VP Finance

VP Finance Job DescriptionI.  About SMW (Shen Milsom Wilke)

SMW is an international multimedia, technology, and acoustical consulting firm.  SMW specializes in digital technology and acoustical fields which are related closely to the architectural design and construction industry.  SMW consults for new construction projects as well as tenant interiors for audiovisual, telecommunication and information technology, physical security, acoustical, and medical equipment planning.  SMW’s work covers all building types and project sizes.  See www.smwinc.com for more details.

The firm is growing based-on its reputation for technical expertise and excellent client service.  As part of this growth, the firm is looking to add a new senior executive to the management team.II.  Location

New York, NYIII.  Job Overview

The VP of Finance will be responsible for the firm’s finance and back office operations spanning 3 divisions over 3 continents.  The position will report directly to the President and will serve as a member of the senior management team with day-to-day responsibility for managing the overall finance function, including accounting, tax, treasury, and administrative functions.  She/he will partner with the firm’s management team to significantly impact the company’s growth and overall profitability through regular business analysis and strategic planning.

The finance responsibilities will entail leading key financial initiatives, developing and monitoring budgets, supervising the accounting staff and overseeing bookkeeping, billing, collections, expenses and treasury. The role will interface on a regular basis with outside accounting firms, tax advisors and financial partners. IV.  Required Qualification

· A minimum of 10 years of diversified and progressively more responsible experience directing the financial functions in a global business is essential

· CPA or MBA in Finance

· Experience with multi-national operations and consolidations across multiple currencies

· Success in working with management in a business analyst capacity recommending operational and strategic improvements

· Comprehensive understanding of GAAP, particularly those rules regarding professional service organizations and how revenue and expenses are recognized in such operations

· Experience managing audits and reviews

· Hands on abilities with accounting and analysis tools such as GLs, ERP systems, and MS Excel

· Demonstrated competencies across the accounting/controller functions, experience in a managing complex tax issues, project finance and M&A analysis/due diligence.

· Experience in providing a unified and efficient financial approach to the Firm’s operational needs; able to accommodate and facilitate future growth needs.

· Ability to integrate financial information into the development of overall operational strategies and plans and communicate those effectively to others.

· A strong overall business sense enabling good judgment and participation in executive decision making activity.  Able to positively impact the long-term success of the business.

· A unique blend of skills encompassing demonstrated executive leadership plus a willingness to “roll up the sleeves” and perform multiple tasks, often with limited support, in an entrepreneurial environment.

· Demonstrated Maturity – provides a good balance of risk taking and judgment.  Is aggressive and confident. 

· Self starter and hands on.  Able to operate independently of a large staff.

· Demonstrated success in implementing new operating procedures in an organizationV.  Ideal Qualifications

· Experience in the AEC space

· Experience with Private Equity and/or recapitalizations