Senior Vice President, Finance Strategy & Operations

Lemonada Media seeks a full-time Senior Vice President of Finance Strategy & Operations to support our growing, venture-backed media start up. The SVP manages the critical function of finance at Lemonada and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, with oversight and engagement on all aspects of the business. The SVP manages the Managing Director, Finance Operations, & Reporting as well as outsourced accounting support; is a member of the Executive Leadership Team; and works with Lemonada’s Board of Directors and key financial advisors. Potential for further growth within the role over time, including promotion to CFO.

Roles & Responsibilities

As the SVP of Finance Strategy & Operations at Lemonada Media, you will be a main advisor to the executive team and key player in shaping and guiding our financial operations. You should be well versed in accounting, business analysis, financial management, and operations.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

Financial Strategy:

• Set the vision for Lemonada’s overall finance strategy and operations, including org-wide and unit-based budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, and financial reporting
• Directly lead all cash management, investment, insurance, budgeting, and business case management
• Monitor and maximize liquidity and provide recommendations to ensure strong ROI
• Identify and establish a scalable approach and systems that will work as collaboration and communication tools across sales, operations, finance, and other functions
• Develop an extensive understanding of organizational bylaws and governance policies for compliance as well as monitor and mitigate risks associated with business operations and finance   
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations
• Analyze data and apply a deep understanding of audio advertising and ongoing trends to make continual improvements as well as serve as a trusted advisor throughout the organization
• Proactively evaluate and manage capital structure (debt and equity)
• Monitor business performance and timely develop and implement  corrective measures as needed
• Manage and improve pricing tools for effectively and efficiently pricing new deals and offers
• Advise on and review contract language related to revenue and payment terms
• Support talent relations and talent acquisitions, support CEO, CCO, and the executive team

Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Establish a scalable approach and systems that will work as collaboration and communication tools across sales, operations, and finance
• Work closely with the sales teams to enhance billing systems and tracking for sales and business pipelines
• Provide strategic vision around revenue generation, and oversee revenue expansion 
• Collaborate on financial strategies to optimize sales and business performance and efficiency
• Provide financial insights to support marketing decisions and allocate adequate resources to marketing initiatives
• Ensure departmental budget is aligned with company’s financial goals

Accounts Payable/Receivable:

• Oversee team members responsible for billing, receivables, contract payments, etc. and ensure payment accuracy and timeliness
• Develop a sophisticated approach to cash flow management by overseeing day-to-day accounting, recording, reporting, and internal control activities 
• Manage and scale financial IT systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory entities 
• Overall, proactively manage the working capital position of Lemonada

Financial Reporting:

• Maintain and track real-time progress to goal for company-wide KPIs, including revenue recognition, audience growth, and expense management
• Own the process of drafting comprehensive board and investor materials, while effectively communicating all intricacies regarding the financial performance of Lemonada
• Analyze data and provide action-oriented insights to the Executive Leadership Team, Board members, and other stakeholders
• Oversee required reporting to foundation and other partners
• Provide monthly reports to the bank and prepare external reporting to the board and investors as well as comprehensively address follow-up inquiries
• Liaise with external accountants and internal team for month-end close and partner statements

Process Optimization:

• Develop best-in-class systems to manage key documents, including Board and investor materials and team budgeting
• Maintain reporting and compliance systems using tools like Carta
• Ensure efficient and timely delivery of materials to stakeholders
• Develop systems for cost controls and efficiency 
• Analyze internal operations and identify areas for cost reduction and/or process improvement 

Skills and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this role will possess the following qualifications:

• 10+ years of finance and accounting experience, including hands-on experience in the advertising and media industries
• 5+ years in finance executive leadership roles, actively collaborating with the C-suite and institutional investors
• Extensive knowledge of and experience leading finance and accounting for a media company; experience in ad-based revenue, especially podcasting, radio, audio, or linear television required
• Strong understanding of accounting principles including ASC 606, financial analysis, and financial reporting
• Comprehensive experience in process improvement, technology implementations, and process optimizations in financial and accounting functions
• High attention to detail and intrinsic motivation
• Proficient in analyzing data and financial trends
• Ability to effectively multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to convey financial information to non-finance colleagues.
• Familiarity with corporate tax returns
• Experience with financial tools like QuickBooks, Bill.com, Teampay, or similar
• Collaborative spirit with organizational core values alignment (empathetic, mission-driven and honest)

Employment Logistics

This position is full-time. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. We also offer Medical, Dental, Vision benefits, Life and ST Disability Insurance, Medical and Dependent Care FSA, 401K and Flexible PTO to all full-time employees in addition to a generous holiday schedule, including 2 weeks of org-wide shared time off in December.

Expected Start Date: Spring-Summer 2024

Location: Remote. Limited travel required.

Salary:  $150,000-$185,000 with flexibility based on experience

To Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and any other materials you’d like to share here.  For any specific questions please email hiring [at] lemonadamedia [dot] com.