Reports to: Shannon Gilligan, Publisher/Cofounder/CEO

The Company

Chooseco is an independent, purpose-built publisher of Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks. (Yes, the ones you remember from the 80’s). CYOAs are the original and best-known interactive books in the world. The Choose Your Own Adventure series has been translated into more than 40 languages and has 270 million books in print since its inception in 1979. Chooseco has expanded the brand’s presence through selective licensing agreements in film, games, toys and other media. It boasts a top-notch creative team dedicated to promoting literacy through immersive gamebooks based on the principles of series founder R. A. Montgomery. Chooseco is based in North Central Vermont.

Position Overview

The CFO/COO is responsible for managing all operational aspects of the company. The position will partner with the Publisher/Owner to develop growth plans and work to execute them successfully. The CFO/COO reports to the Publisher/Cofounder/CEO and serves as a key member of the management team.

As the CFO, the position is responsible for developing, monitoring and evaluating overall strategy and financial performance with the Publisher and department managers. This position will develop financial reporting to assist in making better decisions about formulating strategy and assessing results
As the COO, the position provides the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that the company has the proper operational controls, reporting, and people systems in place to effectively and efficiently grow the organization.

Primary Responsibilities:

Job Responsibilities CFO:

Provides leadership for the continuous evaluation of short and long-term financial and strategic objectives
Develops budgets and plans for business growth and new strategies
Reviews and presents financial statements, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, cash flows and other financial documentation. Provides timely, accurate and complete reports on the financial condition of the company including results against budgets, forecasts and financial trends
Oversees the credit line, cash management and financial efficiencies
Manages cash flow implications of inventory purchases; monitors accuracy of inventory level reporting,
Responsible for establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for the business. Works with the management team to hit KPI/metric targets
Provides Publisher/Cofounder/CO with recommendations on the financial implications of business operations and activities including LOC and grant applications
Works with the Chooseco team and corporate legal team to ensure that all licensing agreements and other outside contracts are properly executed

Job Responsibilities COO:

Provides leadership over company operations and collaborates with department leaders to ensure success
Develops and provides timely and accurate reporting of operational metrics and key performance indicators to drive business growth and profitability
Leads the development and execution of an annual operating plan that supports the company’s strategic plan
Drives operational accuracy, efficiency and scalability through systems and process enhancements supported by the company’s IT infrastructure
Spearheads the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes
Identifies operational roadblocks in advance and adjusts accordingly to successfully achieve objectives on time
Serves at the head of Human Resources, working to have the proper resources in place, monitoring their performance and working to build capabilities as needed
COO also assists in management of the trademark portfolio including trademark infringement defense

Core Competencies and Qualifications:

Good team player with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, able to manage well at all levels of the organization. Able to influence and motivate others.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, good active listener
Strong problem solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation
Ability to develop, layout, and follow through on detailed business plans and programs
Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles.
A broad range of accounting experiences including substantial involvement in typical accounting cycles, billing, collections, purchasing, accounts payable, inventory management, general ledger, account reconciliations, and preparation of basic financial statements
Strong negotiating ability
Strong proficiency with Quickbooks Enterprise Manufacturing edition, Google Workspace, Excel/Google Sheets, with familiarity with 1Password, Slack, HRVEY, Gusto & Zoom.

Desired Attributes:

Experience in the book publishing industry
Experience with worldwide evergreen brand (though not necessarily a children’s entertainment brand)
Experience with subsidiary rights licensing strategies and execution
Experience working with outside rights licensees
Knowledge of IP law for trademark and copyright in North America, and international jurisdictions

Work Experience:

10+ years in a progressively responsible financial and operational leadership role, preferably in a publication industry

Education:

BS in Accounting or Finance; MBA, MFA and/or CPA highly desirable

Other

While Chooseco supports a remote workplace, this position will be required to be in the Waitsfield, VT office at least one day per week.
Chooseco offers generous paid time off and health benefits. Position will be responsible for helping to create 401K and stock options plans for Chooseco employees.

Compensation

Salary $90-115K, plus competitive benefits

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