VP Controller, Retail

VP Controller, Retail at David's Bridal

We’re hiring a Corporate Controller and VP, Accounting — but fair warning: this is not a “close-the-books-and-go-home” kind of role. We sell dresses, but we’re also building cutting-edge media, partnerships, licensing, manufacturing, marketplaces, planning, and ecommerce businesses. We are much more than just a traditional store chain, boasting over 90% brand awareness and more than 30% market share.

This is an opportunity to help architect the financial backbone of a company evolving well beyond selling beautiful dresses for all life’s moments. Expect new operating models, new complexity, and new questions that don’t have textbook answers. If you’re energized by growth, ambiguity, a fast pace, and building processes that scale into what’s next—not just reconciling what already exists—then this is for you.

We have a great opportunity for an experienced Retail VP Controller. The ideal candidate has Private Equity experience and a strong Retail background. CPA is required, along with knowledge of Microsoft NAV, strong knowledge of SEC regulations, and thorough knowledge of FASB statements.

At David’s Bridal, we empower our customers and our employees to stay true to their dreams and find the one, whether that means the wedding dress that matches her personal style—or the career that’s a perfect fit. We’re looking for leaders with diverse backgrounds and fresh ideas to help create a uniquely personal retail experience. Join a company that dominates its product category – with 1 out of 3 products sold by them and one of the highest customer service scores in retail! We Make Dreams Happen!

General Summary

The VP Controller, Retail will be responsible for providing leadership to the corporate accounting team and leading the transaction processing, corporate accounting, lease administration, and tax functions of the business. The VP Controller, Retail will also be in charge of maintaining compliance with all external financial, debt, and regulatory requirements, which involves evaluating all procedures and processes for efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The VP Controller, Retail will lead, develop, and mentor the financial team to achieve continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group.

Principal Functions And Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Financial Officer to plan, develop, organize, implement, direct, and evaluate the organization’s fiscal function and performance.
• Manage a reporting organization including functional leaders within general accounting.
• Continue to enhance credibility for the finance group by providing timely and accurate preparation and review of financial reports and financial trends to assist the Chief Financial Officer, CEO, and other management in performing their responsibilities.
• Participate in the development of the company’s plans and programs as a strategic partner.
• Evaluate and advise on the introduction of new programs.
• Enhance and/or develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the company.
• Establish partnership and credibility throughout the organization as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.
• Provide technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the financial discipline.
• Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision-making issues affecting the organization.
• Act as an advisor from the financial perspective on any contracts into which the company may enter.
• Prepare the accounting and reporting teams for company financial reporting.
• Achieve continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group.
• Actively participate in the integration of applicable new company systems.
• Manage outsourced provider of general accounting, tax, and internal audit services.
• Ensure audit plans are designed to effectively assess critical risks and evaluate the strength of corresponding controls.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform such other duties as assigned.
• Recruit, train, and develop the finance and accounting team.

Job Specifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related business field required.
• CPA required.
• MBA preferred.

Work Experience

• 12+ years hands-on experience in all aspects of accounting including: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and treasury management.
• Private Equity experience preferred.
• Strong Retail background.
• Demonstrated experience in successful project management and re-organizations.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Microsoft NAV.
• Strong knowledge of SEC regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of FASB statements.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, written and oral, able to articulate and present ideas persuasively to all levels of the organization.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Ability to demonstrate problem resolution skills.
• Ability to manage business issues long term, while overseeing financial operations on a daily basis.
• Ability to work effectively with all functions across the company, with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and with associates at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to facilitate change through the use of influence, best practices, and statistical measurements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrate high levels of ethics and integrity.

Key skills/competency

• Corporate Accounting
• Financial Reporting
• GAAP Compliance
• SEC Regulations
• FASB Statements
• Private Equity Experience
• Retail Financials
• Leadership Development
• Microsoft NAV
• Strategic Financial Planning