Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for VP of Finance

💰 $200,000 - $350,000+

FinanceExecutiveLeadershipC-SuiteAccounting

🎯 Role Definition

As the Vice President of Finance, you will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You will be responsible for the entire spectrum of financial management, from strategic planning and analysis to overseeing day-to-day accounting operations. This role demands a strategic partner who can translate complex financial data into actionable insights, guiding the company through its next phase of growth, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maximizing enterprise value. You will lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, precision, and collaboration.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Director of Finance
  • Corporate Controller
  • Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Advancement To:

  • Chief Financial Officer (C-Suite)
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Board of Directors Member

Lateral Moves:

  • VP of Strategy & Corporate Development
  • CFO at a smaller organization or startup

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Drive the company's financial planning and analysis (FP&A) function, including the annual budgeting process, quarterly forecasting, and long-range strategic planning.
  • Act as a strategic business partner to the executive team, providing insightful financial analysis, modeling, and data-driven recommendations to support key business decisions.
  • Oversee all accounting operations, including General Ledger, A/R, A/P, payroll, and revenue recognition, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial information.
  • Lead the preparation and presentation of comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
  • Manage and optimize the company's cash flow, treasury functions, and working capital to support operational needs and strategic investments.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
  • Lead the company’s capital allocation strategy, including evaluating investment opportunities, managing capital expenditures, and assessing ROI on major projects.
  • Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, investors, auditors, and regulatory bodies, serving as a primary point of contact for all financial matters.
  • Direct all aspects of tax planning and compliance, coordinating with external tax advisors to optimize the company's tax position and ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Spearhead financial due diligence, valuation, and integration activities for potential mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
  • Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to track business performance, identify trends, and highlight areas for improvement.
  • Mentor, lead, and develop the finance and accounting teams, fostering a culture of excellence, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee the annual external audit process, ensuring a clean and timely audit opinion and effective communication with the audit committee.
  • Manage the company's capital structure, including debt and equity financing, to ensure the organization is well-capitalized for growth.
  • Evaluate and manage the company’s risk management framework, including business insurance, liability coverage, and other risk mitigation strategies.

Secondary Functions

  • Partner with department heads to provide financial guidance and support, helping them manage their budgets effectively and achieve their operational goals.
  • Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of financial systems and software (ERP, BI tools) to drive efficiency and enhance reporting capabilities.
  • Oversee the company's equity and stock administration programs, ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance.
  • Provide financial oversight and review for major contracts, vendor agreements, and customer pricing proposals to ensure profitability and mitigate financial risk.
  • Conduct in-depth competitive analysis and market research to benchmark performance and identify strategic opportunities and threats.
  • Drive process improvements and automation initiatives within the finance department to increase efficiency and scalability.
  • Prepare financial models and presentations for fundraising activities and investor relations communications.
  • Support the Human Resources department with compensation analysis, benefits planning, and other financially-impactful employee programs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Financial Modeling & Valuation: Expert ability to build complex, dynamic financial models from scratch for forecasting, M&A, and strategic planning.
  • Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Deep expertise in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and long-range planning.
  • U.S. GAAP: Mastery of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the ability to research and implement new accounting standards.
  • ERP Systems: Hands-on proficiency with enterprise resource planning systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
  • Treasury & Cash Management: Proven experience in managing cash flow, debt facilities, covenants, and banking relationships.
  • M&A Due Diligence: Experience leading or playing a critical role in the financial due diligence and integration process for acquisitions.
  • SEC Reporting: (For public companies) Strong knowledge of SEC regulations and reporting requirements (10-K, 10-Q).
  • Internal Controls (SOX): Experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls, with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance experience being a major plus.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Leadership: Ability to think long-term, operate at a strategic level, and translate vision into an executable financial plan.
  • Executive Communication & Presence: Exceptional ability to distill complex financial concepts into clear, concise insights for executives, board members, and non-financial audiences.
  • Business Acumen: A deep understanding of the business's operations and market dynamics, enabling you to be a true strategic partner.
  • People Management & Mentorship: Proven track record of hiring, leading, and developing high-performing finance teams.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Skilled at negotiating with vendors, partners, and financial institutions and influencing decisions across the organization.
  • Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: A highly analytical and data-driven mindset with the ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 12-15+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles.

Preferred:

  • Minimum of 5+ years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director of Finance, Controller) with significant team management responsibilities.
  • A combination of experience in both public accounting (Big 4 preferred) and a corporate finance environment.
  • Proven experience in a high-growth environment, particularly within the tech, SaaS, or a related industry.
  • Demonstrable experience scaling a finance function, including implementing new systems and processes.
  • Experience with private equity or venture capital-backed companies, including fundraising and investor relations.
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