VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & OPERATIONS

Posted on by Shira Lotzar Posted in Open Positions

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & OPERATIONS

American Bakers Association

(Hybrid role in Washington, DC – Navy Yard)

THE ORGANIZATION:

From large to small commercial baking companies to millers, ingredient suppliers and equipment manufacturers, the American Bakers Association (ABA) is the only commercial bakery-specific national trade association, delivering results on priorities affecting the companies that feed the world. ABA’s Vision is to grow and enhance the baking industry through public policy advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.

This $10M trade association with 16 staff (anticipated to grow by four additional staff in the next quarter) has enjoyed three years of fiscal re-stabilization and is poised to strengthen its financial position across the organization with the guidance of a new Vice President.

A healthy staff culture that balances drive-for-results with people-first values, ABA is a high energy, family-friendly environment that encourages professionalism, individual empowerment, collaboration, flexibility, and professional growth.

THE ROLE:

In this newly created position, the VP will be a growth-minded servant leader, partnering with the CEO to champion financial expansion opportunities, while ensuring sound fiscal stewardship and a thriving operational infrastructure. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Fiscal Stewardship. ABA’s premier trade show, IBIE, is a high visibility event co-owned with the Baking Equipment Manufacturers Association (BEMA). Its revenues have grown in recent years and it is primed for additional profitability through prudent cost control measures and strategic growth.
  • Strategic Growth. With a focus on industry-enhancing growth for the association, the VP will be tasked with identifying and assessing additional growth opportunities both domestically and internationally.
  • Finance and Operations Oversight. Managing a team of two accounting staff (Director of Accounting + new Staff Accountant in Q1), this role will provide financial planning oversight for IBIE and organizational forecasting for ABA, while supervising accounting operations, audit compliance, and financial integrity for both entities. There is potential additional oversight of several outsourced vendors (HR, IT, auditing firm), and facilities management.

Specific Financial Duties:

  • Oversee IBIE budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting with IBIE staff management team and volunteer committee.
  • Serve as strategic financial partner to President & CEO, Treasurer, ABA Audit and Finance Committee, Show Management, IBIE Executive Committee; acts as Assistant Treasurer to IBIE
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting, and investment oversight for ABA and IBIE.
  • Manage financial reporting to ABA Board, Audit & Finance Committee, and IBIE Executive Committee
  • Oversee ABA and IBIE financial performance, reserves, and risk planning.
  • Coordinate with Smithbucklin, Brown Advisory, Merrill Lynch, and auditors on entity-wide financial matters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 15+ years progressively responsible leadership roles in finance and operations, preferably in a trade association environment
  • Background growing trade shows is highly desirable
  • Experience with M&As is a plus
  • Deep experience in financial leadership, cost controls, and audit readiness
  • Experience supervising a finance / accounting team with accountability, empathy, and empowerment.
  • Innovative, business-mindset with ability to translate ideas into operational plans and measurable results.
  • Proven ability to manage through change and inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals
  • Ability to build relationships across the organization, and serve as a thought partner to the CEO, Treasurer, and Board.

LOCATION / SCHEDULE: This is a hybrid position with 3 days a week expected in ABA’s Washington, DC office (Navy Yard.) The CEO promotes (and models) a flexible work-life schedule. 

SALARY: $220,000 – $240,000 + bonus and competitive benefits

TO APPLY: This is a retained search. Please send a thoughtfully tailored cover letter and resume to Shira Lotzar at Purposeful Hire: shira@purposefulhire.com