instructions and direction into strategic decision making and profitability requirements, including insights and opportunities for improvement. The individual will act as a Finance and Accounting subject‑matter expert for the organization, providing insights analysis, forecasting, and recommendations that support operational and long‑term business decisions.
Responsibilities
Financial Reporting
- Manage the preparation and consolidation of period and annual financial statements.
- Ensure financial reporting compliance with GAAP.
- Oversee general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and fixed asset transactions.
- Manage period and annual financial close processes prioritizing timely and accurate completion of all close activities.
- Assist with annual budget process.
Internal Controls & Compliance
- Implement and maintain internal controls to ensure financial statement accuracy, regulatory compliance with applicable laws and regulations and fraud prevention.
- Coordinate annual external financial audit and tax preparation activities.
- Primary liaison with external auditors for the annual financial audit and tax accounts for federal, state and other periodic tax filings.
- Responsible for the annual audit of the Company defined contribution plan and the filing of 5500 form.
- Manage annual business insurance renewal application process and all carrier premium audits.
Cash Flow & Risk Management
- Manage investing, financing and operational cash flow activities.
- Coordinate internal communication and debt compliance activities with banking partners.
Department and Team Management
- Oversee and manage all day‑to‑day accounting department operations
- Direct and support customer service activities related to billing, payment application, credit processes, and account inquiries
- Manage, mentor and train all accounting staff including divisional accountants, accounts payable, customer service and accounts receivable.
- Develop policies and procedures to modernize and improve departmental efficiency.
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure alignment and support cross‑functional initiatives
Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- CPA designation is required.
- 10 years of accounting experience at a manufacturing firm.
- Experience with ERP system implementations; prior experience with Acumatica is strongly preferred.
- Sense of urgency and focus on results.
- Analytical mindset with expertise in using data to make informed business decisions.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Prior experience working in a multi‑division or multi‑entity environment.
- Demonstrated experience in managing, developing, and coaching teams.
- Corporate finance or accounting experience.