Controller - Hybrid

Frances Valentine is a New York-based modern lifestyle brand founded in 2016 by Elyce Arons and Kate & Andy Spade.  The Frances Valentine distinct aesthetic is made up of original, vintage-modern apparel and accessory designs created to delight and brighten your life. Frances Valentine has a unique way of viewing the world which we aim to translate to our customers through our joyful products.

We believe that style is personal and products should be able to be worn today, tomorrow and twenty years from now. We have committed to producing items that are of extremely high quality with the intention that they can remain in your closet for decades and passed on to next generations.

Frances Valentine is seeking a seasoned accounting professional to serve as a Controller to support the company’s growth. We are seeking an experienced professional who will be responsible for the accurate and timely financial management of the organization, and oversee administrative matters including insurance and compliance.  The successful applicant will be responsible for maximizing accounting and other software, accounting operations, automation of accounting functions and financial reports, and accurate maintenance of accounting records.  

As a trusted senior leader on our team, the Controller will be a key voice in developing the foundation, team, systems, and processes to support our growth. He or she will understand how to partner with senior leaders across the organization and effectively communicate technical accounting at the right level to help stakeholders understand why something is important.  

 Essential Duties:

• Work with President to establish, implement and maintain effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Prepare financial statements and forecasts that accurately communicate the financial state of business
• Issue timely, accurate and complete financial statements and analysis
• Oversee outsourced accounting team and evaluate which processes to bring in-house.
• Evaluate existing accounting systems and processes and implement changes to create efficiencies
• Assist senior management and product team on inventory management and control
• Develop internal control guidelines, policies, and procedures for budget accounting, cash and credit management, administration, and other activities
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements and professional standards (GAAP)
• Manage the annual budget process and interim reforecasts
• Work closely with senior management team on ad-hoc projects and analysis
• Identify areas of efficiencies and expense management
• Ensure compliance with state filing requirements for sales tax and permits
• Lead administrative functions such as insurance and lease management.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate  is a naturally inquisitive, deeply analytical, with strong interpersonal communication skills, particularly in delivering data-driven insights. He or she will have prior experience building and creating new processes, coupled with an extensive knowledge of accounting and cost control principles; including full knowledge of all aspects of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This is a hands-on role, requiring both high level thinking and the execution of finance-related activities. 

Required Skills:

• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and accountability for results-orientation
• Strong problem solving and creative skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
• 9+ years accounting experience; experience in both public accounting and the retail/eCommerce industry strongly preferred
• 3+ years closing books in NetSuite required
• Fashion industry experience preferred
• Fundamental understanding of financial statements
• Ability to retrieve and analyze information from various financial and operational systems

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

​Benefits Include:

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance plus numerous voluntary supplemental options (ex: Short-term and Long-term Disability, among others). Other perks include hybrid work schedule, a beautiful, open office environment overlooking Bryant Park, and a generous employee discount.