VP of Finance & Accounting - Groundwork Coffee

Groundwork Coffee is seeking a VP of Accounting & Finance.

About Us:

Groundwork Coffee is a leader in the regenerative organic coffee and certified organic coffee movements. As a specialty organic coffee roaster with deep ties throughout the supply chain - from farmers to team members and customers, we pursue the highest quality specialty organic coffee available while considering all stakeholders – especially people and planet.

This role is ideal for an accounting and finance professional looking to be a part of a dynamic, growing omni-channel food and beverage business with a meaningful purpose. If you have aligned values, are hard a working, driven, and a self-starter this is the place and position for you.

The VP of Finance & Accounting will be responsible for all aspects of the company's financial management, as broadly defined. You will be a key member of the executive team, will operate with a high level of independence and will be accountable for managing the finance and accounting deliverables. You are responsible for providing strategic support to the CEO and Executive team. You will set the strategic direction for the company's financial operations to support the company's vision. 

Key duties of a VP of Finance include:

• Strategic Financial Planning
  Develop long-term financial strategies to ensure the company meets its growth objectives while maintaining profitability and adapting to industry trends like rising raw material costs or shifting consumer preferences.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis
  Lead the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements and reports, analyzing key metrics to provide actionable insights for executive decision-making.
• Cash Flow and Capital Planning
  Manage cash flow to ensure the company has sufficient liquidity to meet short-term obligations, while developing long-term capital plans to support strategic growth initiatives, such as new product launches, facility expansions, or acquisitions.
• Budget Management
  Oversee the creation and management of annual budgets, ensuring all departments operate within allocated resources while identifying areas for cost optimization.
• Cost Control & Efficiency
  Monitor and optimize cost structures, focusing on improving margins in areas like inventory management, supply chain, and labor efficiency within the food & beverage sector.
• Regulatory Compliance
  Ensure adherence to accounting standards, tax regulations, and industry-specific laws, minimizing risk and maintaining the company's good standing with authorities.
• Stakeholder Communication
  Serve as the primary financial spokesperson, presenting financial performance and strategy to the Board of Directors, investors, and other stakeholders.
• Risk Management
  Identify, evaluate, and mitigate financial risks, including credit, operational, and market risks, to safeguard the company's financial health.
• Revenue Forecasting & Growth Analysis
  Develop revenue forecasts and analyze sales trends to provide actionable insights that drive top-line growth and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Technology & Systems Oversight
  Implement and maintain financial systems and tools, such as ERP systems, to enhance accuracy, reporting efficiency, and decision-making capabilities.
• Inventory & Supply Chain Financial Oversight
  Work closely with operations and procurement teams to optimize inventory levels, manage cost of goods sold (COGS), and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Team Leadership & Development
  Lead and mentor the accounting and finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Human Resources Management
  Collaborate with HR to align financial strategies with workforce planning, ensuring effective recruitment, retention, compensation, and benefits strategies that align with organizational goals.
• M&A and Partnership Evaluation
  Support mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships by conducting financial due diligence and evaluating the financial impact of potential deals.
• Policy & Process Development
  Establish and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to maintain accuracy, security, and compliance in all financial operations.
• Tax Strategy & Optimization
  Develop and implement tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Financial Impact
  Evaluate and integrate the financial impact of sustainability and social responsibility initiatives into overall company strategy, ensuring alignment with industry and consumer trends.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Accounting Principles and Standards
  • In-depth understanding of GAAP, IFRS, and industry-specific accounting standards.
• Financial Analysis and Reporting
  • Knowledge of financial modeling, variance analysis, trend analysis, and financial statement preparation.
• Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Expertise in creating, managing, and analyzing budgets and forecasts to guide organizational decision-making.
• Food & Beverage Industry Dynamics
  • Familiarity with cost structures, seasonality, inventory management, and trends unique to the food & beverage sector.
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, including tax laws, labor laws, and industry-specific standards like FDA and USDA requirements.
• Corporate Finance
  • Understanding of capital planning, cash flow management, investment strategies, and funding mechanisms.
• Risk Management
  • Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial, operational, and market risks.
• Technology and Systems Expertise
  • Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, or other similar tools.
  • Experience implementing, optimizing, and leveraging systems for financial planning, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
  • Knowledge of due diligence, valuation, and financial structuring of acquisitions or partnerships.
• Sustainability and ESG
  • Understanding the financial implications of sustainability initiatives and ESG reporting.

  Skills

• Leadership and Team Development
  • Strong ability to inspire, lead, and develop high-performing finance and accounting teams.
• Strategic Thinking
  • Exceptional strategic planning and problem-solving skills to align financial objectives with organizational goals.
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills
  • Advanced skills in analyzing complex data sets and making sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Communication and Presentation
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present financial insights effectively to diverse stakeholders, including executives and boards.
• Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills
  • Ability to work across functions (operations, marketing, HR, etc.) to achieve organizational objectives.
• Process Improvement and Efficiency
  • Skilled at identifying inefficiencies, developing process improvements, and implementing solutions.
• Project Management
  • Ability to plan, execute, and oversee large-scale financial initiatives, such as ERP implementations or acquisitions.
• Technology Proficiency
  • Advanced user of ERP systems like NetSuite, Oracle, or SAP, with experience in customization, integration, and reporting functions.
  • Proficient with business intelligence (BI) tools like Power BI or Tableau for advanced data visualization and analytics.
• Negotiation
  • Strong negotiation skills to manage vendor contracts, credit terms, or capital funding agreements.

• Advanced Financial Modeling
  • Expertise in creating detailed models for scenario planning, forecasting, and performance evaluation.

Abilities

• Forward-Looking Vision
  • Anticipate future challenges and opportunities in the food & beverage market and align financial strategies accordingly.
• Detail-Oriented Mindset
  • Ensure accuracy and precision in financial records, compliance, and reporting.
• Big-Picture Perspective
  • Balance tactical financial management with strategic leadership to guide overall organizational success.
• Relationship Building
  • Build and maintain trust with internal and external stakeholders, including investors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Conflict Resolution
  • Ability to mediate disputes and find mutually beneficial solutions to financial and operational challenges.
• Adaptability
  • Thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and adjust strategies to changing business needs.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Reasoning
  • Combine numerical analysis with business insights to drive informed decision-making.
• Innovation and Continuous Learning
  • Stay updated with financial trends, ERP updates, and best practices in leveraging new technologies.
• Resilience Under Pressure
  • Maintain composure and make sound decisions during high-stakes situations, such as economic downturns or crises.
• System Implementation Leadership
  • Ability to lead ERP or financial software implementation projects, from planning and execution to staff training and system optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and Oversee Financial Strategy
  Design and implement financial plans to support the company's growth, profitability, and long-term goals, while staying aligned with market and industry dynamics.
• Manage Financial Reporting and Compliance
  Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee Cash Flow Management
  Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for day-to-day operations and long-term investments.
• Create and Monitor Budgets
  Lead the annual budgeting process, ensure alignment with strategic goals, and monitor actual performance against budgets.
• Implement Cost Control Measures
  Identify cost-saving opportunities across operations, inventory, and supply chain to improve profit margins.
• Drive Revenue Forecasting and Analysis
  Conduct financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis to support data-driven decision-making and identify growth opportunities.
• Manage ERP and Financial Systems
  Implement, optimize, and maintain financial systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, or SAP to streamline operations and enhance reporting.
• Ensure Regulatory and Tax Compliance
  Oversee adherence to all federal, state, and local tax regulations, ensuring compliance while identifying tax optimization strategies.
• Establish Internal Controls and Risk Management
  Develop and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets, mitigate financial risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Communicate Financial Insights to Stakeholders
  Present financial performance, forecasts, and strategies to the Board of Directors, investors, and executive leadership in a clear and actionable manner.
• Support Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
  Conduct financial due diligence, valuations, and integration planning for mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures.
• Lead Financial and Operational Audits
  Oversee internal and external audits to ensure financial integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop Capital Plans
  Create and execute strategies for securing capital funding and allocate resources for key business initiatives, such as expansions or new product development.
• Monitor Key Financial Metrics
  Track KPIs, including revenue growth, profitability, and cost efficiency, and implement strategies to address performance gaps.
• Collaborate Across Departments
  Work closely with operations, sales, marketing, and HR to ensure financial goals align with broader organizational objectives.
• Mentor and Develop the Finance Team
  Build, manage, and motivate a high-performing finance and accounting team while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Stay Informed on Industry Trends
  Monitor changes in the food & beverage industry, including market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory shifts, and adjust financial strategies accordingly.
• Oversee Inventory and Supply Chain Financials
  Collaborate with operations teams to optimize inventory levels, manage costs of goods sold (COGS), and ensure supply chain efficiency.
• Incorporate ESG and Sustainability Goals
  Evaluate and incorporate the financial impact of sustainability initiatives, aligning financial goals with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.
• Lead Change Management and Process Improvement
  Identify inefficiencies in financial processes and systems, driving improvements that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Experience Requirements

• Extensive Leadership Experience in Accounting and Finance
  • A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP, CFO, Controller).
• Industry Experience in Food & Beverage or Consumer Goods
  • Proven experience working in the food & beverage or related industries, with a strong understanding of cost structures, inventory management, and seasonal trends.
• Financial Reporting and Compliance Expertise
  • Hands-on experience in preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and managing audits (both internal and external).
• ERP Systems Implementation and Optimization
  • Demonstrated success in implementing, managing, and optimizing financial systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle to improve data accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Cash Flow Management and Capital Planning
  • Proven track record of managing cash flow, developing capital plans, and ensuring optimal resource allocation to meet strategic business goals.
• Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Modeling
  • Experience leading company-wide budgeting processes, conducting financial forecasting, and developing advanced financial models for decision-making.
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Partnerships
  • Experience conducting financial due diligence, valuation, and integration in mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures.
• Tax Strategy and Compliance
  • Deep expertise in tax planning and compliance, including federal, state, and local tax laws applicable to the food & beverage industry.
• Cost Management and Profitability Improvement
  • Experience driving cost-reduction initiatives and improving operational efficiencies while maintaining or improving profit margins.
• Educational Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or Master's in Finance is highly preferred.
  • Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or equivalent are required for the role

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave (Accrued)
• 3-week Paid Vacation (Accrued)
• 401K
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Commuter Program: Substantially Subsidized Metro Pass
• Free Coffee to Take Home: 1 pound Bulk Coffee or ¼ Pound Loose Leaf Tea every week
• Free Coffee in the Office: Nitro & Cold Brew on Tap, Espresso Machine, Brewed Batches, etc.
• Employee Discount Program: Discounts on Food, Beverage, & Merchandise

Work Hours and Work Location

• This is a full-time in-office position in Los Angeles, CA.
• The workday begins at 8:30am 

**Please note before submitting an application: as a company, we take hiring very seriously. Interviewing with Groundwork Coffee may include video, phone and/or on-site interviews. We may be unable to follow-up with each and every applicant. In the event that you are hired for this position, please be prepared to provide a physical copy of your passport or ID/Social Security or other form of physical I-9 documents that can verify you are eligible to work in the United States. These must be the original, physical documents. Photocopies will not be accepted. 

Groundwork Coffee is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, present or past history of mental disability, genetic information or any other classification protected by state or federal law.