Career Opportunities

ABOUT US:

University Book Store is University of Washington’s official bookstore since 1900.  Located in Seattle, Washington, University Book Store operates as an independent for-profit corporate trust. All of the Book Store’s capital stock is owned by the Book Store Trust, which is administered by an eleven-member Board of Trustees consisting of five students, four faculty, one staff of the University of Washington and the Book Store’s Chief Executive Officer. University Book Store employees are not employees of the State of Washington or the University of Washington.

We are seeking a highly talented, motivated individual to join the executive team and lead the financial operations of our company.  This position will participate in forming our strategic direction, and will increasingly take on more oversight and responsibility of company functions.

The Chief Financial Officer directs all aspects of the corporate financial environment.  Specific responsibilities include: maintaining a sound internal control structure, financial planning and reporting, cash management and investing, real estate, business insurance, employee benefit program activities, participating in educating leadership team on financial performance and retail management concepts, as well as helping in their professional development. The Chief Financial Officer oversees the Accounting department and Accounting Manager; and participates in monthly meetings of the Board of Directors.

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• With the members of the Executive Team and key leaders, collaborate in researching, developing, and implementing strategic initiatives and participate in key decisions affecting the company
• Develop financial models, reporting, and data to help guide strategic decisions
• Prepare budgets and financial forecasts and projections, monitors and performs periodic reviews
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly financial statements, reports, and analyses for the Board of Directors, Executive and Leadership Team
• Responsible for and oversees month-end and year-end close process
• Direct and oversee physical inventory counts and inventory data accuracy
• Oversee real estate activities, including managing tenant/landlord relationships, leasing strategies, lease related reporting and monitoring, property acquisitions and sales, property tax matters
• Direct cash management and investing activities; monitor cash balances and cash forecasts, arrange for financing as needed; maintain banking relationships
• Plan and direct the annual financial statement review and retirement plan audit by external CPA firm; preside over relationships with independent auditors
• Direct federal, state and local tax planning and preparation; collaborate with external CPA firm on federal income tax filings
• Ensure that effective internal controls and accounting systems are in place, ensure compliance with GAAP and federal, state and local regulatory laws
• Direct the company's business insurance activities
• Collaborate with the HR Director to provide leadership regarding employee compensation and benefits
• Fulfill fiduciary responsibilities with respect to the 401(k) Plan
• Participate in college store and other industry group activities, keeping informed of current trends and practices

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Accounting or Finance degree (BS/BA/MBA)
• CPA License
• Public accounting background (preferred)
• Excellent practical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial statement preparation and reporting
• 5+ years accounting management experience
• Preference for experience in retail and academic environments, real estate, investing and cash management, business insurance, employee benefits, accounting, and federal and Washington State tax
• Proficiency with Microsoft programs, and higher-level functionality in Microsoft Excel
• Must be proficient with modern ERP systems, NetSuite knowledge a plus
• Must have experience in financial processes, procedures and systems, financial reporting, and strategic planning

DESIRED SKILLS AND MINDSETS:

• A desire to succeed and grow professionally
• High level of personal integrity and reliability
• Ability to lead, mentor and motivate others with empathy and congeniality
• Mindset that strives for continuous improvement, with the ability to ask questions, learn from others, and collaboratively implement change and problem solve
• Strategic decision maker able to analyze complex situations, work under pressure, and effectively plan and delegate
• Ability to work hard while maintaining a sense of humor
• Strong and professional verbal, written communication, and presentation skills, and ability to communicate well at all levels within the organization
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, and flexibility to manage rotating priorities
• Possess both attention to detail and higher-level analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Alignment to Store goals, values, and mission