Specialty Retail Finance Manager

We’re a leading consumer-driven footwear company and wholesale supplier of women’s fashion shoes to U.S. department stores under brand names like Naturalizer, Via Spiga, Franco Sarto and LifeStride. We’re a marketer and supplier of brand-name, private label and licensed footwear to department stores, mass-merchandisers, and independent and specialty stores.We require an aggressive and independent leader who has a CPA, Bachelors degree in accounting, as well as seven plus years public and/or private accounting experience. Our need is for a confident person with energy and ambition who strives to be challenged in a supportive environment where there is room to grow. Candidates must be highly analytical, investigative and detailed as it will take significant leadership to achieve the initiatives and goals of this role. An innovative and forward thinking approach to preparing and analyzing financial reports and providing support and guidance to drive the business is needed. Your initial objective will be to integrate the finance functions for Naturalizer-Canada SBU into the Retail Financial Services group. You will also develop and lead the accounting function and provide accurate financial statements and the necessary support as well as forecasting for the future. Promoting a partnering environment that focuses on the big picture while driving change is the top priority for this exciting role. Position Accountabilities: Assures the integrity of the full cycle of financial activities for a specified SBU (Strategic Business Unit) within the Retail Financial Services group. Assures the design, implementation and maintenance of effective internal controls over relevant business processes Assures the accuracy, integrity, and quality of services provided to the SBU and the Governance functions through: · Process/procedure refinement · Work product review · Best practices guidance. Position Essential Functions:1) Accounting: a) Responsible for closing the financial books and acts as primary resource for providing related reporting/analysis as required at the end of fiscal period. b) Reviews monthly financial results with Finance management to ensure results are accurately and fairly stated. Assures financial integrity that results in all audits being completed without any management comments. c) Attests to the accuracy of all balance sheet accounts and provides timely reporting of all financial related information. d) Reviews general ledger accounts to ensure proper analysis is provided in support of balances. Assures the company’s assets are protected by diligently monitoring and reviewing activity. Alerts upper management of trends, concerns, or conclusions reached. e) Performs monthly review and ensures accuracy of published financial data. Directs the distribution of all financial reports upon approval on a timely basis. 2) Monthly Forecasting: a) Forecasts and provides related reporting/analysis as required. b) Partners with each cost center in developing the financial forecast. c) Compiles and reports all forecast information accurately and on a timely basis. 3) Annual Budgeting a) Partners with each cost center in the development of the budget. b) Compiles and reports all budget information accurately and on a timely basis. 4) GENERAL a) Reviews financial data, reports, and statistics prior to distribution to internal or external customers per established deadlines. Ensures that this information provides the necessary information to satisfy governance requirements. b) Completes other tasks and special projects as assigned. Position Specifications: Educational Preference: Bachelor Degree in Accounting Job Experience Preference: 7 – 8 Years relevant general accounting experience CPAPersonality Characteristics: Strong attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously Ability to work cohesively in a team environment Time management and organization skills Strong customer service skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Software/Hardware Experience Preference: PC proficiency PeopleSoft MS Word, MS ExcelAnalytical Reasoning Skills