Summary
Bazaarvoice is currently searching for a new Manager of Finance Operations to lead its global data and billing teams. This leadership role acts as a vital link between the sales department and the financial reporting team. The manager will be responsible for ensuring that all customer contracts are correctly recorded and billed. By overseeing a team of nine people across the United States and international locations, this person will help maintain the company’s financial health and data accuracy.
Main Impact
The primary goal of this role is to manage the "quote-to-cash" process. This is the journey a contract takes from the moment a salesperson closes a deal to the moment the company receives payment. If this process has errors, it can lead to wrong financial reports or unhappy customers. The Manager of Finance Operations will ensure that data flows smoothly between different software systems like Salesforce and NetSuite. This work is essential for the company to understand its true growth and to make sure every bill sent to a customer is correct. By improving these systems, the manager helps the entire company run more efficiently.
Key Details
What Happened
Bazaarvoice has opened a high-level position for a finance professional who can lead both people and technical projects. The company needs someone to oversee the hand-off between the "Deal Desk," which handles sales contracts, and the "Accounts Receivable" team, which collects payments. This role is not just about managing people; it also requires the manager to step in and do technical work during busy times, such as the end of a month or a quarter. The manager will also be the main person in charge of the company’s Bookings Policy, which sets the rules for how sales are counted in financial records.
Important Numbers and Facts
- Team Size: The manager will lead 9 people in total. This includes 5 employees based in the US and 4 offshore workers.
- Experience Needed: Candidates should have 5 to 7 years of experience in finance or revenue operations. At least 3 of those years must be in a management role.
- Software Skills: High skill levels in Salesforce (CPQ) and NetSuite are required. Knowledge of Excel and data tools like Tableau is also very important.
- Company History: Bazaarvoice was founded in 2005 and is based in Austin, Texas. It has offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- Work Schedule: The role requires extra hours and some Saturday work during the end of financial periods to ensure all deadlines are met.
Background and Context
Bazaarvoice is a company that helps brands and retailers talk to their customers. They focus on "user-generated content," which includes things like product reviews, ratings, and social media posts. When you see a review on a website before you buy a pair of shoes, Bazaarvoice might be the company behind that technology. They help thousands of brands connect with billions of shoppers. Because they work with so many different companies and types of data, their internal financial systems are very complex. They need strong leaders to make sure their own business data is as clear and helpful as the data they provide to their clients.
Public or Industry Reaction
In the tech world, the role of Finance Operations has become much more important over the last few years. Many software companies are moving toward subscription models, often called SaaS (Software as a Service). This makes billing more complicated because prices can change, and contracts can be updated frequently. Industry experts note that companies with strong "Revenue Operations" teams are more likely to grow steadily because they have fewer errors in their billing. Bazaarvoice has also been recognized as a "Great Place to Work" in several countries, including the US, India, and the UK. This reputation helps them attract top talent in a competitive job market.
What This Means Going Forward
The new manager will take over the "ARR data cube." ARR stands for Annual Recurring Revenue, which is a key number that shows how much money a subscription company expects to make every year. This data cube is the "source of truth" for the company’s leadership. By managing this tool, the new hire will provide the CFO and other executives with the information they need to make big decisions about the company’s future. The role will also focus on mentoring the offshore team to make sure they are fully part of the company’s daily work. As Bazaarvoice continues to grow globally, these internal systems will need to be updated and tested constantly to keep up with new types of sales and products.
Final Take
This position is a major opportunity for a finance leader who enjoys both technical data work and coaching a team. It sits at the center of the company’s business operations, making sure that every sale is tracked correctly from start to finish. For Bazaarvoice, finding the right person for this role is a key step in maintaining their reputation for accuracy and professional excellence. The successful candidate will play a big part in how the company measures its success and plans for its next stage of growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Manager of Finance Operations?
The main goal is to lead the team that moves data from sales contracts into financial reports. This ensures that billing is accurate and that the company has a clear picture of its revenue.
What software does this role use most often?
The role requires expert knowledge of Salesforce (specifically the CPQ tool) and NetSuite. These systems are used to manage customer deals and company accounting.
Is this a remote or office-based job?
While the company is based in Austin, Texas, they have a global presence. The manager will lead a global team with members in the US and other international locations, requiring strong communication skills across different time zones.
