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Chief Financial Officer & Vice President of Administration

Bellingham, WA (Home Office)

Smith Gardens is a wholesale nursery company that is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, and has been family owned for over 100 years with facilities in three states.

JOB SUMMARY


This key executive role will oversee the company’s financial health, human resources, risk management, and technology and ERP initiatives. The CFO will collaborate closely with the CEO and other department leaders to drive strategic goals, optimize financial performance, and ensure the operational success of the company.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


Financial Management & Analysis

  • Lead the development and execution of the company’s financial strategy to support Smith Gardens’ growth, profitability, and sustainability.
  • Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with business goals.
  • Provide the CEO and Advisory Board with timely, insightful financial performance data, risks & opportunities and strategic recommendations.
  • Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulations and accounting standards.

Strategic Planning & Leadership

  • Partner with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to define and execute the company’s long-term strategic vision.
  • Lead the company’s financial and operational planning, driving decision-making processes that enhance business performance.
  • Ensure effective resource allocation through financial and operational management.
  • Guide the strategic development and implementation of growth initiatives, ensuring that all financial and operational objectives are met.

Lead Key Departments

  • Human Resources (HR) & Labor Planning: Oversee the HR Director in managing employee recruitment, retention, development, and compliance with employment laws. Ensure effective compensation, benefits, and retirement plans are in place.
  • Information Technology (IT): Collaborated closely with the IT Director to ensure technology strategies aligned with financial and operational goals. Provide oversight of ERP system implementation and optimization to drive cost efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and support scalable growth. Support technology investments that enhanced data integrity, cybersecurity, and cross-functional process integration.
  • Risk & Safety: Oversee the Risk and Safety Director to ensure effective risk management, insurance coverage, compliance with industry regulations, and a safe working environment.
  • Controller & Financial Reporting: Lead the Controller in ensuring accurate budgeting, financial reporting, accounting operations, timely closing of financial statements, and adherence to accounting principles. Drive improvements in financial reporting processes and performance tracking.
  • Cost and Inventory Management: Lead the Cost and Inventory Manager to optimize cost control measures, inventory management, and operational efficiency to maximize profitability.

Financial & Operational Budgeting & Reporting

  • Provide financial reporting systems that provide timely and accurate insights to senior leadership and the Advisory Board and Leadership.
  • Ensure the creation and maintenance of detailed financial models and performance tracking systems to guide operational decision-making.
  • Management of corporate governance for related parties’ LLC & Trusts and financial and legal aspects of M&A activity.

COMPETENCIES


  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with senior leadership, stakeholders, and employees.
  • Expertise in financial management of accounting, reporting, budgeting, cash flow, capital & financial analysis, and forecasting.
  • Demonstrated success in ERP system selection, implementation, and optimization.
  • Experience managing banking relationships, insurance programs, and legal compliance.
  • Committed to continuous education, professional growth, and fostering development in others.
  • Managing knowledge of HR functions, labor planning, and workforce budgeting.
  • Dedicated to promoting a safety culture and strong IS security systems.
  • Ability to drive long-term financial strategies while ensuring operational alignment across departments.
  • Commitment to high standards of corporate governance and ethical decision-making.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE


  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required. MBA , CPA or equivalent.
  • A minimum of 10 years’ management experience in finance, or a related field. Proven experience in leading financial operations, banking, human resources, and technology initiatives is essential.
  • Experience in an agriculture, seasonal, manufacturing or mid-size family-owned business environment is a plus.
  • Previous experience managing technology projects, including ERP system implementations, is highly desirable.

PAY RANGE


Base Salary 200k-250k Plus Incentive

  • $17-$18.50 Per Hour
  • $21.00 - $23.00

BENEFITS STATEMENT

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including immediate PTO accrual, Medical, Dental and Vision after 30 days, plus matching 401(k) and Company-Paid LTD after one year.

MORE THAN A JOB

Smith Gardens is in the Top 10 Privately Owned Companies in Whatcom County. Our business is growing, so you can find career opportunities that match your goals and fuel your passion. Plus, we promote from within every chance we get!

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Smith Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion,transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process. To make this request please email humanresources@smithgardens.com

We are an E-verify employer.