Director of Accounting Operations

company information

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based dairy company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and value-added products to nourish consumers.

With more than $1B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s growing portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

The company is driven by its values of caring for people, the animals that supply us with milk, and the planet. By providing nourishing products, implementing stringent care standards for animals, and stewarding efficient operations and responsible packaging, fairlife, LLC puts a focus each day on making a positive impact for all. 

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose:

The Director of Accounting Operations will function as a leader and business partner with management and various team members to effectively ensure transactional timeliness, compliance, and process controls.  This role will also provide technical support as fairlife moves to a new ERP system.    A key responsibility will be to manage and develop a staff of 7 associates.  The role will recommend and execute process improvements and controls to deliver timely and accurate transactional processing for a rapidly growing company. 

responsibilities:

Manage Shared Services Team

• Full responsibility for the Accounts Payable, Credit and Collections, Order Entry and Payroll activities
• Ensure financial data integrity of transactions, which includes preparing and managing accruals as appropriate
• Lead initiatives to gain process and interface efficiencies thought the utilization of systems and services.   Leverage finance systems by standardizing business processes and improving internal controls
• Recruit, hire and develop associates to support transactional growth
• Ensure that government compliance and consolidation requirements are met
• Ensure that there is an effective and efficient system of internal controls including; data integrity, asset protection, segregation of duties, budgeting, financial reporting, information systems and adherence to corporate policies and governmental regulations related to transactional accounting processes

ERP/MES/MRP Project Implementation Support

• Collaborate with implementation project team to ensure a successful transition to the new system
• Participate in workshops to ensure reporting requirements and control requirements are addressed during the solution verification process

Other

• Recommend process improvement and action plans
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis as required
• Perform other duties and participate in special projects as assigned

skills/qualifications required:

• B.S. in Accounting or Finance.  CPA and/or MBA a plus
• Solid understanding of and experience in A/P, A/R, order entry and payroll processing
• 5-10 years of financial experience with managing a staff in a manufacturing environment.  Corporate or Plant Controller a plus
• Ability to develop high levels of credibility and forge solid and positive professional relationships with subordinates, peers and upper management
• Strong leadership, communication and team building skills
• Proficient in use of accounting systems, implementation of financial practices, analysis of financial and operating information to facilitate decision making and recommending actions to improve
• Proficient in Microsoft products, database software and other applicable accounting and financial software and systems
• Microsoft D365 F&O experience
• Dairy experience a plus
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment

position location: Chicago, IL

reports to:  VP Finance and Accounting

travel requirements:  10%

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [email protected].