Chief Financial Officer & Vice President of Administration

Chief Financial Officer & Vice President of Administration

Bellingham, WA (Home Office)

Smith Gardens is a wholesale nursery company that is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, and has been family owned for over 100 years with facilities in three states.

This key executive role will oversee the company’s financial health, human resources, risk management, and technology and ERP initiatives. The CFO will collaborate closely with the CEO and other department leaders to drive strategic goals, optimize financial performance, and ensure the operational success of the company.

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s financial strategy to support Smith Gardens’ growth, profitability, and sustainability.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with business goals.
• Provide the CEO and Advisory Board with timely, insightful financial performance data, risks & opportunities and strategic recommendations.
• Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulations and accounting standards.

• Partner with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to define and execute the company’s long-term strategic vision.
• Lead the company’s financial and operational planning, driving decision-making processes that enhance business performance.
• Ensure effective resource allocation through financial and operational management.
• Guide the strategic development and implementation of growth initiatives, ensuring that all financial and operational objectives are met.

• Human Resources (HR) & Labor Planning:
  Oversee the HR Director in managing employee recruitment, retention, development, and compliance with employment laws. Ensure effective compensation, benefits, and retirement plans are in place.
• Information Technology (IT):
  Collaborated closely with the IT Director to ensure technology strategies aligned with financial and operational goals. Provide oversight of ERP system implementation and optimization to drive cost efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and support scalable growth. Support technology investments that enhanced data integrity, cybersecurity, and cross-functional process integration.
• Risk & Safety:
  Oversee the Risk and Safety Director to ensure effective risk management, insurance coverage, compliance with industry regulations, and a safe working environment.
• Controller & Financial Reporting:
  Lead the Controller in ensuring accurate budgeting, financial reporting, accounting operations, timely closing of financial statements, and adherence to accounting principles. Drive improvements in financial reporting processes and performance tracking.
• Cost and Inventory Management:
  Lead the Cost and Inventory Manager to optimize cost control measures, inventory management, and operational efficiency to maximize profitability.

• Provide financial reporting systems that provide timely and accurate insights to senior leadership and the Advisory Board and Leadership.
• Ensure the creation and maintenance of detailed financial models and performance tracking systems to guide operational decision-making.
• Management of corporate governance for related parties’ LLC & Trusts and financial and legal aspects of M&A activity.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with senior leadership, stakeholders, and employees.
• Expertise in financial management of accounting, reporting, budgeting, cash flow, capital & financial analysis, and forecasting.
• Demonstrated success in ERP system selection, implementation, and optimization.
• Experience managing banking relationships, insurance programs, and legal compliance.
• Committed to continuous education, professional growth, and fostering development in others.
• Managing knowledge of HR functions, labor planning, and workforce budgeting.
• Dedicated to promoting a safety culture and strong IS security systems.
• Ability to drive long-term financial strategies while ensuring operational…