About Us:
Ponte Family Estate is a leading hospitality and wine company in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. We’ve been farming vineyards since 1984 and produce over 20 estate-grown varietals at our certified sustainable wineries.
Our three properties—Ponte Winery, Ponte Vineyard Inn, and Bottaia Winery—offer unique guest experiences. Ponte Winery is known for its welcoming service and estate wines. Next door, the Four Diamond, 90-room Ponte Vineyard Inn provides a relaxing boutique hotel stay surrounded by 300 acres of vineyards. Nearby, Bottaia Winery features multiple modern tasting rooms, a semi-Olympic-size pool, splash pad, private cabines, and a poolside café.
Across all locations, our team is committed to delivering outstanding hospitality, great wine and food, and a beautiful escape from city life.
Summary:
We are seeking a strategic, results-driven, and project-oriented Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial, accounting, compliance, IT, and risk management functions of our growing wine and hospitality company, which operates multiple units in Temecula. The CFO is both a strategic partner and a hands-on leader who can manage day-to-day operations while driving cross-functional initiatives to completion.
In addition to core financial responsibilities, the CFO must demonstrate the ability to lead and execute projects, manage complex initiatives across departments, and keep key deliverables on track and aligned with company goals.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Life, Vision
- Pet Insurance
- 401k Matching
- PTO
- 2 Paid Holidays (Thanksgiving + Christmas) + 6 Floating Holidays
- Executive hospitality perks
Schedule:
- Monday – Friday (minimum), based on business needs
Compensation:
- $150- $200k annual salary + discretionary bonus based on KPI performance
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, aligning financial strategy with organizational goals.
- Lead long-range financial planning, forecasting, and business modeling to guide strategic growth.
- Partner with unit and department managers to ensure financial discipline and operational alignment.
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Oversee accounting operations including general ledger, A/P, A/R, payroll accounting, and monthly close.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
- Supervise the Controller and a team of accounting, compliance, and payroll professionals, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Banking, Treasury, & Lender Relations
- Manage all banking relationships and lead interactions with lenders, including covenant compliance and financing strategies.
- Oversee treasury and cash management to ensure optimal liquidity and financial health.
Insurance & Risk Management
- Direct corporate insurance programs (general liability, property, workers’ comp, and other coverages).
- Lead risk management initiatives and maintain productive relationships with brokers and carriers.
Compliance & Internal Controls
- Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including tax, labor, and industry-specific requirements.
- Maintain and enhance internal controls across all financial and operational processes.
- Oversee annual audits and work closely with external accountants and legal advisors.
Systems, Technology & IT Oversight
- Oversee financial systems and ERP platforms, ensuring efficiency, integration, and scalability.
- Supervise IT operations, including infrastructure, POS systems, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.
- Collaborate with IT leadership to ensure technology supports both day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives.
Project Management & Execution
- Lead cross-departmental projects, including system implementations, policy rollouts, and efficiency initiatives.
- Maintain a project-oriented mindset focused on achieving defined outcomes on time and within scope.
- Track and manage timelines, budgets, deliverables, and stakeholder communications for major financial and operational initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with unit and department managers to support budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Serve as a liaison between finance and other departments to align financial reporting with operational needs.
Team Leadership & Development
- Mentor and develop a finance/accounting team of 6+, as well as IT leadership.
- Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and project ownership.
- Promote collaboration, adaptability, and innovation across teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in finance/accounting, including 5+ years in a senior finance or CFO role.
- Background in hospitality, food & beverage, or multi-unit businesses strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success leading complex projects through completion, on time and within budget.
- Deep experience with banking/lender relations, financial reporting, compliance, and insurance.
- Proficient in financial systems and ERP platforms (e.g., NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics).
- Experience managing IT teams and infrastructure at a mid-sized business level.
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work cross-functionally with operational leaders.
- High level of integrity, attention to detail, and ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical execution.
Company Standards:
- Understand the PONTE Values, and Service Standards.
- Ensure the safety of guests and associates.
- Follow the environmental standards set by the Company
- Treat all associates and guests in a respectful manner.
- Exhibit integrity (honesty and truthfulness).
