VP Finance & Administration

Overview

Stepping into a senior finance leadership position at a privately held international seafood importer and distributor, this role offers direct partnership with the CEO to shape financial strategy across complex supply chains and global operations. The successful candidate will command a broad portfolio encompassing finance, treasury, human resources, IT, and risk management, driving financial reporting, audit oversight, and ERP system enhancements within a high-volume working capital environment. Based in downtown Los Angeles, this position demands a seasoned controller or CPA with deep expertise in import, wholesale distribution, or manufacturing sectors.

Title: VP Finance & Administration
Industry: Frozen Food Manufacturing
Location: Greater Los Angeles

Responsibilities

• Direct management of cash flow, working capital cycles, trade financing instruments such as Letters of Credit, and banking relationships to optimize liquidity and credit utilization.
• Lead the accounting function including landed cost analysis, freight and duty reconciliation, inventory valuation, and provisions for obsolete stock to ensure accurate financial statements and margin reporting.
• Oversee foreign exchange exposure and implement hedging strategies to mitigate currency risks associated with international purchasing.
• Drive ERP system strategy and enhancements, including Warehouse Management and Supply Chain software, while establishing internal controls and promoting business intelligence adoption across departments.
• Manage comprehensive risk portfolios including commercial insurance policies, regulatory compliance with import and trade laws, credit risk policies for customers and vendors, and tax compliance coordination.
• Lead human resources operations encompassing workforce planning, labor law compliance, benefits administration, and payroll tax adherence across multiple locations.
• Coordinate and supervise external and internal audit processes to uphold financial integrity and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Must-Have:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
  • Minimum 8–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including at least 3 years in import, wholesale distribution, manufacturing, or consumer products industries.
  • Proven background as a Controller or senior finance leader, with CPA certification strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in treasury management, working capital optimization, foreign exchange risk mitigation, and credit risk oversight.
  • Hands-on experience leading ERP implementations or significant system enhancements (NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or similar).
  • Cross-functional leadership managing finance, human resources, IT infrastructure, and risk management teams.
• Nice-to-Have:
  • MBA or advanced finance/accounting certifications beyond CPA.
  • Experience with complex inventory accounting and landed cost methodologies in international supply chains.
  • Familiarity with regulatory compliance related to Customs and Border Protection and import tariffs.
  • Background in negotiating and managing diverse commercial insurance portfolios.