Director Corporate Controller

 Director Corporate ControllerTerlato Wine Group and Paterno Wines International 

For more than 40 years, The Terlato Wine Group has dedicated itself to a simple philosophy - "place quality first." Adhering to this principle has helped Terlato Wine Group achieve a scope unmatched in the wine industry.

 

The Terlato Wine Group (?TWG?) is a holding company operating eight businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines.  TWG has been involved in every aspect of the premium wine industry. Its businesses range from producing and importing wine, to marketing and sales.  Companies include: The Group?s flagship company is Paterno Wines International, the leading marketer of luxury wines in the United States.  With a global portfolio of brands from 25 world-class wine producers, Paterno markets more than 1 of 8 bottles of wine over $14 sold in America.  Paterno Wines International represents premier and estate brands including Santa Margherita, Markham, Argyle, Cuvaison, Bollinger, and Two HandsThe Group also holds the family?s investments in vineyards and wine production.  The family-owned wineries include:  Chimney Rock, Episode, Rutherford Hill, and Terlato Vineyards in Napa Valley, Alderbrook in Sonoma County, and Sanford in Santa Barbara. The group also has world-wide joint ventures in wineries in some of the world?s most esteemed wine regions in California, Australia and France: Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier, and Glass Mountain (with Markham Vineyards).  The company is family-owned and operated and is based in Lake Bluff, Illinois.  More information regarding the company can be found at www.twg.com and www.paternowines.com. 

The company has recently added a new Chief Financial Officer to the executive team. Mike Graham joined Terlato on July 5th and has senior management experience as Senior Vice President ? Controller of RR Donnelley, Vice President and Controller of Sears Roebuck, and finance roles with The Quaker Oats Company and Price Waterhouse Coopers as well as private equity / family owned experience in two successful ventures. As part of an aggressive growth strategy for the Terlato companies, the Company is seeking a Director Corporate Controller to join our staff in Bannockburn, IL.  The position requires 8 to 10 years of related experience plus an undergraduate degree in Accounting  (CPA preferred).  Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the selected candidate will be responsible for:

 Position Summary

This position is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Accounting, Accounts Payable and Payroll functions.  The incumbent is responsible for managing all accounting processes for the company as well as ensuring compliance with GAAP and our internal accounting principles.  The incumbent is expected to understand and embrace the Terlato family philosophy, passion, and company culture.

 Position Responsibilities

?  Manage monthly, quarterly and annual accounting close process for each subsidiary

?  Manage and lead a staff of five to ten team members

?  Manage all transactional accounting systems for the organization including:

o Accounts payable

o Payroll

o Trade and advertising accounting

o Travel and expense reimbursement

o Accounts receivable and collections

?  Establish, improve and streamline the companies? internal control structure

?  Develop and maintain strong relationships with our external audit firm

?  Maintain awareness of accounting pronouncements by conducting regular research and ensure company adheres to all new accounting pronouncements

?  Manage all Monthly financial close publications and the construction of annual external financial statements

?  Oversee the California-based winery accounting teams

?  Support all acquisitions including due diligence and purchasing accounting

 

Performance Measures

The position will be assessed on:Accounting Technical Expertise:  Strong understanding of accounting principles and GAAP.Attention to Detail:  Strong attention to detail and ability to complete quality work products.Execution: Ability to develop plans and deliver results.Judgment:  Relies on extensive experience to plan and accomplish goals.  Makes timely and quality decisions.Motivation: Highly motivated, self starter that has high personal goals and expectations and dedication necessary to achieve them.Leadership:  Effectiveness in creating a positive, performance driven environment supportive of company goals and values.  Teamwork:  Ability to work and communicate productively with colleagues and Senior Management.Team management including motivation, morale, process efficiency, timeliness and work product quality

 

Only candidates meeting these requirements will be considered:

 Mastery level of GAAP accounting skills, with experience in purchase accounting, CPA preferredEight to ten years relevant work experience progressively increasing level of responsibility of accounting leadership positionsRelevant experience supervising team of up to ten professionalsPreferred work experience in public accounting and / or consumer package goods industryExperience managing and improving transaction and reporting systems, with JD Edwards and Cognos experience preferredBachelors Degree in Accounting required.  Masters in Business Administration preferred.

 To apply, submit your resume WITH cover letter and salary expectations to norweshk@twg.com