Director of Finance

Director of FinanceCompany: Confidential client (a leading manufacturer and food distributor in Puerto Rico) Location: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico (on-site) Employment type: Full-time, exempt Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / General ManagerOur client is one of Puerto Rico's established names in food manufacturing and distribution. It supplies retailers, foodservice operators, and institutional customers across the island. The company has a long record of growth, runs integrated production and distribution, and is investing in its financial infrastructure to support its next stage of expansion.Job SummaryThe Director of Finance leads all financial operations for the organization, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, tax compliance and internal controls. As a strategic partner to executive leadership, this person turns financial data into decisions on pricing, product and route profitability, inventory, capital investment and working capital. The role manages the finance and accounting team and makes sure the company meets all local and federal financial and tax obligations.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership & StrategyLead the annual budget, rolling forecasts and long-range financial plan in partnership with executive leadership.Give leadership monthly analysis of performance against budget, key variances and recommended actions.Build and track KPIs for manufacturing and distribution, such as gross margin by product line and customer, cost per case, route profitability, inventory turns and days sales outstanding (DSO).Evaluate capital expenditure requests, equipment investments and expansion opportunities through ROI and cash-flow analysis.Accounting & ReportingOversee the full accounting cycle, including month-end and year-end close, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, and payroll accounting.Make sure financial statements are accurate, timely and GAAP-compliant.Manage the relationship with external auditors and lead the annual audit.Oversee cost accounting for manufacturing operations, including standard costing, bills of materials, production variances and COGS analysis.Treasury & Working CapitalManage cash flow, liquidity and banking relationships, including credit facilities and loan covenant compliance.Improve working capital through inventory control, collection practices and vendor payment terms.Oversee customer credit policies and credit risk management.Tax & Regulatory ComplianceKeep the company compliant with Puerto Rico and federal tax obligations. This includes income tax, Sales and Use Tax (IVU), municipal license taxes (patentes municipales), CRIM property taxes and filings through the Departamento de Hacienda (SURI).Work with external tax advisors on planning, including any applicable tax incentive decrees.Maintain internal controls, policies and procedures that protect company assets and support audit readiness.Team Leadership & SystemsLead, develop and mentor the finance and accounting team, setting clear goals and accountability.Drive process improvement and automation in the ERP and financial reporting tools.Work with Operations, Sales, Procurement and Logistics on financial decisions across the business.RequirementsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.At least 8 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, including at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.Experience in manufacturing, food distribution, consumer goods or a similar operations-heavy industry.Strong knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting and financial reporting.Working knowledge of Puerto Rico tax requirements (Hacienda, IVU, CRIM, patentes municipales).Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite) and advanced Excel.Business-level fluency in Spanish and English, written and spoken. This is needed to communicate with local vendors, government agencies, auditors and U.S.-based partners.Authorization to work in the United States.Preferred QualificationsCertified Public Accountant (CPA), preferably licensed in Puerto Rico, or a CMA or MBA.Experience with inventory-intensive operations, including perishable goods, cold chain or route-based distribution.Experience leading an ERP implementation or finance transformation.Familiarity with Puerto Rico tax incentive programs.Core CompetenciesStrategic and analytical thinkingBusiness partnership and executive communicationIntegrity and sound judgment with confidential informationLeadership and team developmentProcess improvement and attention to detailWork Environment & Physical RequirementsThis is an on-site position at the company's Vega Baja facility. The role is mainly office-based and involves long periods of computer work. It also includes periodic visits to production, warehouse and distribution areas, which may be noisy or temperature-controlled (including cold storage). Occasional travel within Puerto Rico may be required.The essential functions of this role must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.What We OfferCompetitive base salary and annual performance bonusMedical, dental and vision coverageRetirement planPaid vacation and sick leave in accordance with Puerto Rico law, plus company holidaysChristmas bonus (Bono de Navidad) as required by Puerto Rico lawOpportunity to shape the financial strategy of a respected Puerto Rico companyEqual Employment Opportunity StatementOur client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or social origin, social condition, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation or beliefs, military or veteran status, status as a victim or perceived victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other characteristic protected by federal law or Puerto Rico law. This includes Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, the ADEA, GINA and Puerto Rico Law No. 100 of 1959, as amended.In keeping with Puerto Rico's Equal Pay Act (Act 16-2017), applicants will not be asked about their salary history.Reasonable AccommodationApplicants who need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process may contact PeopleLift at catiana@peoplelift.com. Accommodation requests are handled confidentially.