Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See’s Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See’s Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See’s is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

Job Description Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer provides executive leadership for See’s Candies’ financial strategy, stewardship, and business performance. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this leader serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and a key member of the senior leadership team, helping shape company strategy, evaluate opportunities, and translate business priorities into disciplined financial and operating plans.

See’s combines its own manufacturing plants and distribution center with company-operated retail stores, e-commerce, and product sales to international and domestic licensees who operate See’s stores. The CFO & Treasurer brings an integrated financial perspective to this business model, connecting product costs, production and inventory decisions, distribution, and channel performance to profitability, cash generation, and long-term value.

This executive leads financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, treasury, financial controls, and financial risk management, and serves as the principal finance liaison with Berkshire Hathaway. The role requires strategic judgment and hands-on engagement: a leader who understands the operations behind the numbers, develops finance talent, and supports profitable growth while respecting See’s culture, product quality, and customer experience

The pay range for this position is expected to be $300-$350k annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Business Strategy

·       Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team to establish short- and long-term business priorities and assess their financial implications, risks, and resource requirements.

·       Provide an objective, forward-looking perspective on business performance and recommend practical actions to improve results.

·       Evaluate growth opportunities, new products, channel initiatives, and licensee opportunities through business cases, scenario analysis, and clear investment criteria.

Financial Planning and Performance Management

·       Lead annual budgeting, long-range planning, and rolling forecasts across manufacturing, multiple sales channels, and corporate functions.

·       Establish meaningful financial and operating measures and lead business reviews that connect results and variances to underlying drivers, corrective actions, and accountability.

·       Improve forecast accuracy and decision support through integrated analysis of sales, product and channel margins, expenses, inventory, and cash flow.

·       Strengthen leaders’ understanding of financial performance and budget ownership through clear reporting, practical guidance, and effective business partnership.

Manufacturing and Distribution Finance

·       Lead financial analysis of product costs and cost of goods sold, including ingredients, packaging, labor, overhead, distribution, and fulfillment expenses.

·       Partner with Operations to evaluate production capacity, plant utilization, labor productivity, procurement performance, waste, and cost improvement opportunities.

·       Provide financial insight to align demand, production, and inventory plans; improve inventory accuracy, inventory turns, and working capital management.

·       Evaluate operational improvements with attention to financial returns, execution risks, and See’s standards for safety, quality, and service.

Retail and Commercial Finance

·       Partner with sales channel leaders to assess store, e-commerce, and licensee performance, identifying opportunities to improve sales, margins, and profitability.

·       Support pricing, product mix, promotional, and marketing investment decisions with analysis of costs, customer demand, and expected financial returns.

·       Evaluate store investments, lease commitments, and channel expansion opportunities in partnership with the responsible business leaders and review results against approved business cases.

Capital Planning and Treasury

·       Lead capital planning and financial evaluation of equipment, facilities, technology, and other strategic investments; establish disciplined review of expected returns and actual results.

·       Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, banking relationships, and investment of excess cash in accordance with company and parent-company requirements.

·       Manage working capital and financial exposures, ensuring sufficient liquidity to support operating needs and approved investments.

Accounting and Financial Governance

·       Direct accounting, financial reporting, month-end and year-end close, and audit coordination, ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent financial information.

·       Maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures that safeguard company assets and meet applicable reporting and compliance requirements.

·       Serve as key liaison with Berkshire Hathaway (parent company); develop and maintain strong working relationships with key partners (CFO, Controller, Internal Audit, Tax).

·       Oversee external relationships with key vendors, bankers, auditors, tax advisors, insurers, and other financial partners; ensure financial information and required filings are complete, accurate, and timely.

·       Assess enterprise financial risks, including credit exposure and insurance; partner with Legal and business leaders on the financial implications of contracts and commitments.

Finance Capability and Team Development

·       Lead, coach, and develop the finance team, establishing clear accountabilities, performance expectations, development plans, and succession readiness.

·       Build a finance function recognized for accuracy, integrity, responsiveness, and useful business insight; strengthen collaboration with leaders throughout See’s.

·       Partner with IT and business leaders to improve financial systems, ERP capabilities, inventory reporting, and analytics across production, distribution, and sales.

·       Improve financial processes and reporting through practical use of technology, consistent data, and operating discipline.

Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.

·       15 or more years of progressively responsible finance leadership experience, including executive-level responsibility for a complex operating business.

·       Demonstrated leadership across financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, internal controls, and operational finance.

·       Strong understanding of manufacturing costs, inventory management, working capital, and multi-channel profitability; experience in food manufacturing, consumer products, multi-unit retail, or a comparable business preferred.

·       Proven ability to improve financial and operating performance through sound analysis, executive partnership, and disciplined execution.

·       Experience evaluating capital investments and business opportunities, improving financial systems and reporting, and developing strong finance teams.

·       Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear recommendations for financial and nonfinancial audiences.

·       Experience with parent-company reporting, international business or licensee relationships, and ERP optimization preferred.

Leadership Profile

·       An enterprise-minded leader who balances long-term business judgment with hands-on financial and operational engagement.

·       A trusted, collaborative partner who builds credibility, listens carefully, and constructively challenges decisions when needed.

·       A leader of high integrity who brings sound judgment, transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to developing others.

·       A practical change leader who improves capabilities and processes while respecting See’s heritage, employees, and customer relationships.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

See's is an EOE
See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).