Corporate Relations Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Bridgeport, CT

Bigelow Tea is the number one specialty tea company in the United States. We are a family-owned and operated business and a Certified B Corporation. Being a certified B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded over 75 years ago. Our purpose has always been about much more than making profits. We are committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability, transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities. We pride ourselves in caring about each and every one of our employees. We have a long-term outlook and are constantly working to create an environment that inspires people to make positive contributions every day. Bigelow is currently looking for a select, talented individual, that shares our values, to join our growing team.

SUMMARY

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and is primarily responsible for:

• The integrity of the Corporation’s accounting records, ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Policies
• Working across the organization serving as a business partner with a primary focus on the Away from Home/Food Service Channel, The Charleston Tea Garden, and Human Resources
• Overseeing the payroll, general accounting, accounts receivable and accounts payable departments.
• Leading the Company’s annual financial audit and generation of statutory information
• Enhancing and implementing policies and procedures that (a) identify, resolve and document accounting issues and (b) ensure the appropriate level of internal controls are maintained.
• Ensuring a timely and accurate monthly closing process
• Working with the Director of FP&A in the preparation of the monthly financial package and annual budget including commentary and account analysis.

JOB DESCRIPTION

STRATEGIC THINKING AND GOAL DEVELOPMENT

• Develops goals, strategies, and initiatives that support the overall company strategic plan.
• Leads a team that continuously challenges themselves to drive innovative thinking and stays in front of trends and the changing environment.
• Establishes and maintains relationships to stay abreast of accounting, tax and other business topics to inform business decisions.

Financial Oversight

• Responsible for the integrity of the Corporation’s accounting records, ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Policies
• Overseeing the company's annual financial audit; working with outside auditors and internal management to ensure accurate reporting of the company's financial position.
• Ensuring adequate internal controls are always maintained.
• Management and review of the month end closing process to ensure adherence to GAAP, consistency of accounting treatment and maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
• Reviewing financial/business software needs and making recommendations for enhancements/changes as required.

Business Partner

• Provide financial oversight for:
  • The AFH Channel in the following areas: pricing, promotions, customer profitability, contract reviews
  • Charleson Tea Garden: providing financial oversight in all areas of the business as the head of finance for this business.
  • All customer and distributor contracts.
  • Human Resources

Payroll

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of the organization’s payroll.
• Ensure that the payroll technology being utilized satisfies the needs of the organization.

Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable

• Oversee the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions.
• Ensure credit policies are in place and consistently applied.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of all customer deductions including trade spending.
• Ensure spending thresholds are established and applied.

TEAM ALIGNMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Develop talent for current and future needs of the business. Including attracting, retaining and transitioning talent within Bigelow’s Accounting Department
• Create a strong and collaborative environment by being team oriented (needs to be credible; engender trust, respect and loyalty).

LEADERSHIP SKILLS REQUIRED

• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills able to work across the organization.
• Proactive and collaborative
• Analytical and able to translate data into actionable and easy to understand output that supports effective decision-making.
• Strong and clear communicator
• Understands the cultural sensitivities of working in a family-owned environment.
• Strong accounting skills and GAAP knowledge
• Experience building high performing, results driven, and collaborative teams.

DIRECT REPORTING POSITIONS

• Manager, General Accounting
• Manager, Payroll
• Supervisor, Accounts Receivable
• Manager, Cost Accounting
• Senior Accountant

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree in accounting.
• CPA preferred, not required.
• Prior Controllership experience in a manufacturing environment (multi-plant preferred)
• 15 years progressive, related experience
• Excellent computer and communication skills

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 5%-10%

Bigelow Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bigelow Tea does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.