Chief Financial Officer - The Republic of Tea
St. Louis, MO
About the Job
About The Republic of Tea:
Since 1992 our mission has been to see premium exquisite teas steaming in the cups of individuals everywhere, and to emphasize a Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp lifestyle. The Republic of Tea offers more than 300 premium teas, herbs, bottled iced teas and nature-inspired sip ware. A socially and environmentally responsible organization, The Republic of Tea is a family-owned business dedicated to sharing our prosperity by developing products to support worthy philanthropic organizations as well as provide learning and growth opportunities for our Employees internally, whom we refer to as Ministers. Join our TEAm and enjoy a collaborative work environment, opportunities to grow your professional network, and become part of the tea revolution!
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will have direct responsibility for overseeing the Finance and Accounting functions of the company, through building and growing cohesive, high-performing, self-led teams. This position will own all the financial aspects of the business, ensuring accurate financial reporting across the value chain. The CFO will act as a key liaison to the owners and external partners, fostering beneficial relationships and driving the company's strategic financial direction.
Major Responsibilities:
Financial Management:
- Outline and monitor objectives for the financial department.
- Manage the company's financials.
- Ensure financial transactions, policies, and procedures meet the organization's objectives and comply with regulations and standards.
Financial Reporting:
- Ensure timely reporting of key financial data to the President, Advisory Board, and other stakeholders.
- Summarize current financial status by collecting information and preparing comprehensive reports.
- Transform financial data into compelling narratives that guide strategic decision-making.
Compliance:
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance for all financial functions.
- Work directly with CPA firms for tax reporting and maximizing benefits.
- Ensure compliance with financial legal requirements and advise management on necessary actions.
Strategic Planning:
- Develop and implement financial strategies and long-term financial planning, forecasting, risk management, and investment strategies.
- Track cash flow and analyze the company's financial strengths and weaknesses to propose strategic directions.
- Coordinate the development of annual operating, capital, and program budgets.
Leadership:
- Coach and lead the Finance and Accounting TEAms, ensuring their ongoing professional development and training.
- Participate as a key member of the strategic planning team, facilitating the adoption of strategic initiatives and metrics.
Relationships:
- Establish and maintain beneficial relationships with funding partners, tax advisors, wealth managers, attorneys, and real estate players.
- Serve as a liaison between the owners and group businesses, ensuring cohesive financial strategies and communication.
Corporate Responsibility:
- Drive corporate responsibility programs to enhance sustainability efforts, including recycling, social advocacy, and volunteering opportunities.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field. MBA preferred.
- CPA required.
- Extensive experience in senior financial managerial roles or CFO role with a proven track record of success.
- 10 years of financial and accounting experience in a leadership role, preferably in a Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) organization.
- Strong track record of effectively communicating complex financial data and insights to non-finance stakeholders.
- Experience leading finance for a private company.
- Experience with mergers and acquisitions and risk management.
- Excellent knowledge of data analysis, budgeting, forecasting methods and ERP solutions.
- Ability to motivate a TEAm to achieve goals in a fast-paced, high-growth, entrepreneurial environment.
- Superb communication and presentation skills for complex financial issues.
- Experience in international commodity markets, family-owned businesses, and manufacturing industry desirable.
- Leadership of the AI initiatives for company.
Competencies and Skill Set Required:
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and outstanding organizational skills.
- Agility to thrive in an environment with ambiguity.
- Experience with hedge accounting and vendor-managed inventory (VMI).
- Comfortable working with multiple external stakeholders across locations.
- Strong work ethic, self-starter with a desire to automate and create programs and refine/enhance processes at ground level up.
- Proficiency in financial software and tools for data analysis, MS Office applications and ERP software.
We offer an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and entrepreneurial-minded CFO who desires to make a significant impact on the business. Join us in driving financial success and strategic growth as a key member of our team.
The Republic of Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer.