Job Responsibilities
I manage the Finances and Operations of a 250 person, privately
held, Architectural/Engineering/Environmental Company, serving
the Western United States. I report to the CEO, and am
responsible for profitablity of the company, as well as
maintaining our financial position.
Half of my time is spent working with Department Director's
assisting them in managing their groups. A quarter of my time is
spent reviewing and approving financial and other management
reports before they are published. The balance of my time is
spent searching for better metrics with which to analyze current
and predict future performance, enhancing employee benefits
packages, whatever is important to our growth and profitability.
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Job Requirements
I am in the first year of my EMBA Program. The classes are
preassigned, so there is no problem getitng classes. The quality
has been very good to date. I am amazed at how much material can
be covered (and learned) in a semester. Grading is fair, and the
professors are a step above what I have been exposed to in the
past. Workload is manageable, along with a full time job and
family.
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Uppers
Implementing new programs to increase profitability.
Developing new metrics to analyze and predict performance.
Turning around a division of the company as needed to increase or maintain
profitability.
Analyzing small companies that fit our business model for possible acquisition.
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Downers
Downsizing, sometimes required when a division has peaked due to
an external shock that temporarily increased our business, or due
to the normal business cycle.
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Lifestyle
I work 45 to 50 hours per week, Monday thru Friday. I travel for business
approximately 6 times per year, normally 2 day trips to visit a regional office.
I attend our Corporate Christmas party, and at least one of our Regional Office
Christmas Parties, an annual weekend Corporate Retreat for managers, and
impromptu staff luncheons once a month. Dress code is business casual.
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Compensation
Base between $100,000 - $150,000. Bonus from $25,000 - $50,000.
Standard benefits package, including Health Insurance, vacation,
401(K) etc.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Start out in an accounting department and learn the numbers side
of the business, including financial statements. Then try to get
a position in operations, where you direct P & L responsibility.
Understanding both sides of the business is critical to beconing
an effective CFO or Business Manager.
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