Director, Finance Controller

Position Summary

An experienced and strategic finance/accounting Director with excellent organizational and analytical skills; responsible for all financial processes including budget tracking, billing, receivables, payables, financial reporting/statements, forecasting, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closes, contract planning/financial review, payroll, revenue recognition, tax related functions, analysis and reporting, audit preparation, and other related duties as assigned. Work closely with and reports to the CEO and serves as primary liaison with the companies outside accounting/finance and payroll providers if applicable. The position will lead a small team covering all aspects of accounting including payroll with a strong HR partnership.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Reporting to the CEO, the Director will oversee all aspects of company finances and ensures control over the company’s financial statements, assets, and systems.
• Maintains the company’s system of accounts and recommends new methods for improving reporting and analysis.
• Manage all accounting operations including G/L, A/R (including credit and collections), A/P, Cash reporting, Bank accounts, 3rd party lenders, banks, auditors, etc.
• Prepare and assist CEO with Budgets, Forecasts, and analysis including supporting schedules.
• Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements, budget/forecast vs. actual variance analysis, and reporting of key performance indicators.
• Ensures the accuracy of accounting systems and financial reporting and develops internal controls and financial reporting policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare management reports on a monthly, quarterly (board book/presentation), and annual basis.
• Consolidation reporting and analysis if applicable and as needed.
• Monitor cash flow, bank accounts, and other financial transactions.
• Responsible for the company’s federal, state, and local tax compliance, including managing external tax advisors.
• Supervise financial team and other employees in the facilitation of day-to-day operations, including the tracking of financial data, invoicing, payroll, AR, AP, banking, treasury, tax filings, audit, etc.
• Review all key contracts and agreements on a regular basis.
• Assist management with ad-hoc value-add projects.
• Responsible to recruit, train and develop a new efficient accounting team as necessary or required.
• Ability to lead an entire Accounting Function and be a business partner to operations.
• Change agent with a results orientation – strategic problem solver and proven capacity to get things done.
• Responsible for the planning and support of the company’s annual financial audit and any other ad hoc audits as necessary.
• Optimize relationships with fellow managers, financial institutions, and outside accountants and other professional business partners.
• Develop and implement accounting and finance processes and procedures. Identify opportunities for process improvements to streamline consistency and efficiencies across financial operations.
• Establish and maintain an intimate understanding of the business functional areas, build effective and productive working relationships with internal stakeholders and parent company, and at all levels of the organization. Strong business advisor.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by CEO, COO and CFTO.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• 5+ years’ financial planning and analysis responsibility.
• 5+ years’ experience working with small to mid-size multi-location companies.
• 3+ years managerial responsibility with professional acumen
• 2+ years’ experience managing company financial audits.
• Experience with financial audits – either as part of an audit firm or leading a company audit.
• Experience with total G/L and Financial Reporting responsibility.
• Experience building & approving accounting policy & procedures in a high-growth environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and preferably Power Point, including advanced Excel skills. Sequel or other related tools and financial systems experience a plus.

• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience managing payroll processes, developing reports, and auditing
• Experience working for a startup, or small to mid-size growing business part of a larger parent company is a plus.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with Workday

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (i.e., Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration)
• CPA Certification, Master’s, or MBA in finance/accounting preferred or equivalent certifications

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, finance and accounting systems.
• Knowledge of accounting/financial statements, policies and procedures including SOX controls.
• Think strategically and translate concepts into actionable items.
• Ability to understand the business operations from both a strategic and tactical perspective.
• Courage to make key financial decisions and advise leadership with professionalism & poise.
• Ability to thrive within ambiguity and drive complex projects and day-to-day initiatives/task.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous business situations.

• Strong ability to use data & analytics; determine key decisions and identify actions for best results.
• Build strong partnerships across the business areas, advising on finance/accounting practices.
• Commitment to the company culture as a subsidiary of United Airlines and valuing the Core4.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail, organizational skills, valuing compliance & ethical behavior, governance & controls, and adhering to company and financial policies.

EEO Statement: Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC, dba United Aviate Academy (UAA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind - All employment decisions at UAA are based on business needs. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting job applicants and employees without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, genetic information, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identify and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, or any other status protected by laws, regulations, and reasonable accommodations. Decisions on employment and promotions are based solely upon an individual’s qualifications, with reference to the responsibilities and skills required of the position for which the individual is being considered.

United Aviate Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and welcome all qualified individuals of different backgrounds.