Director of Finance

Director of Finance

The Director of Finance is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the financial health, integrity, and performance of the firm. This role partners closely with executive leadership to drive profitability, optimize financial operations, support growth initiatives, and ensure compliance within a professional services environment.

The Director of Finance combines strong technical expertise with commercial insight, particularly in areas such as revenue recognition, utilization rates, project accounting, and Director distributions.

The Position

We are seeking a qualified candidate to lead our Finance Department. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategy aligned with the firm’s business objectives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Management Shareholders.
• Provide financial modeling and scenario planning to support growth, acquisitions, and new service lines.
• Lead annual budgeting and long-range financial planning processes.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of revenue, expenses, and profitability by practice area.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital optimization.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including utilization, realization, and margin analysis.
• Present financial results and insights to leadership and/or Management Shareholders.

Operational Finance

• Oversee billing, accounts receivable, collections, accounts payable, revenue recognition processes, budgeting, and payroll.
• Implement best practices for project accounting and time-based billing models.
• Improve financial systems, automation, and reporting efficiency.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and risk mitigation procedures.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable tax regulations.
• Manage external audits and coordinate with outside accounting firms.
• Oversee tax planning and filings.
• Responsible for the calculation of agency overhead rates including IDOT and WisDOT.
• Responsible for overseeing contract administration, data management, and preparation of subconsultant agreements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Research, recommend, and administer the company general liability, auto liability, umbrella liability, workers’ compensation, management liability, unmanned aircraft, cybersecurity, and professional liability insurance policies.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements specific to the industry.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team.
• Establish performance goals and professional development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Relations

• Provide transparency into financial performance and capital structure.
• Support decision-making through clear financial communication.

Working Conditions and Physical Capabilities:

Fast-paced professional services environment; working under occasional stress and tight deadlines; combination of strategic leadership and hands-on financial management; collaboration with firm leadership and cross-functional teams.

Location: Chicagoland [Hybrid]