New Opportunity: Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis with ESS Inc.

About the Company


Based in Wilsonville, Oregon, ESS Inc. (NYSE:GWH) was founded in 2011 by a team with deep experience in fuel cells, electrochemistry, advanced material science and renewable energy. After five years of intensive innovation, engineering development and rigorous testing and validation, with the backing of ARPA-E and others, the company began shipping turnkey energy storage solutions in 2015 that allowed companies and municipalities to control their own energy future. 


ESS Inc. designs, builds and deploys environmentally sustainable, low-cost, iron flow batteries for long-duration commercial and utility-scale energy storage applications requiring flexible energy capacity. The Energy Warehouse™ and Energy Center™ use earth-abundant iron, salt, and water for the electrolyte, resulting in an environmentally benign, long-life energy storage solution for the world’s renewable energy infrastructure. ESS Inc. enables project developers, utilities, and commercial and industrial facility owners to make the transition to more flexible non-lithium-ion storage that is better suited for the grid and the environment. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, long-duration energy storage is essential to providing the reliability and resiliency we need when the sun is not shining, and the wind is not blowing.


To learn more about ESS Inc., you can find a comprehensive overview here.


ESS in the News


ESS and Honeywell Collaboration


Honeywell invests in ESS Inc.


ESS to develop Clean Energy Hub in Germany


The Position


Reporting to and working closely with the CFO, the VP of Financial Planning and Analysis leads the budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, and strategic analysis for the organization. The VP of FP&A will partner across the organization, including with senior leadership to develop insightful suggestions for investment opportunities, sourcing and cost reduction strategies, and long-term value for the organization.


Key Responsibilities: 


  • Manage all companywide financial and strategic planning.
  • Lead and improve/enhance Monthly Operating Review (MOR’s) meetings where Senior leadership are reviewing monthly performance towards goals and objectives tied into overall company financial results as well as outlook and progress towards quarterly and annual targets. 
  • Build multi-scenario financial models, KPI’s, and run analysis to support strategic planning.
  • Engage in ad-hoc financial analysis, including special projects at the request of senior management and external investors. 
  • Manage the creation of business performance dashboards, and deployment of new reporting tools. 
  • Oversee process improvement initiatives for FP&A to reduce delivery time, increase accuracy and improve user experience for business partners. 
  • Identify and quantify risks and opportunities in current plans and forecasts.
  • Establish appropriate budgetary and financial delegation levels with the organization.
  • Perform financial analysis to interpret trends and variances from plan/forecast.
  • Report progress toward company and department-specific financial goals and metrics.
  • Prepare and provide information for presentations for the CEO and CFO (e.g. – Board of Directors, Executive Leadership and other meetings).
  • Hire and develop a world-class FP&A team, including coaching, developing, and aligning them to support the needs of the business.


Requirements:


  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; MBA and/or CMA is desirable.
  • Minimum of 10+ years of professional work experience with progressive experience in FP&A.
  • Prior FP&A experience at a publicly traded company a plus.
  • Several years of people management experience.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills with deep experience and understanding of general business and financial acumen.
  • Experience applying financial planning and analysis to a broad range of business problems and opportunities in a strategic and proactive manner.
  • Advanced financial Excel modeling abilities and proficiency.
  • Industry experience in the energy sector is a plus.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders in functions and teams across the business.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the creation of visually compelling presentations in a format understandable to financial and non-financial audiences.
  • Experience preparing information for a Board of Directors.
  • Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.




180one is a retained executive search firm and has been engaged by ESS Inc. to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Rochelle Fleischer at 180one at: rochelle@180one.com.




By Catherine Landgraf 24 Apr, 2024
Chief Financial Officer Instrument is a creative technology company headquartered in Portland, Oregon consisting of 300 talented people focused on redefining brands and experiences. Our teams push the boundaries of design, technology, and innovation for some of the world’s leading brands such as Google, Amazon, Spotify, and Nike. We are a collaborative partner to businesses seeking transformation and growth. We concept, design, and deliver best-in-class products, marketing, and brands. Check out some of our work here . We're searching for a strategic and business-minded Chief Financial Officer to help lead the agency toward its goals during our next phase of growth. Reporting to the CEO, you will partner with executives and team leaders to achieve financial performance by providing insightful information to the organization for decision-making, as well as challenging the status quo to yield better ideas and outcomes on behalf of the agency. What You'll Do Strategic Planning Leadership: Drive and oversee annual strategic planning processes with the CEO, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Partner with Business leads during annual business planning, quarterly forecasts (and updates) to provide a strategic outlook and point of view on how to elevate the team and business to meet/exceed targets. Financial Reporting and Analysis: Ensure that our financial reporting is accurate and timely, and that company leadership has access to reliable data necessary to effectively manage the organization. Deliver monthly financial statements in compliance with tight public reporting deadlines, while working with both internal and external stakeholders. Understand and communicate variances of financial performance. Generate cash flow forecasts for our parent company and work with other team members to make necessary changes to improve accuracy. Support and take responsibility for all internal and external audits and/or reviews. Build productive relationships with auditors and the parent company. Strategic Financial Management: Partner with the CEO ensuring that Instrument’s financial performance is aligned with the strategic plan and the finance organization functions efficiently and with a high degree of service to the organization. Work closely with the CEO and manage a close working relationship with our parent company. Provide timely, accurate, and clear financial information as necessary. Lead the business and financial planning aspects of the company, including monthly/annual budgets, revenue forecasts, and projections. Evaluate, enhance, and manage all finance-related budgets, forecasts, and processes. Identify, drive, and engage in ad-hoc initiatives designed to improve the profitability of the company. Be fully responsible for the company’s financials. Team Leadership and Development: Manage, lead, and develop a team of direct reports responsible for all accounting and finance functions including AP, AR, and Financial Planning & Analysis processes. Operational Efficiency and Compliance: Recommend and implement improvements to all operational finance processes. Safeguard the company; review, develop and manage internal controls designed to comply with SOX requirements. Monitor, maintain, and update the company’s ERP and other financial tools and systems. What You'll Bring The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting with 5+ years as a leader. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field required. CPA, and Masters/MBA preferred. Preferred experience working with rapidly growing professional services firms. Proven experience managing, coaching, and mentoring a team of direct reports. Confidence in preparing, summarizing, and effectively communicating financial information to a broad audience. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Must be flexible, with the ability to drive and adapt to change. Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by Instrument to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Matt Oltmann at matt.oltmann@180one.com / 971.235.6236
24 Apr, 2024
We are excited to announce our recent collaboration with Forest City Trading Group, resulting in the placement of their new Vice President of Application Development! Forest City Trading Group (FCTG), as an employee-owned organization, is among the largest lumber wholesale distributors in the US with roots going back to the 1960s. They facilitate the distribution of products across 6 continents through their network of 13 operating companies and close to 700 employees. As proponents of forest sustainability, they actively support suppliers who use sustainable forest management practices that promote forest sustainability and result in long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits. Congratulations to FCTG, and the 180one Search Team on a successful executive placement!
By Catherine Landgraf 24 Apr, 2024
Chief Executive Officer The Company For over 35 years, Terra Dynamics (“TDI”) has delivered an environment of excellence to their clients through successful delivery of park and field construction, wetlands mitigation, landscape architecture, and greenspace enhancement projects. With experience in public works - and a commitment to quality, performance, and safety—Terra has secured one of the finest reputations in the industry. They lead the industry in innovation, application, technology and performance. The differences are the belief that one company should be everything you need in a commercial landscape construction contractor as well as the knowledge and experience to deliver the best to their clients. In 2023, Terra expanded their footprint with the acquisition of Paul Brothers Inc, a 3 rd generation owned commercial landscaping company based in Boring, Oregon. Together these companies have a combined 85 years of experience delivering top quality projects while making a lasting impact on parks, playgrounds, schools and more around the Pacific Northwest. The Role Reporting in the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead the organization that has experienced long-term success and sustainable growth. The CEO shall possess the leadership skills to build upon the organization’s record of quality, expansion and excellence to drive continued success. The CEO serves as the face of Terra Dynamics and builds and maintains relationships in order to advance and support the organization’s mission, programs and services. Ideal CEO Candidate will need to be skilled in the following areas Leadership Skills : Through leadership, create a unified organization. Ability to develop, communicate, and implement sustainable short-term and long-term vision for Terra Dynamics. People Leadership : Develops a strong leadership team to maximize operations and future growth while maintaining a culture of shared responsibility and stewardship among Terra Dynamics and the Board. Ensures a work environment that recruits, retains and supports quality staff, and that the appropriate processes are in place for recruiting, selecting, developing, motivating and evaluating staff. Strategic Planning : A balance of long-term strategic thinking and short-term tactical thinking to drive goals aligned with Terra Dynamics goals of consistent and sustainable growth, with a heavy focus on profitability. Operational : Understands the need to create a strong and repeatable infrastructure that supports the current organization and future growth for delivering a consistent, quality experience for both clients and employees. Leverages technologies and processes to be less labor intensive for both execution of projects and tracking their respective performance that results in greater efficiencies for the team. Business Acumen : General business interest that includes creating a financial vision, and strong overall financial acumen including understanding of the balance sheet. Knowledgeable about standard business practices (planning, metrics, P&L management), and a track record of building efficient organizations with low waste and success at profitable execution. External Relations : Maintains relationships with key personnel in State and Local governments, as well as other key external relationships including other General Contractors, Bonding and Insurance companies, and other support organizations. Qualifications Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field. 10+ years of experience in commercial construction management overseeing multiple multimillion-dollar projects. Construction experience working with State and Local government contracts. Demonstrated proficiency and expertise in the following areas: Construction management Budget development and control Persuasive presentations Bid process and Estimating Recruiting and Development Contract review, negotiating, and administration Preconstruction costing Field personnel management Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by TDI to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Rochelle Fleisher at: 503.699.0184 or rochelle@180one.com
More Posts
Share by: