Vice President of Finance
Department : Operations
Employment Type : Full Time
Location : Minneapolis, MN
Reporting To : Founder + CEO
Compensation : $160,000 - $175,000 / year
Description
At The Social Lights, we’re a band of creative and energetic problem solvers who love nothing more than to help brands and individuals powerfully connect to their consumer by utilizing the power of social media. In other words, We help brands Decode Culture to Activate Fandoms on social media .
The Vice President of Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the financial health, scalability, and long-term sustainability of The Social Lights. This leader will shape and execute the agency’s financial compliance and strategy, oversee fiscal operations, and act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team. They will also build and develop a high‑performing finance and accounting team that serves as a strategic partner to the business.
Essential Functions
The Vice President of Finance, a senior leadership team (SLT) member, oversees financial strategy, planning, reporting, and compliance, ensuring the agency’s resources are aligned with its growth and long‑term goals.
- Shape the financial vision, including discipline structure, processes, and talent development, to align with agency goals
- Influence cross-disciplinary, agency-wide leadership decisions (financial targeting, KPIs and dashboard management, strategic expansion)
- Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, President, COO and leadership team by providing insights, financial modeling, and scenario planning
Specific responsibilities include :
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Oversee annual budgeting, mid‑year forecasting, and long‑term financial modelingOversee the reporting and monitoring of KPIs (e.g., client acquisition cost, revenue per client, revenue per employee, EBITDA margins)Conduct scenario modeling to guide strategic choices and agency expansion and investmentAccounting & Reporting
Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controlsEnsure complete, accurate and timely monthly / quarterly / annual closingsManage annual audit, tax processes, and coordination with external accounting partnersCash Flow & Capital Management
Manage cash flow and working capital to support operational and growth needsIdentify and implement financing strategies when necessary (e.g., loans, investments)Evaluate pricing models and contract terms to maintain profitabilityTeam Leadership
Build and lead a high-performing finance and accounting teamFoster a culture of finance as a “business partner” through accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaborationProvide mentorship, professional development, and career growth paths for finance team membersCompliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with tax, legal, and regulatory requirementsIdentify financial and operational risks and implement mitigation strategiesMaintain appropriate insurance coverage and risk frameworks in partnership with OperationsSenior Leadership Team
Participate as an engaged member of the senior leadership team alongside the CEO, President, VPs, and Sr. DirectorsAct as a steward of the company finances and resources, shaping the annual budget, company initiatives, quarterly forecasts, and financial reviewsPartner with cross-functional leaders to align financial discipline with agency operations, marketing, and client deliveryContribute to strategic decisions, tentpole company events, and annual planning processesActively participate in executive recruitment, hiring, and onboarding for finance and leadership rolesTravel Expectations
If not located locally in Minnesota, the Vice President of Finance will travel to Minneapolis on a monthly basis and as needed to engage with the team and participate in leadership activities. Additional travel may be required for agency, partner, or industry engagements. Expected travel, approximately 15–20%.
Reporting Structure
Reports to the CEO1 Direct ReportSkills, Knowledge and Expertise
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA required)12+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, preferably in professional services.Strong understanding of service‑based revenue models, project costing, and margin analysisProven success leading budgeting, forecasting, and financial operations in a high‑growth companyExperience managing vendor contracts and analyzing spend (advertising / media experience a plus)Exceptional communication and leadership skillsProficiency in financial software (e.g., QuickBooks) and Excel / Google SheetsPassion for marketing, digital innovation, and working in a creative environmentDemonstrated leadership integrity and ability to build trust as a dependable partnerThis job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Specific functions may change, or additional ones may be assigned during employmentThis job description is not designed to cover or encompass a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Specific functions may change, or additional ones may be assigned during employmentBenefits
Medical InsuranceDental InsuranceVoluntary Vision InsuranceHSA with Company Contribution401k with Company MatchPaid Time OffTechnology EnablementSummer Hours + Flexible Work OptionsPet-Friendly OfficeExecutive CoachingExecutive Parking (MN only)#J-18808-Ljbffr