Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the senior financial leader and a key strategic partner to the CEO and executive team. Operating in a dynamic wholesale apparel environment, the CFO owns all financial planning, reporting, risk management, and capital strategy functions while supporting the company's continued growth across domestic and international distribution channels.
This role calls for a commercially savvy finance executive who understands the complexities of seasonal inventory cycles, vendor financing, gross margin management, and the fast-moving economics of wholesale apparel. The CFO will be both a hands-on steward of financial integrity and a forward-looking business partner who helps drive sustainable, profitable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Strategy & Planning
- Partner with the CEO and Board to develop and execute the company's long-term financial strategy and annual operating plan
- Lead budgeting, rolling forecasts, and multi-year financial modeling; translate business plans into clear financial targets
- Provide actionable analysis of financial performance, key business drivers, and relevant industry benchmarks
- Evaluate and support strategic initiatives including acquisitions, new channel development, and market expansion
Financial Reporting & Controls
- Oversee preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
- Maintain a robust internal control environment and ensure compliance with applicable financial regulations and tax obligations
- Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, and legal counsel
- Drive continuous improvements to financial systems, processes, and reporting infrastructure
Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
- Manage cash flow planning and working capital optimization, with particular focus on seasonal inventory build and AR collection cycles
- Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory financing strategies
- Negotiate and maintain credit facilities, lender relationships, and trade financing arrangements
- Monitor liquidity, covenant compliance, and capital allocation priorities on an ongoing basis
Operations & Supply Chain Finance
- Partner with merchandising, supply chain, and sales teams to improve gross margin and drive operational cost efficiency
- Provide financial oversight of vendor payment terms, landed cost analysis, and freight and duty optimization
- Analyze product line profitability, customer profitability, and channel margin performance
- Support inventory management decisions including open-to-buy planning and markdown
Strategy
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a finance and accounting team of approximately 4 direct and 30 indirect
- Foster a culture of analytical rigor, integrity, and continuous improvement within the finance function
- Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to business unit leaders across the organization
- Present financial results, forecasts, and strategic plans to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
- MBA or advanced degree in Finance / Business (strongly preferred); CPA or CFA designation preferred
- 10+ years of progressive finance experience, with 5+ years in a senior finance leadership role (CFO, VP Finance, or equivalent)
- Prior experience in wholesale, consumer goods, retail, or apparel industries
- Deep expertise in FP&A, GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and management of the full close process
- Demonstrated experience managing lender relationships, credit facilities, and working capital financing
- Strong understanding of supply chain economics: inventory costing, vendor terms, import/export logistics
- Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics) and BI / reporting tools
- Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and influence cross-functional partners
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with a company generating $500M+ in annual wholesale revenue
- Background in private equity-backed or investor-owned business
- Familiarity with international sourcing and multi-currency financial management
- Experience managing a company through a financing event, strategic sale, or high-growth phase
- Exposure to EDI systems, wholesale order management platforms, or omnichannel / DTC operations
