Vice President Finance & Operations

Vice President Finance & Operations – Paulaner USA

Location:        White Plains, NY  

Reports To:      Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

Direct Reports:  Director, Operations & Business Analysis Financial Control 

Team Members: Eight 

Position Overview: 

The Vice President Finance & Operations (VP F&O) is responsible for the financial health and direction of Paulaner USA, ensuring profitability, margin development, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This role involves oversight of financial planning, supply chain, (partial) HR and IT systems. The ideal candidate has experience in financial leadership within the alcohol beverage industry, including regulatory compliance, distribution logistics, supply chain, HR and IT solutions. (S)he will be a key member of the Paulaner USA Management Team. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Financial Strategy & Leadership: 

• Develop and execute financial strategies to support business growth and profitability.

• Oversee ?nancial forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning to align with company goals liaising closely with the Finance team in Munich

• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and ?nancial risks to drive data-informed decisions.

• Collaborate closely with CEO to ensure financial objectives are met, including volume growth, revenue growth, cost efficiency, and margin improvement.

• Lead the ?nancial component of the PUSA 5-Year strategic planning process.

Financial Operations & Compliance:

• Direct and oversee all ?nancial and accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, tax, and treasury management.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS tax regulations, and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations.

• Manage financial audits, internal controls, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Implement ?nancial systems, tools, and automation to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to optimize financial performance.

Supply Chain Management:

• Oversee the financial performance of supply chain operations, optimizing costs and efficiency.

• Collaborate with brewery demand planning & forecasting, production, and logistics teams to improve supplier negotiations, inventory management, and distribution processes.

• Work with supply chain leaders to improve forecasting, demand planning, and order fulfillment strategies.

• Ensure cost-effective warehousing, transportation, and inventory management solutions.

• Develop financial models to assess supply chain cost structures and profitability.

Human Resources (Partial):

• Manage compensation, benefits, and performance management systems including those external vendors for payroll, benefits, 401k etc.

• Manage the planning, timeline and deliverables related to the annual employee performance review process, bonus review and calculations.

• Ensure compliance with all workplace mandatory, legal requirements and Company Handbook policies.

Information Technology (IT) Management:

• Oversee the selection, implementation, and optimization of IT systems, including VIP, ERP, inventory management, and logistics tracking software.

• Ensure seamless integration of financial, supply chain, and operational systems to enhance data visibility and decision-making.

• Lead digital transformation initiatives, leveraging data analytics and automation to improve financial reporting and operational efficiency.

• Manage IT security risks, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity and data protection regulations.

• Work closely with IT teams and external vendors to ensure system reliability, scalability, and innovation

Reporting:

• Provide regular reporting to Munich Finance team as follows:

o  Month end closing procedure in time and quality

o  Monthly P&L details/comments and dashboard of key financial metrics

o  Provide monthly segmented P&L

Annual Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Lead the annual budgeting and planning process as well as the quarterly forecast process for the company providing sufficient time for stakeholders to organize, plan and submit.

• Lead the company Latest Estimate (LE) forecast process and timelines ensuring accuracy and timeliness to Munich deadlines.

Regulatory & Industry Compliance:

• Maintain strict compliance with federal, state, and local alcohol industry regulations, including tax and reporting requirements.

• Liaise with regulatory agencies such as the TTB and state alcohol control boards to ensure adherence to licensing and distribution laws.

• Work closely with legal counsel to navigate complex industry regulations, excise tax implications, and contract negotiations.

• Ensure all Federal and State licensing permits bare current and in good standing.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance, IT and Operations/Supply Chain teams.

• Foster a culture of financial discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Provide executive leadership on financial best practices and risk management.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education & Certifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (MBA or CPA preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in the alcohol beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or wholesale distribution industries.

• Strong knowledge of the U.S. beverage alcohol regulatory environment, including excise tax, TTB compliance, and state-by-state distribution laws.

• Experience in financial modeling, cost accounting, and supply chain finance.

• Prior experience working with wholesalers, distributors, and retailers in the alcohol sector is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning skills.

• Strong understanding of financial reporting, GAAP principles, and audit procedures.

• Experience managing investor relations, capital structure, and financial risk.

• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., ERP systems, SAP, QuickBooks, NetSuite).

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Employee discounts on company products.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 

Paulaner USA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.