About Us
Sparks is a live + digital brand experience agency. We specialize in creating connection–-real human connection–-onsite, online, or anywhere. Through a mix of sound strategy, breakthrough creative and flawless execution, we create memorable trade show exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations, retail stores, corporate environments and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust--and we do it all over the world.
Summary
Reporting to the CFO, the VP Controller will bring strong accounting leadership, process improvements, and financial oversight to support the company's growth and long-term success. In this key leadership role, the Controller will oversee financial statements, manage accounting operations, enforce internal controls, and ensure compliance with GAAP standards.
This position will support our Accounting team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office 3 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based out of Philadelphia, PA.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Enhance team productivity and effectiveness by developing and implementing key performance indicators (KPIs) and documented process flows.
- Establishment and documentation of internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting policies.
- Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure accurate and robust financial management and compliance.
- Responsible for Sparks corporate and branch accountants. 3D, Plexus, BaAM and EMEA Accounting reports indirectly to the VP Controller.
- Lead and manage the accounting staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
- Ensure compliance with financial and accounting regulations, including GAAP, SOX, and other relevant standards.
- Properly reconcile accounts within the ERP system to maintain accurate financial records.
- Ensure accurate job costing and analyze job margins to optimize profitability.
- Collaborate with the Sales Team, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) department, and other executives to prepare and manage budgets.
- Prepare and manage financial reports and documents, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
- Perform financial risk assessments and conduct internal audits to identify and mitigate potential financial risks.
- Assist with corporate financial decisions, providing strategic insights and recommendations to senior management.
- Stay current with industry trends, financial regulations, and best practices to drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, and 10+ years of accounting/finance experience including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- CPA required. MBA a plus.
- In-depth knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and compliance requirements.
- Strategic thinker and executor.
- Team Builder.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills, collaboration, independent reasoning, discretion, and judgment with applied business acumen.
- Experience overseeing a complex reporting structure.
- Proficient in Google Drive and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of the events and trade shows industry.
- Experience with ERP systems (NS) implementations and financial software.
- Strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a team player.
- Ability to operate within a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Travel Requirements
Travel up to 25%
What We Offer
Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Parental Leave
- Life, Accident and Disability
- Retirement with Company Match
- Paid Time Off
Diversity Commitment
At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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