Director of Finance

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Job Opportunity : Director of Finance at Our Architectural Firm

Location : Position will be an in office position preferably in the Lafayette Office. This is not a remote position.

Business Model : EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)

About Us : We are a dynamic architectural firm with two thriving locations, committed to excellence and innovation in design.

Operating under the EOS model, we are seeking a visionary Director of Finance to join our team and drive financial success.

Position Overview : The Director of Finance will report directly to the Managing Principal or Chief Operations Officer. This pivotal role requires a blend of creative strategy and experienced leadership to establish, streamline, and oversee robust accounting systems, procedures, policies, and controls.

The ideal candidate will guide our team towards financial excellence and support our ongoing growth.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Oversight of the Accounting Department :

Lead and inspire an accounting team across two locations, including a department head and accounts receivable / payable administrators.

Initiate projects to assess and optimize existing accounting systems for enhanced effectiveness and efficiency.

Streamline the invoicing process to reduce production steps and turnaround time while ensuring accuracy and accountability.

Enhance collections by collaborating closely with clients to understand their payment processes.

Develop a systematic approach for timely payments to outside project consultants, reclassifying outdated balance sheet items, and implementing forecasting and cash flow management tools.

Manage, recruit, and train / mentor accounting personnel, ensuring the punctual production of comprehensive accounting data.

Oversee and coordinate external vendors providing services to the firm, including accounting, human resources, employee benefits, and more.

2. Advisory Role to Senior Management :

Serve as a trusted financial advisor to management, collaborating with the senior leadership team on strategic financial planning, operational budgeting, tax strategy, and assessments of significant initiatives, such as opening new branch offices and evaluating potential acquisitions.

Establish and nurture productive relationships with key external partners, including banking institutions, CPAs, and other critical advisors and vendors.

3. Translating Project Accounting Data into Actionable Insights :

Develop a transparent system for effective communication with studio directors and their teams concerning job tasks and fee structures.

Ensure that current project budgets received from architects are accurately and promptly updated in the financial software system.

Collaborate closely with studio directors and project managers to ensure regular use of project profitability reports, equipping them with the data needed to achieve project profitability targets.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Minimum of 10 years of full-charge experience, with at least 7 years in a professional services firm. Experience within design, architecture, or engineering preferred.

Proven success in running an accounting department and supervising staff effectively.

Comprehensive experience in job cost accounting, with thorough knowledge of all accounting functions (general ledger, receivables, payables, payroll).

Familiarity with modular job cost accounting software; experience with Deltek Ajera preferred or the ability to quickly adapt.

Detail-oriented with exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of thriving in a collaborative environment.

Demonstrated ability to lead and serve as a financial advisor to management, providing strategic recommendations and establishing financial direction.

Skills and Traits :

• Exemplifies rigorous management discipline and the ability to balance a wide range of activities.
• Strong management and leadership capabilities, enabling effective interaction with staff at all levels.
• Committed to mentoring and fostering growth within the staff.
• Excellent process improvement, problem-solving, organizational, and systems planning skills.
• Outstanding organizational, quantitative reasoning, and analytical abilities.
• Proficient in Deltek Ajera or comparable systems.
• Mastery of Excel and proficiency in MS Word.
• Capable of developing and presenting educational programs to groups.
• Ability to work closely with design professionals to achieve financial and project objectives.

Join Us : If you are a visionary leader with a passion for financial excellence and a desire to contribute to the growth of a dynamic architectural firm, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to become a part of our team and help shape the future of our firm.

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