VP Finance/Corporate Accounting Officer (CAO)- (SOP) 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, SOX ,404

Company Overview:
With over 800 employees, Mitchell provides technical information, productivity tools and services to the automotive repair and property and casualty industries. Mitchell has been providing automotive information to these industries since 1946 and is the preferred solutions provider to over 100,000 customers in the United States and Canada with over 137 product titles. Mitchell products are used by the major insurance companies in North America, as well as more than 50,000 collision repair shops. Mitchell offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including outstanding career growth opportunities.

 

Description:

The VP Finance / Corporate Controller will be responsible for building shareholder value through leadership as both principal financial officer (PFO).  This position will lead, manage and direct the company fiscal functions, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals (GAAP), to achieve finance excellence through treating stakeholders as your valued customers and participating in their decision-making processes. This position reports to the President of the company.

 

The VP Finance / Corporate Controller is accountable for managing and controlling overall corporate risk, confirming regulatory compliance and delivering information to the various stakeholders that is accurate, timely, relevant and transparent. The VP of Finance / Corporate Controller will play a leading role in building and executing the overall financial strategy, confirming that revenues and margins continuously improve while costs are tightly controlled.


The VP Finance / Corporate Controller will support the financial information needs of department managers and the Board. This position is accountable for the annual audit and interface with bankers and investment advisors. The VP Finance / Corporate Controller develops and implements internal policies and procedures for all accounting, treasury, investments and cash management, accounting information systems, and internal controls of the organization. The position also oversees the annual budget process, the monthly financial reporting function, and the ongoing financial analysis needs. The VP Finance / Corporate Controller interfaces with the Board of Directors, Audit Committees, and will be a member of the Senior Management team. Duties:

?  Responsible for all accounting and financial reporting matters of the Company.

?  Prepare consolidated financial information for senior management and Board of Directors.

?  Lead and develop sixty (60) finance and corporate accounting staff members.

?  Lead negotiator in many of the Company?s purchases ? particularly hardware and software.

?  Oversee all treasury activities, including primary contact to banks, rating agencies and smaller shareholder groups.

?  Manage and enforce company policies including revenue recognition, travel, entertainment, and expense capitalization.

?  Oversee Sales Commission Plan Function (design and administration) ? working closely with Sales senior leadership.

?  Manage all of the corporate insurance programs, including E&O, D&O, property, workers compensation and liability.

?  Assist in managing the corporate travel relationship.

?  Prepare financial statements, as needed, which involves working with management, external counsel and auditors.

?  Oversee the review/audit process by the external auditors, which include relationship management, ensuring audit schedules are prepared and reviewed on a timely basis and completion of the annual audit in a timely fashion.

?  Work collaboratively with members of the company?s management team.

?  Coordinate compliance with the internal controls requirements of Section 404 of Sox, including the review and development of corporate accounting policies and internal control documentation.

?  Actively participate in all Company merger and acquisition activities.

?  Assist in reviewing documentation of acquisitions for compliance with GAAP (including purchase price allocations and earn-out payments).

?  Assist in integrating any financial operations of any completed acquisition.

?  Keep abreast of trends and regulations to ensure effective implementation and compliance.

 

Requirements:


?  8-10+ years financial and accounting (GAAP) experience with a minimum of 3 years in a strategic senior management leadership role for software product or revenue company.

?  Certified Public Accountant (CPA) current license required.

?  Strong hands-on accounting experience, particularly with general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll accountability and consolidations.

?  Experience in developing and implementing accounting, risk management, tracking and reporting systems important.

?  Must be flexible and independent, and able to work effectively with functional teams across the organization, sometimes as team leader.

?  Must be able to successfully delegate, supervise, and meet deadlines.

?  Must be experienced in and successful in making effective presentations to executive staff to support decision-making and resource allocation.

?  Proven experience, solid knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of SEC filings (i.e. 10K, 10Q, 8K, etc.); Revenue Recognition (i.e. SAB 101, SOP 97-2, etc.); Capitalized software (FAS 86); US GAAP; FASB; EITF; Sarbanes-Oxley.

?  Hands on experience with MS Office suite and various financial reporting solutions.

?  BS/BA in accounting required. MBA preferred.

?  Key attributes include integrity, enthusiasm; action-oriented; highly disciplined; and self-starter.