Director of Finance & People

Location: Northampton, MA (01060) – In Office

Department: Finance and Human Resources
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Royal Talens North America is seeking a Director of Finance & People to lead the organization’s financial management and people?related administrative functions. This senior leadership role combines strategic financial oversight with responsibility for core people operations, while working in close partnership with executive leadership in North America and the global finance organization based in the Netherlands. This is a full?time, in?office leadership role based in Northampton, MA.

Who We Are

Royal Talens in Northampton, Massachusetts is the North American headquarters of the Royal Dutch color house in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Royal Talens has been crafting some of the world’s most trusted brands of art materials since 1899. From our distribution center and headquarters in Northampton, Massachusetts, we serve customers across the United States and Canada with brands trusted by artists, students, and creators worldwide.  Our mission is to be the preferred supplier in the creative color industry. Every team member helps extend our 125+ year tradition of artistry and innovation.

Our Core Values

At Royal Talens North America, we believe great companies are built on great people. We look for individuals who share our values:

• Team Oriented – We collaborate openly and support one another.
• Ownership Mindset – We take responsibility and follow through.
• Integrity – We act with honesty, professionalism, and respect.
• Passion for Quality – We care deeply about doing things right.
• Respect for the Customer – We serve with fairness, clarity, and consideration.

We primarily operate in an in-office environment, as we believe shared spaces enhance collaboration, accelerate decision-making, encourage deeper dialogue, strengthen relationships, and ultimately lead to better outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all finance and accounting functions, including accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial close.
• Ensure accurate, timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead audit processes and finance contact for both the US and Dutch external auditors.
• Prepare and present financial information for executive leadership.
• Finance liaison between Royal Talens North America and the Dutch finance team, ensuring alignment on reporting, controls, policies, and timelines.
• Coordinate financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis required by the global organization.
• Support global accounting practices while addressing local business needs.

 People & Administrative Oversight

• Lead people?related administrative functions, including payroll, benefits administration oversight, onboarding, HR compliance, and policy alignment.
• Partner with external HR, benefits, and payroll provider as applicable.
• Initiating and collaborating with hiring managers to facilitate recruiting.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, internal policies, and best practices.
• Support departmental workforce and organizational planning.

 Inventory, Margin & Profitability Analysis

Assist with inventory valuation and costing analyses to support accurate financial reporting and compliance with corporate accounting standards.

• Monitor key financial metrics, including inventory turns, reserves, obsolescence, and related impacts on business performance.
• Support working capital analyses by identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for operational and financial improvement.
• Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to provide financial insights on product costs, margin performance, and inventory investments.
• Recommend opportunities and actions to improve gross margin, inventory efficiency, and overall business profitability.
• Analyze customer profitability to identify margin improvement opportunities

 Strategic & Operational Partnership

• Strategic business partner to senior leadership on financial planning, operational initiatives, and long?range forecasting.
• Provide financial and people insights that inform decision?making around investments, staffing, pricing, and resource allocation.
• Support cross?functional leaders with clear, actionable analysis.

 Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuous?improvement culture across finance and people operations.

Who Thrives Here

• Curious about how the business operates and how functions intersect
• Values every department and recognizes the contribution of each employee
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic with an eagerness to learn
• Highly organized with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Enjoys becoming an ERP power user and using data and systems to drive insights and continuous improvement.
• Communicates effectively and collaborates well across teams.
• Enjoys rolling up their sleeves while contributing to strategic business decisions.
• High-impact role with direct exposure to senior leadership across North America and Europe. and play a meaningful role in shaping the future growth of the business.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience, skills, and demonstrated success in financial management, business analysis, and effective people leadership.

Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, life benefits, and HSA or FSA plan
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• 13 paid company holidays and generous PTO
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Collaborative, positive, and inclusive work culture

Why Royal Talens North America

Royal Talens North America is part of a globally respected organization dedicated to creativity, craftsmanship, and quality. This role offers the opportunity to influence both financial strategy and people operations in a collaborative, values?driven environment.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.  We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Royal Talens North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting; MBA or relevant professional experience preferred.
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in finance leadership, with exposure to people/HR functions.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and people administration practices.
• Experience operating at both strategic and hands-on levels in a mid-sized organization.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate complex financial and people topics for non?technical individuals.