BSG Executive Search Blog

[Closed Search] Chief Financial Officer for Focus Products Group

Written by Clark Waterfall | Jun 23, 2015 11:30:03 AM

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Focus Products Group International, LLC.

THE COMPANY

Focus Products Group International is a leading supplier of branded consumer and professional housewares, small-wares, bath, furniture slip covers and electric products to the retail, and hospitality sectors in North America.

Headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, about 20 miles north of Chicago, Focus Products Group was founded in 2001 and has grown primarily through acquisitions. More recently, Focus has changed its business strategy away from growth through acquisition to growth through new product development. The company has brought strong design and product management teams in-house, allowing the team to bring exciting new products to our customers.

With proven brands, product development capabilities, and new partnerships in place, along with a skilled and growing team, Focus Products Group is well-positioned for long-term growth.

THE POSITION

Serves as both the finance lead for the company and key interface with Private Equity Group. This role is both “hands-on” yet plays a critical business partner role with the CEO of the business.

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Read on...

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Must have finance/accounting leadership experience in a consumer product or manufacturing context.

FUNCTIONAL ROLES

  • Manages finance team, including head office group and provides oversight of divisional financial units. Expected to know the numbers and details behind all metrics.
  • Identifies opportunities for increased profitability by improving job costing.
  • Manages SKU analyses to ensure alignment between product mix and business opportunities.
  • Accountable for making recommendations for constant improvement in company operations.
  • Plays a key role in strategic planning through providing information and thought leadership on commercial opportunities and industry trends.
  • Provides investors with requisite reporting, including detailed metrics related to cash, sales and monthly reporting, covering a full breakdown of business results and future opportunities.
  • Participates in monthly update meetings with investors, addressing issues of financial performance.
  • Works with sales, operations, engineering and product development leadership groups to ensure that they have all financial information needed for decision making.
  • Provides counsel on financial considerations for both existing and new initiatives.
  • Manages the treasury function by working with both investors and banks, ensuring that the company is in compliance with all loan covenants.
  • Provides detailed information to investors regarding cash flow, ensuring that any potential cash flow problems are identified proactively.
  • Ensures strong financial controls are in place and that the company is in compliance with financial and taxation regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions.
  • Oversees annual audit.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

  • Has a B.S. in Accounting or Finance. CPA highly desirable.
  • Has “stand-alone” CFO experience in a private equity portfolio company.
  • Has 10 plus years in financial leadership roles.
  • Integration experience is essential.
  • Has Proficiency with PC applications and extremely strong Microsoft Excel skills are required; familiarity with ERP systems is critical.
Has the following PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
    • Exceptional communication skills.
    • Excellent managerial skills
    • Ability to change focus from granular to strategic financial issues.
    • Superb analytical skills.
    • Entrepreneurial orientation and genuine enthusiasm for growing a business.
    • Sound judgment, impeccable integrity and credibility. Must be seen as a trusted adviser to CEO and investors.
Has the following EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
    • A relevant undergraduate degree in Accounting, CPA designation highly desirable.

For more information regarding this position...