Chief Financial Officer

Hardware Sales Inc is a third-generation local family-owned company operating since 1962 and headquartered in Bellingham, WA. In addition to sales of hardware, tools, and all of the usual hardware store products, we are proud to provide our community with access to an extensive fleet of equipment rentals for both homeowners and contractors. Our Lawn Equipment Service Center is a certified repair center and offers a one-stop shop for purchasing, servicing, and maintaining your lawn equipment. Hardware Sales has worked hard to become one of the Pacific Northwest's premier hardware suppliers.

Whether it's plumbing or electrical materials, automotive or garden supplies, housewares or hand trucks, hand or power tools, fasteners or fencing, padlocks or paint, cable or chain—we have them all, and much more! Hardware Sales is an award-winning business that fills several city blocks in Bellingham and offers over 68,000+ items for sale to everyone from do-it-yourself homeowners to major contractors. What started in 1962 with three people now has over 150 employees and multiple warehouse facilities in Washington and Indiana.

We are extremely proud of the customer service priority that has won us Cascadia Daily News’ Best Customer Service, in addition to winning Best Hardware Store multiple times.

Position Summary:

Hardware Sales is seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead all financial functions of the organization. Reporting to the President, the CFO will oversee all aspects of finance and accounting operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and internal controls.

The ideal candidate is a change leader who can modernize outdated processes, implement best practices, and bring strong business acumen to support decision-making. This individual will be expected to analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, optimize profitability, and ensure long-term financial sustainability. This role will initially have five direct reports: the Office Manager, AP Clerk, AR Clerk, and two office support staff, with the potential to add a Staff Accountant based on the CFO’s recommendations.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm, with occasional work outside of those hours if needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the executive team, advising the Owner/President on strategic financial decisions.
• Provide financial analysis and forecasting to support growth initiatives, including retail, rental, and ecommerce operations.
• Develop and implement financial models, KPIs, and dashboards to drive business insights and performance improvements.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee all accounting functions, including AR, AP, GL, inventory controls, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closings, including preparation of financial statements and reports.
• Maintain integrity and accuracy of accounting systems and records.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Evaluate, implement, and optimize financial systems and tools.
• Identify inefficiencies in current processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive automation and standardization to increase operational efficiency and reduce risk.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as company policies.
• Oversee internal controls and audit processes.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax professionals.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team.
• Establish a high-performing, service-oriented department that supports company goals.
• Develop talent within the team, providing training and growth opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or related field required.
• CPA and/or Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including leadership roles in charge of a team.
• Experience in a high-transaction environment, ideally in retail, ecommerce, or distribution.
• Proficient with financial and business software (including Excel and Power BI).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable strategies.
• Proven success in process improvement and systems implementation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all departments.

Physical Requirements:

• This role is primarily office-based and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary: $175,000–$215,000 DOE.
• Profit-sharing and performance-based bonus incentives
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Additional voluntary benefits, including homebuyer and legal assistance programs