Financial Reporting Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for overseeing the company’s external financial reporting, audit process, and overall internal control environment. This role will lead the full company audit and control structure while also playing a critical role in the retail accounting function. The position manages a team of accounting professionals and serves as a key liaison between accounting, operations, auditors, and senior leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Financial Reporting & Audit

• Own and manage the company’s annual financial statement audit, including serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Prepare and review financial statements and footnotes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Coordinate audit timelines, manage PBC requests, and resolve audit findings in a timely manner.
• Monitor evolving accounting standards and assess impacts on the organization.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Design, implement, and maintain an effective internal control framework across the organization.
• Perform ongoing control evaluations and remediation of identified gaps.
• Document accounting policies, procedures, and controls; ensure consistent application across departments.
• Support compliance with lender, regulatory, and internal reporting requirements as applicable.

Retail Accounting Oversight

• Provide oversight and review for retail accounting processes, including revenue recognition, inventory, margins, and operational reporting.
• Partner closely with retail operations to ensure accurate financial reporting and issue resolution.
• Improve controls, reporting accuracy, and efficiency within the retail accounting structure.

Leadership & Team Management

• Directly manage a team of 2 accounting professionals and indirectly oversee 3 additional team members.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Process Improvement & Special Projects

• Lead initiatives to streamline financial reporting, close processes, and audit readiness.
• Support system implementations, integrations, or enhancements affecting accounting and reporting.
• Assist with special projects and ad hoc analyses as requested by the Controller or CFO.

People Management

• Incorporating United Dairy Farmer’s DAIRY Culture into day-to-day management practices
• Responsible for providing direct reports with timely, candid and constructive performance feedback; developing associates to their fullest potential and provide challenging opportunities that enhance associate career growth.
• Developing the appropriate talent pool to ensure adequate bench strength and succession planning; recognizing and rewarding associates for accomplishments. 
• Incumbent also holds his direct reports accountable for performing the same functions and activities with their direct reports if applicable.
• Responsible for growing associate engagement within the team as measured by regular engagement surveys.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience leading audits and managing external auditors.
• Prior experience supervising or leading accounting teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems and reporting tools.

Preferred

·         CPA license

·         Experience in retail, multi‑unit, or operationally complex environments

·         Strong project management and process improvement skills

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and possess the ability to present information to external and internal groups

• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities
• High attention to detail with the ability to see the broader business impact
• Clear and effective communication with both financial and operational audiences
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
• Collaborative leadership style with a hands on approach
• Ability to problem-solve with various levels of complexity including highly complex challenges.
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Ability to utilize the data to “story-tell” in a compelling manner to drive a strategic shift in the business or support an existing strategic priority for growth.
• Ability to develop and communicate findings and recommendations.
• Fundamental understanding of key financial and retail performance metrics
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Strong influence skills and situational leadership

COMPUTER / TECHNICAL:

•  Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point
• Experience with ERP/Accounting systems required – SAGE preferred
• Experience with Reporting and Analysis tools – MS BI preferred