Director of Finance

Ready to make a big impact? Wow Bao is on the hunt for a passionate and strategic Director of Finance.  The Director of Finance will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO/President and executive team, overseeing all financial operations and driving the company’s growth objectives.  This role requires deep expertise in CPG and food manufacturing, with a proven ability to scale operations, optimize profitability, and ensure financial integrity across multiple business channels.This role will be highly visible in the organization and will be a key influencer in helping the company achieve its long-term goals. This is achieved through a thorough analysis of financial and operational data to support forecasting, budget planning, and adherence, building strong connections with Wow Bao's internal and external stakeholders, and developing a forward-looking, strategic vision. This position will report directly to the CEO/President and requires 5 days a week on-site in Chicago, Illinois.Why Join Wow Bao?Join the adventure Be part of a fast-growing, innovative brand that’s shaping the future of foodMake an impact. Opportunity to shape financial strategy during a pivotal expansion phase.Collaborative and creative.  Thrive in an entrepreneurial culture that values bold ideas and big growth.Bao-tastic perks  Enjoy all the delicious, flavorful bao you can handleABOUT WOW BAOAt Wow Bao, we believe that life is too short for uninspired food.  We’re here to transform the Asian Street Food experience from every day and expected to extraordinary and inventive. Wow Bao is the fastest growing Frozen Asian Snack brand in the United States  Through strategic relationships with retail partners Wow Bao is now available in over 16,000 grocery stores nationwideWow Bao has a proud history of delivering restaurant-quality food, beginning in 2003 with the opening of our first location. Since then, we’ve grown into an omni-channel brand, serving guests through our retail business, food service, Chicago restaurants, airports, virtual kitchens, and universities. Today, we’re excited to take the next step in our journey with the launch of our corporate-owned food manufacturing plant—positioning Wow Bao for continued growth across all verticals.Wow Bao is the only brand to be recognized three times by Fast Casual magazine as a Top 100 Movers & Shaker. Ranked no. 1 in 2019 and 2022 and no. 4 in 2023, we are the only brand to have taken home the honor more than once. WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF CARINGAt Wow Bao, every team member leads from a place of care. Whether it’s our guests or employees, we put people first.  We strive to inspire, motivate, and appreciate one another every day.  We live by the golden rule and treat everyone with kindness, empathy, respect, and a healthy dose of humor.  We take our work, not ourselves, seriously.RequirementsAssess and evaluate financial performance in the context of long-term operational goals, budgets, and forecasts.Build, maintain, and update financial analyses and tools to continuously monitor performance and health of all business channels.Manage cash and working capital through proper planning and forecasting.Build financial forecasting models to evaluate impacts of strategic and operational initiatives including new product launches, supply chain improvements, etc.Work closely with Wow Bao’s CEO/President and Board of Directors on key business decisions and building long-term strategic plans, annual capital/operating plans, budgets, as well as tactical initiatives.Prepare weekly operational reports for Management team summarizing the performance of the various business channels.Manage external consultants working on data analysis and reporting.Partner with operations to improve cost efficiency in food manufacturing and CPG distribution. Implement systems for inventory management, cost accounting, and margin optimization.Prepare monthly financial reporting to investors and Board of Directors.Oversee tax planning and audit. Work with external auditors to deliver annual audits.Work with various company departments, including our Marketing team, to help manage and monitor spend, return on invested capital (ROIC), and other key operational metrics.Perform ad-hoc analysis to help drive decision-making on strategic and/or tactical initiatives.Monitor and help manage pricing of Wow Bao’s products through its various revenue channels.Lead the creation and execution of bonus compensation plans while working closely with CEO/President.Participate in pivotal decisions as they relate to strategic initiatives, operational models, and manufacturing capacity expansion.Maintain outstanding banking relationships and other strategic relationships with vendors and business partners.Work as a liaison between Wow Bao and the company’s product manufacturers and distributors. Find, recommend, and collaborate with other team members to execute margin improvement initiatives.Lead cross-functional strategic plan and annual budget process.Create Investor Relation / Board Level presentation decks.Manage insurance renewals (non-health).Collaborate with Human Resources on payroll, health insurance renewals, 401(k) fiduciary responsibilities, including risk & liability management.Provide mentorship, development, and training to the members of the Finance team.Be available to assist and work during Wow Bao offsite events as needed.Assist with responsibilities and duties in other departments and as assigned by management.Perform calmly and effectively in an extremely busy and fast-paced work environment.Other tasks and projects assigned on an as needed basis. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSMinimum 10+ years in Finance, Accounting, or related field.  Proven experience in CPG and food manufacturing industries.Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required; MBA, CPA, or advanced degree is preferred Track record of scaling businesses and managing multi-channel operations.Sense of urgency and focus on results.Partake in a professional and positive work environment.Proficiency in Tableau for data visualization and reporting.Analytical mindset with expertise in using data to make informed business decisions.Excellent communication and project management skills, with the ability to manage external partnerships and internal stakeholders.Excellent reading, writing, and oral proficiency of the English language.Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.Perform calmly and effectively in a fast-paced work environment. The salary range for this position is between $160,000 to $180,000. The actual salary amount will vary depending on the applicant’s experience, skills and abilities as well as internal equity and market data. Wow Bao is an Equal Opportunity Employer.BenefitsHealth Insurance (medical, dental, vision)401(k) Retirement PlanVoluntary life insuranceVoluntary disability insurancePaid Time OffPaid Sick LeaveRestaurant discountsEmployee Discount Programs with Perkspot and Working AdvantageWe foster a culture of CARE