Finance & Administration Manager H/F - John Lobb

Context

The Finance & Administration Manager will be a very active and important actor in the structuring of the operations of JL&Co in the Americas region.

She/he will be responsible of the coordination of all finance, administrative and HR matters together with the different departments involved in the operations of these subjects and tasks, to ensure the accuracy of the reports transmitted internally (JL&Co, John Lobb in Paris, Hermès of Paris, Hermès International …) and externally (Auditors…).

She/he will oversee the Americas daily Finance and Administration operations within the JL&Co entity.

Acting as a Business Partner with the Americas Operations Director, she/he will advise and make proposals on all important topics.

General mission

The Finance & Administration Manager is in charge and responsible for:

Ensuring the good implementation of the organization of John Lobb in the Americas recommended by JL&Co, Hermès and John Lobb in Paris. From the US, coordinating all finance, legal, tax, HR and organization issues by liaising with local consultants and Hermès contacts,

You will have to be managing the development and implementation of finance and HR policies and procedures with the Hermes of Paris local departments involved in this organization, to ensure:

> The integrity, accuracy and timeliness of financial and operating data,

> The optimal protection of personnel and assets,

> The minimal potential risks and maximum contribution to the financial and business health of the USA branch;

Ensuring the accuracy and the compliance of the financial reports, tax returns, budgets, estimates, and three-year plans to the parent company, auditors and/or regulatory organizations,

Monitoring, following and ensuring the compliance of all HR reports and documents to John Lobb employees, the parent company and regulatory organizations in conjunction with the other associated department managers (Hermès or subcontractors),

Being the referent for local HR admin topics and report to the John Lobb HR Director,

Using the appropriate tools and procedures, providing proper and timely alerts to senior management and CFO of any elements that may impact the financial results and business goals,

Being the local referent for Internal Control matters including implementing local procedures and ensuring the entity is compliant with the Group procedures and animating the Internal Control road map.

This position is very close to the operations and requires an open mind plus multi-disciplines skills to succeed. You will need to be true business partner to the Regional Managing Director with a “here to help” attitude to always improve the business operations.

Main activities

• Planning, Budgeting, Analysis and Reporting
• Provide timely and quality reports for consolidation.
• Provide FP&A finance support to the accounting teams regarding productivity, demand planning, reporting and financial metrics
• Prepare budgets and forecasts, variance analyses, long-term planning, risk/opportunity assessments, and periodic ad-hoc reporting
• Build the Annual Budget, quarterly estimates and 3 years plan in close relation with Regional Managing Director and CFO to present to John Lobb CEO.
• Identify areas for revenue opportunities and cost improvements
• Serve as Finance liaison to departments by working closely with them in understanding their business, supporting their initiatives, and general financial inquiries.
• Identify and research variances regarding forecast, budget, and prior-year expenses
• Review financial reports, presentations, and other management reporting needs
• Create and monitor adequate KPI’s, reports to manage the activity.
• Build Retail Store Business plans & P&L models by location as well as prepare for new openings and/or renovations.
• Direct and coordinate CAPEX budgets.
• Coordinate and organize the financials to provide for JL US annual tax return, working with our US tax consultants.
• Process accurately and file timely the sales tax in all required states.
  
  

Management and risk analysis

• Collaborate with the Regional Managing Director on the preparation of the OTB.
• Review periodically the deliveries from the factory to ensure respect of the OTB.
• Be constantly alert of the business performance, P&L models and the impact on the finances
• Analyze the stock evolution and provide options to Regional Managing Director to keep a healthy stock level in all stores.
• Work with Hermes of Paris to forecast new regulations impacting the business.
• Act as a key member of the US management team, liaise with JL SA, JL&CO and HoP key departments.
  
  

Internal control

• Review and submit the CHIC Boutique questionnaires for all boutiques with store managers.
• Implement control processes based on CHIC Boutique results and periodic assessment of the stores.
• Formalizing yearly Internal Control Plan
• Establish and implement short- and long-range goals and operating procedures in a road map, in collaboration with JL&CO and CFO.
• Perform annual physical stock inventories and review the cycle counts done at store level.
• Liaise with HoP key departments to implement new group procedures, but also city/state/federal new regulations.
  
  

Human resources

• Oversee that all Human Resources information are properly transmitted.
• Oversee and ensure the biweekly payroll is processed accurately with the payroll admin based in the UK. Review and approve the commissions and bonus to be paid.
• Review and confirm all offered benefits are correctly provided to the US staff.
• Be the point of contact for all JL US staff for any payroll, benefits and employee handbook related questions.
• Review and confirm the annual new salary rates, yearly paid bonus.
• Budget payroll impacts on the overheads.
• Periodically review the JL US Employee handbook to be in line with HoP handbook and JL own HR policies.
• Liaise with JL HR Director and HoP HR team whenever needed.
  
  

IT systems, software, database (maintain, upgrade…)

• Update the CEGID (retail software) with the new products and prices as required.
• Maintain all finance databases following accounting, management, IT and audit requirements.
• Improve all processes by implementing/documenting new systems, interfaces, control procedures, workflow.
• Provide scheduled and on demand Cegid/Excel training to JL Americas staff.
  
  

Applicant profile

Education - Experience

• Master’s degree in accounting/finance (preferred or relevant experience) .
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a finance managerial position with internal control and HR/admin responsibilities.
• Experience in an international audit firm is a plus.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills Requirements

• General knowledge of accounting/financial/operational principles
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with various management levels
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Superior attention to detail and ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining a view of the big picture
• Strong Excel skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Self-starter with good time management skills when urgent deadlines need to be met
• Multi-disciplined and team player.
• Possess a forward-thinking work ethic to provide guidance to management and drive the business forward.
• Able to critically analyze operational issues and offer resourceful solutions.