Head of Finance and Operations

Overview

Position:
Head, Finance and Operations
.

Location:

Princeton, New Jersey (hybrid; regular on-site presence required).

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer / President.

Princeton University Retail is an independent, self-sustaining retail organization that serves Princeton students, alumni, families, staff, and visitors. We operate multiple locations and an e-commerce site, offering Princeton-branded apparel, gifts, supplies, and everyday essentials. The U-Store is in the midst of a multi-year transformation to modernize its operations, strengthen its omni-channel customer experience, and position the business for sustainable growth.

The Head of Finance and Operations is the senior business partner to the CEO and is responsible for the company's financial health and operational performance. This role oversees finance and accounting; omni-channel operations (retail stores, e-commerce fulfillment, and customer service); outsourced technology and systems vendors (including Net Suite and IT infrastructure); and the outsourced administrative vendor for benefits and payroll. This leader builds the backbone that enables the business strategy, ensuring that people, processes, systems, and channels work together to deliver a strong customer experience, sustainable revenue growth, and profitability.

The Head of Finance and Operations serves as the company’s number two executive and a key partner to the Board.

• Lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and longrange financial planning.
• Oversee accounting operations, internal controls, and the monthend and yearend close process in partnership with the Finance and Accounting Manager.
• Provide timely, clear financial reporting and analysis to support decision making by the CEO, Merchants, Operations, Ecommerce, and the Board.
• Own store and omnichannel operations in partnership with the Director, Store Operations, ensuring strong execution, inventory accuracy, and support for ecommerce services such as BOPIS, shipfromstore, and instore returns.
• Act as executive owner of technology and systems (especially Net Suite and Suite Commerce), overseeing outsourced vendors, project priorities, and system improvements.
• Manage relationships with payroll, benefits, and HR administration vendors, as well as banks, auditors, and other key external partners.
• Sponsor and lead cross functional projects that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and strengthen customer experience and profitability.
• Build and develop a small, capable team across Finance and Operations; model a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• CPA or equivalent professional qualification strongly preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Finance and Operations, with at least 5 years at Director, Senior Director, or Head of Level.
• Experience in retail, omnichannel, or consumer products; multilocation retail experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record owning budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting for a $10M-$50M business or business unit.
• Handson experience with Net Suite ERP; familiarity with ecommerce platforms and omnichannel processes is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional initiatives, manage outsourced vendors, and drive process and systems improvements.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills; comfortable working with store teams, corporate staff, senior leadership, and Board members.