Korn Ferry has been exclusively retained by Granite City Electric Supply for their Chief Financial Officer position.
Role: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Quincy, MA
Company Overview:
Granite City Electric Supply has been the leading independent electrical supply distributor in the New England region for over 100 years, and now in Albany, New York. GCE provides a comprehensive selection of products, including lighting, wiring devices, electrical equipment, and renewable energy solutions, from top manufacturers. Serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers, along with homeowners, we've thrived amidst superstores and online giants by prioritizing strong customer relationships and service innovation.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the President, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is an experienced financial leader and key member of the executive team. The CFO will be an energetic, forward-thinking and strategic visionary with strong technical accounting skills and leadership abilities. The CFO is responsible for establishing/implementing/monitoring all financial functions of the corporation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other relevant regulatory agencies.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversees, directs, and manages the organization's finance/accounting/payroll departments, the maintenance of its fiscal records, and the preparation of its financial reports.
Manages and directs a staff of four in Quincy (Controller, Credit Manager, Accounts Payable Manager, and Executive Assistant); total Finance team is 20.
Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the organization's financial reporting function.
Participate in the development of the corporation's strategic plans and budgets.
Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and regulatory action.
Enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce financial policies and procedures for the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the company.
Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the organization, i.e., evaluation of potential acquisitions and/or mergers, etc.
Be an advisor from the financial perspective on any contracts and partnerships into which the company may enter.
Provide on-going training and coaching of direct reports and ensure that training and coaching is provided to all staff members.
Maintain external relationships with key providers to maximize services and efficiencies - auditors, agents, bankers, brokers, etc.
Knowledge and Experience:
Minimum of 10 to 15 years of increasingly responsible accounting and/or finance experience.
Excellent business judgment, strategic thinking.
Sound leadership and management ability; proven track record of staff development and effective business accomplishments.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial documents, to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints, make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations to the Board of Directors, be a good educator who is trustworthy and willing to share information and serve as a mentor.
Excellent negotiator who is experienced in contracts, acquisitions and mergers.
Strong decision-making ability combined with a "big picture" perspective and is well versed in systems.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and financial analysis; efficiently respond to questions from senior management, board of directors, auditors and owners.
Superb attention to detail; equally strong analytical capabilities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate clearly with both internal and external customers and to effectively present information to senior management and strategic business partners.
Solid personal assertiveness skills and ability to resolve issues effectively.
Must possess strong analytical / math skills and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to coordinate activities and efforts within a "team oriented" environment.
Exhibits a "results oriented" approach to role, assignments and responsibilities.
Positive attitude - morale booster.
Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
Manages and directs a staff that includes the following departments: General Accounting, Credit, Cash Application, Payroll and Accounts Payable.
Extensive project design and management skills.
Experience managing and maintaining banking relationships and risk management.
Adaptability / flexibility / willingness to change and adjust with business conditions.
Education & Certifications
BS degree in Accounting or Finance; and holds an active CPA license. An MBA in addition is also required.