Director of Finance & Accounting

Career Opportunity

Director, Finance & Accounting

Location: Hybrid remote reporting to the Yulee, FL office, periodic travel for meetings as needed 

What makes us great:

 At the heart of our Company is a dedication to delivering energy that drives progress.  We put people first, work to keep them safe and build trusting relationships. 

Your role in our success: 

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, the Director of Finance will oversee the accounting and financial analysis of the assigned business unit(s). This role will provide comprehensive financial updates to corporate and business unit management teams by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate data points. The Director of Finance is responsible for guiding the monthly, quarterly, and yearend accounting close cycle to ensure accurate and timely financial statements are produced within
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This role will be the finance lead in coordinating the budget process, periodic forecasts, and financial analysis with the business unit to ensure their timely completion and accuracy.

What you'll be working on:

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Manages the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for the business unit(s), ensuring
  accurate and timely results that are in accordance with GAAP.
• Prepares and analyzes financial reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensures analytics are prepared to provide insights into the results of operations, including account reconciliations, gross margin analysis, and actual versus budget and forecast.
• Works closely with Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) business unit personnel to ensure accurate and timely reporting of monthly variance analytics, annual budget, and periodic forecasts.
• Conducts in-depth financial analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, and providing insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Provides financial statements and financial updates to senior management and business unit management.
• Oversees the preparation of project models (growth) to ensure data input/output accuracy.
• Directs the quarterly review and annual audit process with internal and external auditors and the preparation of all agency tax returns.
• Establishes and maintains financial, statistical, and operational analysis for Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).

Budgeting, Forecasting and Strategic Planning

• Collaborates with the business unit personnel to develop accurate budgets and forecasts
  that are aligned with organizational goals and financial objectives and provide feedback to
  Finance colleagues.
• Monitors KPI’s and financial metrics, assessing performance against targets and recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Conducts financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and business development initiatives.
• Participates in strategic planning processes, providing financial expertise to help shape business strategies and initiatives.
• Deliver this information to the larger Finance organization to maintain connection with organizational initiatives throughout the Company.
• Works collectively with Finance leadership to evaluate investment opportunities, projects, and initiatives, conducting cost-benefit analysis and assessing their financial viability.
• Supports the Business Unit Leader with the preparation of business case, cost-benefit, profitability, and other ad-hoc analyses essential to decision-making on strategic, tactical, and operational projects as required.

Business Partnering

• Builds strong relationships with business leaders and stakeholders, serving as a proactive advisor on financial matters and business performance.
• Provides timely and accurate updates to stakeholders to facilitate decision making and strategic conversations throughout the business area and finance.
• Collaborates with the executive team to develop long-term business strategies and plans.
• Supports organizational change initiatives by providing financial insights and analysis to facilitate decision-making and minimize financial impact.
• Ensures effective communication and collaboration between the finance team and the
  business units.
• Assists Technical Accounting team in the identification, research, and communication of technical accounting matters involving the business unit. The role is heavily involved in all technical accounting matters by actively working with technical accounting, business units and other advisors to provide recommendations to senior management based on sound business judgment, strategic thinking and compliance with relevant accounting rules.
• Works with the Tax Department to understand the impacts of changes in tax regulations
  will have on the business unit’s financial statements.
• Participates as appropriate in strategic initiatives of the Company, including mergers and acquisition activities.
• Lead all purchase accounting activities including valuation services, opening balance sheets and working capital adjustments for new acquisitions. Also, lead the integration of the newly acquired company into the financial systems.
• Manages relationships and interactions with external auditors, internal auditors, and other third-party service providers.

Risk Management

• Identifies financial risks and work with stakeholders to develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring prudent financial management and compliance with internal controls.
• Stays connected to colleagues in larger Finance organization on risk management and compliance initiatives.
• Leads the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and controls.
• Leads and manages annual audit and tax engagements on behalf of the company and finance department.
• Maintains effective systems, policies, processes and controls to ensure Company is compliant with all Sarbanes Oxley requirements for internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and reporting, and enterprise risk management.
• Ensures compliance with periodic reporting requirements with the state and Federal regulatory agencies, including excise tax, alternative fuel tax credit, sales and gross receipts tax, and municipal taxes.
• Ensures compliance with all financial regulations and standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Identifies opportunities for growth, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.
• Drives process improvement and efficiency initiatives within the finance function and across the business, optimizing financial performance and resource allocation.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the
  finance department.
• Optimizes of the Company’s financial systems, including providing guidance and leadership in the enhanced use of exiting ERP systems or key member of the project team for the implementation of a new ERP system
• Evaluates and makes appropriate improvements to internal accounting processes, tools, and related business process and information integrations, ensuring that practices are
  both in line with the overall goals of the organization and are efficient and effective.

Team Management

• Attracts, leads, mentors, and develops a high-performing finance team.
• Establishes clear performance objectives and goals for each direct report.
• Promotes a culture that values integrity and the highest levels of teamwork and partnership with other functions and departments.

Who you are: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or Economics. MBA preferred.
• Ten years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, including experience in a strategic finance business partner role. Prior experience in public accounting preferred. Energy and/or utility experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification preferred.
• Sound understanding of financial principles, accounting standards, and financial analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis, financial modeling, and scenario planning to assess complex financial situations and make informed recommendations.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP accounting system applications, preferably SAP.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical solutions to complex financial challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, present financial information, and influence decision making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts, results of operations, and describe variance analysis in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities, with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to analyze financial/business information in order to make recommendations on tactical/strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire trust, influence others, and drive results in a collaborative manner.
• Ability to understand business operations, industry dynamics, and market trends to provide relevant financial insights and support.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work effectively in a team-based environment to achieve common goals
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, business needs, and organizational dynamics in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards, integrity, and confidentiality in handling financial information and decision-making.
• Must be self-motivated, detail oriented, and a hands-on leader.
• Strong leadership through the ability to continually promote and ensure an aspiring and caring culture and environment for the team.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit / develop a high-performance team of “A” players.

Where you'll be working: 

• Hybrid remote working environment reporting to office location in Yulee, FL. Periodic travel to attend meetings, such as budget meetings and employee meetings. This travel will be isolated to the propane service territory.

Benefits/what’s in it for you? 

• Fantastic opportunities for career growth
• Cooperative, supportive and empowered team atmosphere
• Annual bonus and salary increase opportunities
• Monthly recognition events
• Endless wellness initiatives and community events
• Robust and customizable benefit packages-choose what works best with your life. Options include generous 401k with company match, medical, dental and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, compensated volunteer hours and MORE!
• Paid time off, holidays and a separate bank of sick time!

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Applicants with a disability that need assistance applying for a position may email careers@chpk.com.