Vice President, Finance & Operations

becker&mayer! is one of the largest book producers in the United States, producing both Juvenile and Adult books. We are the recognized leader in creating and manufacturing original juvenile products in the "book-plus" category, incorporating plastics, electronics, and other materials for truly unique results. Our clients include Disney, Scholastic Book Clubs, Scholastic Book Fairs, and Silver Dolphin. In addition, becker&mayer! publishes SmartLab and ArtLab, our own brand dedicated to innovative formats and hands-on learning in the areas of science, art, and education. Our Adult titles span a wide array of non-fiction topics and are published under our clients' names, which include Chronicle Books, HarperCollins, Random House, and Simon & Schuster, among others. Many of these books are produced under license with companies or individuals such as David McCullough, Bob Dylan, Tupac Shakur, Arnold Palmer, Marvel, NASCAR, and Lucasfilm Ltd.

 

 

Job Summary:

The Vice President is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the company; provides financial analysis of operations for guidance of management; prepares reports outlining the company’s financial position relative to income, expenses and earnings based on past, present and future operations; prepares the preparation of budgets and forecasts; sets accounting policies and procedures throughout the organization in order to satisfy corporate, legal and tax requirements. The Vice President sits on the Executive Strategic Planning Team and Executive Committee. The Vice President collaborates with management team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes and personnel designed to accommodate growth objectives of the company. This position manages the Manager, Accounting Group, Director of IT and Operations support staff.

 

 

Key Responsibilities:

·         Perform analysis of current business results compared to expected results and update managers. Prepares and presents monthly financial report and cash flow report.

·         Analyze and prepare future business financial performance and projections.

·         Negotiate annual business insurance policies including general liability, media coverage and product liability.

·         Oversees all aspects of accounting and financial functions and reporting.

·         Prepares and presents quarterly and annual budget reports.

·         Establishes working standards and goals for all areas of responsibility.

·         Compiles year end information for CPA to prepare year end reviewed financial statements.

 

 

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Ability to collaborate with department managers to proactively identify and forecast the financial results of business decisions.

·         Ability to promptly identify, assess and help solve business problems through financial information.

·         Proactive problem solver.

·         Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·         Ability to lead and inspire.

·         Decision making and conflict resolution skills.

·         Computer proficient including MS Suite, Quickbooks Pro and FileMaker Pro.

 

 

 

 

Experience & Education Requirements:

·         Bachelors Degree in Accounting.

·         8+ years of general accounting experience or equivalent.

·         4+ years of business financial analysis experience.

·         Planning/forecasting experience required.

·         Previous management experience required.

·         Previous publishing or experience in a creative company preferred.

 

Travel Required:  5% or less