Joseph Phelps founded his winery in the heart of Napa Valley in 1973. 50 years later, the wines of Joseph Phelps Vineyards are recognized around the world for their top quality. Joseph instilled the values of excellence, growth, respect and gratitude in everything that we do. Acquired by Moet Hennessy in the fall of 2022, Joseph Phelps Vineyards is poised to embark on our next 50 years of history, dedicated to preserving Joseph’s pioneering spirit and visionary inspiration.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is embarking on a journey to confirm its place amongst the most globally recognized and desired wines. We are committed to producing wines of the highest quality, expressing the unique terroir of our vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Our Home Ranch is the beating heart of Joseph Phelps; a truly exceptional place where our guests can experience and engage in the diverse world of winegrowing, farming and the culinary arts.
SUMMARY:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the senior executive responsible for the financial leadership, stewardship, and long-term fiscal health of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Maison President, the CFO will shape and execute financial strategy, provide disciplined decision support, protect company assets, and ensure the integrity of the company's financial operations and reporting.
The CFO will lead accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, tax, audit, internal controls, and financial systems. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will serve as a strategic partner to the Maison President, translating business strategy into actionable financial plans, driving long-term value creation, optimizing capital allocation, and providing insights that support sustainable growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
Treasury, Cash Flow, and Capital Allocation
- Oversee cash management, liquidity planning, banking relationships, and treasury operations.
- Develop reliable cash flow forecasts and ensure adequate liquidity to meet operating needs, strategic priorities, and capital commitments.
- Advise the Maison President on capital structure, working capital, financing alternatives, and allocation of financial resources.
- Lead financial evaluation and governance of capital expenditures, including business cases, approval recommendations, and post-investment reviews.
- Optimize working capital through disciplined oversight of receivables, payables, inventory, and cash conversion.
Tax, Compliance, Risk, and Internal Control
- Oversee federal, state, local, and other applicable tax matters in coordination with internal resources and external advisors.
- Ensure compliance with financial, accounting, tax, banking, and related regulatory requirements, as well as internal policies and delegated authorities.
- Lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of internal controls, including controls over financial reporting.
- Partner with leadership and appropriate advisors to identify, assess, and mitigate financial and enterprise risks, including insurance-related exposures.
- Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, transparency, and sound financial discipline throughout the organization.
Leadership and Organizational Partnership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance organization with clear accountability, strong succession planning, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Strengthen technical, analytical, leadership, and business-partnering capabilities across the finance function.
- Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture while maintaining strong financial stewardship and governance.
- Communicate complex financial concepts effectively to diverse audiences and influence decision-making across the organization.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including ownership representatives, auditors, financial institutions, tax advisors, insurers, and business partners.
KEY LEADERSHIP OUTCOMES
- High-quality, timely, and transparent financial reporting.
- A disciplined planning and forecasting process that improves visibility and decision-making.
- Strong cash management, working capital performance, and capital allocation.
- A robust internal control and compliance environment.
- Insightful financial partnership that supports sustainable growth and profitability.
- A capable, engaged, and business-oriented finance organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven success as a CFO or senior finance executive with broad responsibility for accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, tax, audit, internal controls, and business partnership.
- 15 or more years of progressive finance experience, including significant senior leadership responsibility in a complex operating environment.
- Strong command of financial reporting, accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, working capital, capital planning, financial modeling, and performance management.
- Demonstrated ability to advise senior executives, influence enterprise decisions, and balance growth opportunities with financial discipline and risk management.
- Experience leading finance for a multi-entity or complex business structure; experience within a global or group reporting environment is preferred.
- Experience improving financial systems, processes, reporting, and internal controls.
- Demonstrated experience leading finance transformation initiatives, including process improvement, systems implementation, reporting enhancements, and organizational capability building.
- Experience in wine, consumer products, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, or another inventory-intensive business is preferred; winery operations and cost accounting experience are a plus.
- Ability to work effectively with auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, insurers, and other external advisors.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly and credibly.
- High personal and professional integrity, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, resilience, and respect for diverse perspectives.
- Collaborative and action-oriented leadership style, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and accountability.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or a related field required.
- CPA, MBA, or other relevant advanced degree or professional credential strongly preferred.
