Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Finance

Full-time, Exempt

Location: Fully remote or hybrid in Charleston, South Carolina (three days in the office per week)
About the Company: Advantage Media was founded in 2005 by CEO Adam Witty. Forbes Books is the book publishing brand of Forbes Media, publisher of Forbes Magazine. Operated under license by Advantage Media, the core purpose of Advantage Media | Forbes Books is growing entrepreneurs and businesses to benefit all mankind. Forbes Books is one the most respected independent business book publishers in the world. Advantage Media is “the authority on authority” and provides media services to CEOs and leaders including public relations (PR), digital media, serialized content, and podcasts in a recurring revenue business model.

Advantage’s compelling vision, comprehensive strategy, and relentless implementation plan is centered upon serving CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders. If you are excited to be part of a winning team, Advantage Media | Forbes Books is a great place to grow your career.

We are looking for an experienced Director of Finance to oversee general accounting operations and assist with driving the Company’s financial strategy and planning. The right candidate will have broad knowledge of accounting, financial and business principles and is a strategic thinker and effective leader. This role will assist with guiding the Company towards continued profitability and long-term success. 

The Director of Finance’s responsibilities include oversight of the Accounting team; ensuring accuracy and effectiveness in all our accounting tasks; managing and completing the month-end close process; and supporting forecasting, budgeting and financial analysis activities. A successful Director of Finance combines excellent analytical skills with a thorough knowledge of accounting principles to analyze financial reports and forecasts. The ideal candidate has also experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing a team of Staff and Junior Accountants. Our Finance and Accounting team is small, but mighty! We often wear many hats.

Responsibilities 

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal control procedures 
• Post and reconcile accruals and deferrals of revenue and expenses on a monthly or more frequent basis; reconcile accrued and deferred cost balances at period end
• Calculate royalties due and payable to third parties and commissions due and payable to internal personnel; review and reconcile all balance-sheet-related accounts
• Review semi-monthly payroll postings for accuracy and process accordingly; reconcile all balance-sheet-related accounts
• Oversee the posting, allocation, and processing accounts payable and accounts receivable; reconcile balances on a monthly or more frequent basis
• Oversee the timely month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare accounting reports and comparative financial statements, comparing results against prior periods, budgets, and forecasts
• Analyze financial information at the department, customer, and product-level and summarize financial status
• Prepare detailed account analyses as required/requested
• Spot errors and suggest ways to improve efficiency and spending
• Provide technical support and advice on accounting principles to members of the team, both inside and outside of Accounting/Finance
• Review and recommend modifications to accounting systems and procedures; maintain procedures manuals on behalf of the department
• Manage Accountant and Junior Accountant; Plan, assign and review team’s work
• Participate in financial standards-setting and in the forecasting and budgeting process
• Provide input into the department’s goal-setting process
• Assist with external audits, tax audits, and tax return schedules
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
• Maintain day-to-day banking relationships

Competencies

• Financial Reporting - The ability to report, analyze, and understand complex financial data and report those results to others throughout the organization.
• Accuracy - Does not let important details slip through the cracks or derail projects.
• Systems Expertise - Expert in all systems related to the position.
• Analytic Skills - Able to structure and process qualitative and quantitative data and draw insightful conclusions from it. Exhibits a probing mind and natural curiosity. penetrating insights.
• Communication Skills - Speaks and writes clearly and articulately. Ability to explain complex concepts to external and internal teams and provide meaningful insights.

Requirements and skills

• Ten (10) or more years of experience in the Accounting function and three (3) or more in a senior role
• Proven experience as a Director of Finance or Financial Controller
• Thorough knowledge of basic accounting procedures
• In-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including ASC 606 and ASU 2016-02 
• Awareness of business trends
• In-depth understanding of the preparation of financial accounting statements
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process
• Hands-on experience with accounting, payables management, and payroll processing software packages
• Advanced MS Excel skills including cross-referencing data (lookups), pivot tables and chart analysis 
• Experience preparing operationally-supported forecasts and budgets for both Balance Sheets and Profit & Loss Statements
• Experience implementing new software systems
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Aptitude for numbers and quantitative skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• BS degree in Accounting, Finance, or relevant
• Relevant certification (e.g. CMA or CPA) is preferred; experience in the Publishing and/or Professional Services industries is a plus

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and telephone. Near visual acuity is required in order to work with computers. 
• May occasionally require the employee to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employees should be able to sit for an extended period of time.
• Employee may be occasionally required to perform light to moderate lifting of office supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Advantage | ForbesBooks is an entrepreneurial, high-growth company with opportunities for advancement and lots of upward mobility. Professional development programs are offered. We offer great Vacation/PTO benefits, a great Medical/Dental/Vision program, 401(k) with company contribution and other nice perks. Advantage has a solid reputation for being a great place to work and we highly value the commitment and contribution of those on our team.

Team Members are eligible for health, dental and vision benefits on the first day of the month after thirty (30) days of employment. Eligibility for all other benefits is at ninety (90) days of employment.