Manager, Finance AI and FP&A

With With over 57 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we’re all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food. The Manager, Finance AI and FP&A plays a pivotal role in advancing Sur La Table’s AI‑first finance transformation while delivering best‑in‑class FP&A support for our retail business. This role is ideal for a systems‑savvy, process‑oriented finance leader who thrives in dynamic environments and builds scalable, automated solutions that drive agility and growth. You will lead financial planning cycles, develop advanced models, and champion AI‑powered process improvements. This role reports to the Director of FP&A and partners closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to elevate data‑driven decision‑making. What You Get to Do: Partner with the Finance team to identify and implement automation and optimization opportunities using AI tools, advanced Excel, BI platforms, and ERP integrations Lead business intelligence deep‑dives: dig into large datasets, slice and dice to identify patterns and drivers, and convert findings into recommendations with a bias for action Champion an AI‑first approach to FP&A: use ChatGPT as a daily analysis partner; identify steps in core processes where AI can improve speed/quality, and implement solutions ranging from CustomGPTs to automated workflows Prototype and deploy agent‑based automations using platforms like n8n; build lightweight utilities or micro‑apps using tools such as Claude Code to scale output and insights Operationalize recurring analyses into always‑on dashboards and alerts, ensuring stakeholders receive timely insights and next‑best‑actions Provide FP&A leadership across budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning for retail channels Build and maintain sophisticated financial models for scenario planning, margin analysis, and capital allocation Own monthly reporting packages, variance analysis, and executive dashboards; translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations Collaborate with Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain, and Store Operations to align financial targets with strategic goals Support strategic initiatives such as store expansion, pricing strategy, and inventory investment—evaluating ROI and risk Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership; influence decisions through compelling, data‑backed storytelling What You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred) 6+ years of progressive FP&A experience, ideally in retail or consumer goods Proven success in process improvement and systems implementation Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills Analytical thinker with a knack for translating complex data into practical business actions Technical & Strategic Skills: Hands‑on experience applying AI and workflow‑automation tools to streamline Finance processes and eliminate manual work Lead business intelligence deep‑dives: dig into large datasets, slice and dice to identify patterns and drivers, and convert findings into recommendations with a bias for action Champion an AI‑first approach to FP&A: use ChatGPT as a daily analysis partner; identify steps in core processes where AI can improve speed/quality, and implement solutions ranging from CustomGPTs to automated workflows Prototype and deploy agent‑based automations using platforms like n8n; build lightweight utilities or micro‑apps using tools such as Claude Code to scale output and insights Operationalize recurring analyses into always‑on dashboards and alerts, ensuring stakeholders receive timely insights and next‑best‑actions Advanced Excel and financial modeling expertise Strong SQL skills for data extraction and transformation; solid understanding of GAAP Experience with planning platforms (e.g., Vena, Anaplan, Adaptive Insights) and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and dashboard design Deep understanding of retail KPIs: comp sales, inventory turns, gross margin, shrink, sell‑through Ability to communicate complex data clearly across all levels of the organization What’s in it for you? Executive Access: Work directly with brand CEOs and senior leadership, solving real business problems and earning mentorship from top operators. AI‑First Skill Building: Get hands‑on with the most advanced AI tools in the market. From automation to prompt engineering, you’ll build a modern tech stack that sets you apart in any industry. Accelerated Career Path: High performers are quickly entrusted with greater responsibility, new challenges, and leadership opportunities across our portfolio of brands. Competitive benefits:Paid time off policies, 401(k)/RRSP match, medical/dental/vision and a variety of supplemental policies, and employee discounts at our portfolio companies. Step 1: If you align with our vision and meet the qualifications, we’ll reach out to schedule a conversation and introduce CSC.