OverviewThe Vice President, Finance serves as the senior finance leader for WSS, partnering directly with the SVP/General Manager to drive profitable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. This role is responsible for all aspects of financial leadership for the WSS business, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, payroll, financial reporting, performance management, strategic planning, and investment decision support.
As a key member of the WSS Leadership Team, the VP, Finance provides financial stewardship of the business, ensuring sound financial management, operational discipline, compliance, and alignment with corporate objectives. The role balances strategic planning and growth initiatives with responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and effectiveness of all finance, accounting, and payroll operations supporting the business.
Responsibilities
Business Unit Financial Leadership
- Serve as the primary financial advisor and strategic business partner to the SVP/General Manager and WSS Leadership Team.
- Lead all financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and performance management activities for the WSS business.
- Drive financial accountability across the organization through meaningful reporting, KPI management, and actionable financial insights.
- Develop recommendations that support revenue growth, profitability improvement, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation.
- Identify business risks and opportunities and provide strategic recommendations to improve financial performance.
Strategic Planning & Growth
- Lead development of annual operating plans, quarterly forecasts, and long-range strategic plans.
- Partner with business leaders to evaluate growth opportunities, market expansion initiatives, strategic partnerships, and capital investments.
- Develop business cases, scenario analyses, and financial models to support executive decision-making.
- Translate strategic priorities into actionable financial roadmaps, resource requirements, and performance targets.
- Support the development and execution of initiatives designed to drive sustainable earnings growth and business expansion.
P&L Management & Performance Optimization
- Maintain overall ownership and oversight of the WSS P&L, including revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, and profitability metrics.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators to measure business performance and operational effectiveness.
- Lead monthly and quarterly business reviews, identifying trends, risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
- Partner with operational and commercial leaders to drive productivity improvements, cost optimization, and margin enhancement initiatives.
- Ensure alignment between financial objectives and operational execution.
Growth Initiatives, Procurement & Value Creation
- Provide financial leadership for strategic growth initiatives, transformation efforts, and productivity programs.
- Lead planning, tracking, and realization of business synergies and cost-saving opportunities.
- Evaluate investment opportunities and ensure accountability for expected returns and business outcomes.
- Partner with procurement and operational leaders to drive sustainable savings and improve resource allocation decisions.
- Establish governance processes for investment evaluation, ROI measurement, and benefit realization tracking.
Corporate Function Finance Leadership
- Oversee financial support for Human Resources, Legal, Payroll, and other business support functions.
- Lead workforce planning, compensation analysis, organizational investment planning, and productivity measurement.
- Partner with functional leaders to balance strategic investments with financial performance objectives.
- Support organizational planning and resource allocation decisions that align with business priorities.
Accounting, Payroll & Financial Operations Leadership
- Provide executive oversight of accounting, payroll, and financial operations functions.
- Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial reporting and payroll processes.
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities, including financial statement preparation, account reconciliation, and management reporting.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, company policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead payroll governance and administration, ensuring accurate and timely employee compensation and compliance with applicable wage and labor regulations.
- Partner with corporate accounting and finance teams to support audits, compliance initiatives, and statutory reporting requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, reporting capabilities, controls, and systems.
- Maintain a strong control environment that promotes effective risk management and financial stewardship.
Leadership & Organizational Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing organization across FP&A, Accounting, Payroll, and Business Finance functions.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Develop organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, leadership development, and talent retention initiatives.
- Champion process improvements, finance transformation efforts, and technology enhancements that improve business support and decision-making capabilities.
- Establish clear performance expectations and create development pathways for current and future finance leaders.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance, FP&A, accounting, operational finance, or corporate finance.
- Proven experience partnering directly with General Managers, Presidents, or senior operating leaders to drive business performance.
- Strong background managing a business unit P&L and supporting complex operational and commercial decision-making.
- Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, accounting, forecasting, financial reporting, strategic analysis, and business performance management.
- Experience leading accounting and payroll functions, including oversight of financial controls, compliance, and reporting processes.
- Proven success leading teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders within a complex, matrixed organization.
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Exceptional executive communication and financial storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into actionable business recommendations.
- MBA, CPA, or equivalent advanced financial qualification preferred.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts.
- Customer‑obsessed and trend‑
- Data‑driven decision maker with strong financial acumen.
- Collaborative leader who builds trust and alignment across teams
- Comfortable balancing long‑term vision with in‑season agility.
- Be an independent and self-motivated team player.
At Foot Locker, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity in all that we do. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, during interviews and assessments. To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please review the following guidelines:
- Cameras must be on for all virtual interviews.
- AI tools are strictly prohibited during interviews or assessments.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a transparent and equitable hiring experience.
Benefits
The annual base salary range is $240k to $300k. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. This role is also eligible to receive short term incentives that align with individual and company performance. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the WSS total compensation package, which includes the below.
- Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave
- Life, Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Individual and Family Plans
- Self-Development & Recognition Programs
- Bonus Incentive Program
- Advancement Opportunities
- 401k Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions
- 30%-50% Employee Discount - Friend & Family Events
- Community Engagement Opportunities
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
ABOUT WSS:
WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion and casual footwear for the entire family. Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top name brands likeNike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.
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