Director of Finance And Accounting

Our Chicago based Cannabis Client is seeking a hands-on, experienced Director of Finance to lead the day-to-day finance and accounting function for a complex, multi-entity cannabis organization. This is a great opportunity for someone to break into the rapidly growing cannabis industry with a reputable company known for positive culture and quality product. The ideal candidate will have start-up experience and likes getting into the weeds (no pun intended)!The Director will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, cash management, budgeting and forecasting, payroll and benefits accounting, tax-process coordination, and the development of reliable financial controls and procedures. This role is designed for an operational finance leader. The Director will be responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, and usefulness of the company's financial information and will translate that information into practical insights for senior leadership and operating teams. The Director will work closely with external accounting, tax, banking, and other professional advisors, while remaining accountable for internal execution and follow-through.

Payroll and Benefits Financial Oversight Provide leadership and oversight to the payroll and benefits finance function, in close partnership with Human Resources. Ensure adequate cash is available for timely payroll, benefit contributions, retirement- plan contributions, workers' compensation payments, and other employee-related obligations. Oversee payroll and benefits reconciliations, accounting entries, deductions, funding, and related audits. Maintain appropriate controls over payroll changes, approvals, reconciliations, and issue resolution. Tax, Audit and External Advisor Coordination Oversee the timely preparation and filing process for sales, cannabis, privilege, payroll, and other recurring taxes, using external advisors where appropriate. Coordinate with external tax accountants by providing complete and accurate financial information, responding to accounting questions, and project-managing filing calendars and deadlines. Support external reviews, audits, tax examinations, and other financial diligence by organizing records, preparing schedules, and coordinating responses. Manage the internal preparation and documentation needed for external accounting firms to complete reviewed or audited financial statements. Escalate technical tax positions, complex accounting judgments, capital-structurematters, and other specialized issues to the CEO and appropriate external advisors. Systems, Controls & Continuous Improvement Evaluate and improve accounting systems, reporting tools, workflows, and integrations across point-of-sale, inventory, banking, payroll, and general-ledger platforms. Strengthen controls appropriate for a cash-intensive, highly regulated, multi-entitybusiness. Establish clear financial calendars, ownership, review checkpoints, and documentation standards. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, visibility, and scalability without compromising compliance or control.