VP of Financial Planning & Analysis

Urban Farmer seeks a Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis to lead strategic financial initiatives including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis. This role involves collaborating with various departments to drive financial discipline, optimize resources, and support decision-making. Key responsibilities include financial strategy development, performance analysis, reporting, risk management, and cost efficiency improvements. The position is based in Manteno, IL and is not remote.
JOB SUMMARY:

The Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) will be a strategic financial leader, responsible for guiding the company’s financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and decision-making processes. This role is critical in driving profitable growth, improving financial performance, and optimizing resource allocation in alignment with business objectives.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP of FP&A will collaborate across departments, providing data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions related to sales, operations, supply chain, and new product development. This leader will drive a culture of financial discipline and accountability, ensuring that the company maintains a strong financial position while accelerating growth in the competitive better-for-you food space.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Strategy and Planning
• Develop and oversee the company’s long-term financial planning and annual budgeting processes.
• Partner with the CFO and executive leadership to define financial goals, growth strategies, and investment priorities.
• Lead scenario modeling and risk assessment to evaluate market trends, pricing strategies, and cost efficiencies.
• Establish and monitor financial goals, benchmarks, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

2. Financial Performance and Analysis
• Provide insightful, data-driven financial analysis to identify opportunities for margin improvement, cost optimization, and revenue growth.
• Establish KPIs and financial dashboards to measure performance and drive accountability across business units.
• Conduct variance analysis, competitive benchmarking, and financial modeling to support strategic initiatives.

3. Financial Reporting and Compliance
• Develop and monitor key financial metrics, dashboards, and KPIs to track business performance.
• Lead variance analysis, cost modeling, pricing strategy development, and financial risk assessments.
• Optimize gross margins and operational costs, identifying opportunities for efficiency and profitability improvements.
• Conduct deep-dive financial analyses to support strategic decision-making, scenario planning, and market trend evaluations.

4. Business Partnering & Decision Support
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure financial alignment with business objectives.
• Support product innovation and R&D investments by evaluating cost structures, pricing strategies, and profitability potential.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other senior leaders, providing data-backed recommendations to improve business performance.

5. Risk Management and Internal Controls
• Identify and assess financial risks, including credit, liquidity, operational, and market risks.
• Implement robust internal control systems to safeguard company assets and prevent financial irregularities.
• Create and manage contingency plans for economic or operational disruptions.
• Oversee compliance with corporate governance standards and risk mitigation policies.

6. Cost Management and Efficiency Improvement
• Identify and implement strategies to optimize cost structures, improve margins, and reduce waste.
• Lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies and streamline financial processes.
• Ensure cost discipline across all business units, setting clear financial targets and accountability measures.

7. Strategic Partnership and Collaboration
• Collaborate with the executive team to develop and execute the company’s strategic plans.
• Partner with the CFO to assess funding needs, debt management, and financial risk exposure.
• Serve as a trusted financial partner to operational leaders, providing insights and guidance on achieving organizational objectives.
• Participate in strategic decision-making processes, contributing financial perspectives to key business initiatives.

8. Innovation and Technology in Finance
• Oversee and enhance financial systems, ERP tools, and business intelligence platforms to improve reporting accuracy and forecasting capabilities.
• Stay informed of emerging financial tools and practices to improve efficiency and maintain competitive advantage.
• Continuously refine and improve financial processes, planning methodologies, and reporting structures.

Qualifications:

· 10+ years of FP&A leadership experience in the food & beverage, CPG, or manufacturing industry.

· Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and business analytics expertise.

· Deep understanding of cost accounting, supply chain finance, and gross margin management in a manufacturing environment.

· Experience with ERP systems, BI tools, and financial software (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Power BI).

· Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

· Proven ability to influence executive leadership and drive data-driven decision-making.

· Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics (MBA or CPA preferred).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required for file maintenance and office organization.
• Visual acuity to read and analyze financial reports and data.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Fast-paced and dynamic office environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Open office layout promoting communication and teamwork among employees.
• Regular interaction with cross-functional teams including operations, marketing, and sales.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or site visits.

safety measures to ensure the safe completion of the task.