Tierra Encantada HQ
Vice President of Finance & Accounting
Tierra Encantada HQ, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Tierra Encantada is the fastest-growing Spanish immersion early education company in the U.S., delivering high-quality care and education to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Backed by a $30M investment from a premier minority investor and on track to double in size every 12-18 months for the next five years, we are scaling nationally with purpose and speed. Our award-winning concept has earned repeated recognition - including the Financial Times' The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies, Inc. Magazine's 10 Hottest Franchise Businesses in America, and Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 50 Franchise Companies Championing Diversity. This is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal inflection point in its growth journey.
The
Vice President of Finance & Accounting
will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team (ELT), reporting to the CEO, and responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including FP&A, accounting, purchasing, and audit functions. This strategic leader will partner closely with the CEO, ELT, board, and private equity sponsors to drive financial performance, scale operations, and implement best-in-class processes and technologies. The VP of Finance & Accounting will lead a growing team to support the organization's continued expansion and ensure a strong control environment. The current team includes an Accounting Manager, Finance Analyst, Buyer, and two Staff Accountants. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy
Lead all FP&A, accounting, purchasing, and audit activities for the organization, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting. Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors. Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the company's growth objectives. Prepare board materials, investor reports, and presentations; communicate key business drivers and financial results. Serve as the primary finance liaison with private equity sponsors.
Team Leadership & Development
Manage and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team. Oversee the performance and development of team members, fostering their professional growth.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and systems, leveraging technology to automate and streamline workflows. Enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and the quality of internal controls. Lead the implementation and optimization of financial software and reporting tools.
Accounting, Audit & Compliance
Oversee all accounting functions, including monthly/quarterly/annual close processes, consolidations, and financial statement preparation. Manage external audits and ensure compliance with GAAP and all relevant regulatory requirements. Maintain and refine internal control policies and procedures.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis
Lead the organization's budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with rapid growth objectives. Conduct in-depth analysis of business performance, trends, and KPIs to inform strategic decision-making and operational optimization. Develop financial models and deliver insights that drive new center openings, greenfield and acquisition strategies, and continuous improvement across the existing business.
Compliance & Risk Management
Oversee enterprise risk management practices to ensure financial and operational resilience across a rapidly growing multi-site organization. Manage company insurance programs - including general liability, property, D&O, Franchisor, and cyber liability - ensuring adequate coverage and cost efficiency. Identify and assess potential financial and operational risks; implement mitigation strategies and internal controls in partnership with operations teams. Monitor regulatory changes and evolving business risks to proactively adjust coverage and financial safeguards.
Other duties and projects, as assigned Position Requirements Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field. CPA strongly preferred. 12+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or related roles, ideally within a high-growth, multi-unit and/or franchise environment. Experience working with private equity sponsors or in a PE-backed company is highly desirable. Demonstrated track record of implementing technology and process improvements in a scaling organization. Proven ability to manage accounting functions end-to-end, including audit, compliance, and team leadership. Strong business acumen, with the ability to influence at all levels and work towards critical deadlines. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style with a focus on results and accountability. Compensation & Benefits Salary range is $180,000 - $200,000 and depends on qualifications, education, and experience. This position is eligible for an annual performance bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, 12 paid holidays, PTO accrual of 160 hours, 401(k) with 3% employer match, discounted childcare and waitlist priority for enrollment, company paid professional development, WFH one day a week, corporate office amenities (gym, wellness/nursing room, onsite company cafe with coffee, espresso bar, beverages, and snacks available to employees at no cost, onsite free parking), casual work environment, and employee-focused events. Tierra Encantada is an equal opportunity employer. Agency applications will not be considered.No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.E-Verify is used to verify employment eligibility. Any job offer will be contingent on successful completion of a background and credit check.
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Vice President of Finance & Accounting
will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team (ELT), reporting to the CEO, and responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including FP&A, accounting, purchasing, and audit functions. This strategic leader will partner closely with the CEO, ELT, board, and private equity sponsors to drive financial performance, scale operations, and implement best-in-class processes and technologies. The VP of Finance & Accounting will lead a growing team to support the organization's continued expansion and ensure a strong control environment. The current team includes an Accounting Manager, Finance Analyst, Buyer, and two Staff Accountants. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy
Lead all FP&A, accounting, purchasing, and audit activities for the organization, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting. Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors. Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the company's growth objectives. Prepare board materials, investor reports, and presentations; communicate key business drivers and financial results. Serve as the primary finance liaison with private equity sponsors.
Team Leadership & Development
Manage and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team. Oversee the performance and development of team members, fostering their professional growth.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and systems, leveraging technology to automate and streamline workflows. Enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and the quality of internal controls. Lead the implementation and optimization of financial software and reporting tools.
Accounting, Audit & Compliance
Oversee all accounting functions, including monthly/quarterly/annual close processes, consolidations, and financial statement preparation. Manage external audits and ensure compliance with GAAP and all relevant regulatory requirements. Maintain and refine internal control policies and procedures.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis
Lead the organization's budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with rapid growth objectives. Conduct in-depth analysis of business performance, trends, and KPIs to inform strategic decision-making and operational optimization. Develop financial models and deliver insights that drive new center openings, greenfield and acquisition strategies, and continuous improvement across the existing business.
Compliance & Risk Management
Oversee enterprise risk management practices to ensure financial and operational resilience across a rapidly growing multi-site organization. Manage company insurance programs - including general liability, property, D&O, Franchisor, and cyber liability - ensuring adequate coverage and cost efficiency. Identify and assess potential financial and operational risks; implement mitigation strategies and internal controls in partnership with operations teams. Monitor regulatory changes and evolving business risks to proactively adjust coverage and financial safeguards.
Other duties and projects, as assigned Position Requirements Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field. CPA strongly preferred. 12+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or related roles, ideally within a high-growth, multi-unit and/or franchise environment. Experience working with private equity sponsors or in a PE-backed company is highly desirable. Demonstrated track record of implementing technology and process improvements in a scaling organization. Proven ability to manage accounting functions end-to-end, including audit, compliance, and team leadership. Strong business acumen, with the ability to influence at all levels and work towards critical deadlines. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style with a focus on results and accountability. Compensation & Benefits Salary range is $180,000 - $200,000 and depends on qualifications, education, and experience. This position is eligible for an annual performance bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, 12 paid holidays, PTO accrual of 160 hours, 401(k) with 3% employer match, discounted childcare and waitlist priority for enrollment, company paid professional development, WFH one day a week, corporate office amenities (gym, wellness/nursing room, onsite company cafe with coffee, espresso bar, beverages, and snacks available to employees at no cost, onsite free parking), casual work environment, and employee-focused events. Tierra Encantada is an equal opportunity employer. Agency applications will not be considered.No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.E-Verify is used to verify employment eligibility. Any job offer will be contingent on successful completion of a background and credit check.
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