Chief Financial Strategist

A strategic financial leader oversees day-to-day accounting and finance operations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, invoicing, cash flow management, and regulatory compliance.

• Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the accounting team to ensure accurate financial transactions and record-keeping, with a focus on process improvement and efficiency.

• Supervise the accounts team manager and tax and treasury manager to ensure effective operations across accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash flow management, fostering a collaborative work environment.

• Oversee accounts payable functions, including invoice approval, vendor payments, and maintaining supplier relationships, ensuring seamless payment processing.

• Monitor and manage company cash flow, including forecasting to ensure sufficient liquidity for ongoing operations, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making.

• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of all accounts, including bank and credit card statements, utilizing internal controls and policies to maintain financial integrity.

• Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet reporting requirements.

• Team Leadership & Management:

• Provide leadership and tactical management to the accounting and finance teams, including coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations for the accounts team manager and tax and treasury manager, promoting professional growth and development.

• Develop and implement team goals and performance metrics to ensure alignment with the organization's financial objectives, leveraging data analytics to drive business outcomes.

• Coordinate and delegate tasks to ensure the finance team meets deadlines for month-end close, accounts reconciliation, and financial reporting, prioritizing productivity and efficiency.

• Identify training needs within the department and support the continuous development of staff to enhance productivity and expertise, investing in employee growth and retention.

• Cash Flow Management & Reporting:

• Maintain control over the company's cash flow, ensuring optimal balance between receivables and payables to avoid cash shortages, leveraging financial modeling and forecasting tools.

• Oversee the preparation of daily, weekly, and monthly cash flow reports, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, and providing actionable insights to stakeholders.

• Work closely with the director of strategic finance to provide input on cash flow forecasts and liquidity strategies, ensuring alignment with investment goals and financial objectives.

• Coordinate with external partners, including banks and auditors, to support cash management and ensure compliance with financial agreements, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.

• Technology Implementation & Process Improvements:

• Lead the identification and implementation of new financial technologies to improve workflows, increase automation, and enhance the overall efficiency of the finance and accounting functions, driving innovation and digital transformation.

• Streamline current processes to reduce manual efforts, increase data accuracy, and improve overall workflow within the finance team, leveraging best practices and industry benchmarks.

• Collaborate with the director of strategic finance and the IT department to identify and implement financial technologies that streamline operations and improve strategic insights, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

• Provide training and support to the finance team in adopting new technology and tools, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing disruption to operations.

• Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Oversee the preparation and submission of financial reports to upper management, ensuring all reports are accurate, timely, and comply with internal policies, maintaining transparency and accountability.

• Ensure compliance with all tax, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements, including liaising with the tax and treasury manager for the filing of taxes, staying up-to-date with changing regulations and laws.

• Monitor adherence to internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure the integrity of the financial reporting process, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.

• Support external audit processes by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and ensuring timely completion of audits, maintaining a positive relationship with auditors and regulators.

The finance manager reports directly to upper management and collaborates closely with the director of strategic finance and investments, requiring a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, with a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills.