Director of Accounting Operations/Shared Services at Fairlife in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Director of Accounting Operations/Shared Services

COMPANY BACKGROUND/CULTURE

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based dairy company that produces nourishing and great-tasting milk-based products made using a patented cold-filtration process that removes some natural sugars while concentrating the protein and calcium naturally found in real cows' milk.

Our line of delicious, lactose-free fairlife® products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk, which has 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk; fairlife® with DHA, ultra-filtered milk with DHA Omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health; fairlife YUP!®, a line of flavored milks; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support one's journey to better health; and the newly launched fairlife® creamers, coffee creamers designed to help enhance your coffee experience; and the newly launched fairlife® Light Ice Cream, a line of creamy, frozen desserts. In partnership with The Coca-Cola Company®, fairlife ultra-filtered milk and Core Power high protein shakes are distributed throughout the United States (U.S.) and Canada; all other fairlife products are available in the U.S.

To learn more about fairlife and its collection of products, please visit fairlife.com.

OVERVIEW

The Director of Accounting Operations will function as a leader and business partner with management and various team members to effectively ensure transactional timeliness, compliance and process controls. This position will play a critical role in fairlife's successful transition to a shared accounting services platform. This role will also provide technical support as fairlife moves to a new ERP system. A key responsibility will be to manage and develop a staff of 6 associates. The role will recommend and execute process improvements and controls to deliver timely and accurate transactional processing for a rapidly growing company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Full responsibility for the Accounts Payable, Credit and Collections, Order Entry and Payroll activities


• Ensure financial data integrity of transactions, which includes preparing and managing accruals as appropriate


• Lead initiatives to gain process and interface efficiencies thought the utilization of systems and services. Leverage finance systems by standardizing business processes and improving internal controls


• Recruit, hire and develop associates to support transactional growth


• Ensure that government compliance and consolidation requirements are met

• Collaborate with implementation project team to ensure a successful transition to the new system


• Ensure that there is an effective and efficient system of internal controls including data integrity, asset protection, segregation of duties, budgeting, financial reporting, information systems and adherence to corporate policies and governmental regulations related to transactional accounting processes


• Provide recommendation and guidance on business infrastructure and master data to the project team


• Participate in workshops to ensure reporting requirements and control requirements are addressed during the solution verification process


• Develop processes to ensure that dual system accounting and treasury is accurately managed and controlled throughout the implementation timeframe


• Work with project team to ensure that the delivery of training materials satisfies the accounting team's needs

• 5-10 years of financial experience with managing a staff in a manufacturing environment required. Corporate or Plant Controller experience a plus


• Excellent understanding of A/P, A/R, order entry and payroll processing


• Ability to develop high levels of credibility and forge solid and positive professional relationships with subordinates, peers, and upper management


• Strong leadership, communication and team building skills


• Proficient in use of accounting systems, implementation of financial practices, analysis of financial and operating information to facilitate decision making and recommending actions to improve


• Proficient in Microsoft products, database software and other applicable accounting and financial software and systems


• Microsoft D365 experience a plus


• Dairy experience a plus


• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment

• travel requirements:10%

• B.S. in Accounting or Finance required.CPA and/or MBA a plus