Chief Financial Officer (Columbus)

• Are you a proven finance leader with experience in distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or other operationally intensive businesses?
• Do you enjoy serving as a strategic business partner while leading accounting, treasury, financial planning, tax, banking relationships, and business operations?
• Are you energized by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a privately held, multi-entity organization where collaboration, initiative, and sound business judgment are highly valued?

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Columbus Distributing Company is one of Ohio's leading beverage distributors, serving retailers throughout Central Ohio with a broad portfolio of beer, wine, spirits, and other beverage brands. As a privately held, family-owned organization with multiple operating companies and real estate holdings, the company has built a reputation for operational excellence, long-standing supplier relationships, and financial stability.

With roots dating back to the repeal of Prohibition, Richard “Dick” Jenkins founded the company as Ohio’s pioneering wholesale beer distributor and reportedly received the state’s first federal permit to sell alcohol at the wholesale level. What began as an entrepreneurial response to a newly reopened industry has grown into a respected, multigenerational family business serving customers throughout Central Ohio.

Today, Columbus Distributing remains privately held and family led, with fourth- and fifth-generation members of the Jenkins family actively involved in the business. The company has continued to expand its portfolio, capabilities, and facilities while maintaining the long-term relationships, operating discipline, and commitment to service that have defined the organization for more than 90 years.

The organization operates a diversified business that includes multiple distribution entities, commercial real estate investments, trusts, and family office activities. This complexity creates a unique opportunity for a finance executive who enjoys serving as a strategic business partner while maintaining a hands-on leadership approach.

This role is onsite at the corporate office in Columbus, Ohio.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead all aspects of the company's finance and accounting function while serving as a trusted advisor to the President, Executive Team, Board of Directors, lenders, and ownership.

This is a broad leadership role that combines strategic financial planning with operational execution. The CFO will oversee financial reporting, accounting, treasury, tax, banking relationships, budgeting, forecasting, audits, risk management, benefits administration, insurance, acquisitions, and family office financial matters across multiple entities.

The ideal candidate enjoys working in an entrepreneurial, privately held environment where decisions are made quickly, relationships matter, and the finance leader has meaningful influence across the organization.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Strategic Finance & Executive Leadership

• Serve as a strategic business partner to the President and executive leadership team.
• Provide financial insight to support strategic planning, capital allocation, and long-term growth.
• Prepare financial presentations and recommendations for the Board of Directors.
• Develop financial models supporting acquisitions, investments, and other strategic initiatives.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting.
• Oversee preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Deliver meaningful reporting and analysis on:
• Revenue and gross profit
• Budget versus actual results
• Consolidated company performance
• Produce financial reporting for ownership, the Board, and lending institutions.

Accounting & Finance Operations

• Lead all accounting functions including:
• General accounting
• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable
• Cash management
• Fixed assets
• Internal controls
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting across multiple operating companies.
• Develop and mentor the accounting team while creating cross-functional depth.

Treasury & Banking

• Manage company liquidity and daily cash flow.
• Maintain relationships with banking partners.
• Oversee borrowing arrangements, covenant compliance, financing activities, and treasury operations.
• Evaluate financing alternatives and capital structure opportunities.

Tax, Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate external audits and serve as primary contact with auditors.
• Oversee corporate, trust, and individual tax compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and industry-specific regulatory requirements.
• Manage government reporting, licensing, and regulatory filings.
• Direct the company's commercial insurance programs.
• Oversee workers' compensation, executive risk, property, liquor liability, and related insurance programs.
• Manage claims activity and annual renewals.

Retirement Plans & Benefits

• Serve on the company's retirement plan committee.
• Oversee annual audits, compliance reporting, and Form 5500 preparation.
• Support governance of both union and non-union retirement plans.

Family Office & Special Projects

• Provide financial oversight for trusts, family investments, and related entities.
• Coordinate financial reporting for family-owned assets.
• Support special projects involving tax planning, estate matters, acquisitions, and operational improvements.
• Champion process improvements across finance and accounting.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, controls, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with leadership to improve profitability and business performance.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience. Background in distribution, wholesale, manufacturing, or other asset-intensive businesses is preferred.
• Experience leading finance within a privately held, multi-entity organization
• Strong knowledge of:
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Treasury and banking relationships
• Tax
• Audit
• Internal controls
• Cash flow management
• Experience presenting financial information to executive leadership, boards, and lenders

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic while remaining highly hands‑on
• Financially rigorous with strong business judgment
• A trusted advisor capable of influencing executive decision‑making
• Collaborative and relationship‑oriented
• Comfortable operating in a privately held, entrepreneurial environment
• Detail‑oriented with exceptional integrity
• Naturally curious with a continuous improvement mindset
• Calm, steady, and confident under pressure

THE PAYOFF:

• Collaborate with a talented and enthusiastic leadership team.
• Watch your efforts positively impact the company’s growth and success.
• Receive a competitive salary, bonus, and full benefits package. Benefits include vacation, 401(k), and health, dental, and vision insurance.