Director of Finance & Accounting

Director of Finance & Accounting Department: Corporate/Administrative Employment Type: Full Time Location: Charlotte, NC Description Talbert, Bright & Ellington, LLC. (TBE) is a full-service, professional aviation engineering firm focused on the planning, design, and construction of airports in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina for over 30 years, TBE employs more than 95 professionals. TBE is seeking an experienced, team-oriented, and highly communicative finance leader to join our organization as the Director of Finance & Accounting. This key leadership role will report to the President and will work collaboratively alongside operational leadership to learn the business and help uplift overall financial and project management practices across the TBE team. This leader will also join the TBE Leadership team and provide input to and support the strategic and tactical direction of the firm, including the integration of new partners resulting from acquisitions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in effective communication, management of financial operations and a 3–10-person finance team, and extensive experience as a Controller. This position is full-time and reports to the onsite office five days a week. Key Responsibilities: Build and maintain strong rapport with the firm President and Operational leaders including Project Managers. Communicate initiatives, informational requests, and focus areas with the firm President for alignment. Lead and manage the day-to-day functions of the accounting department and provide strategic direction and guidance to achieve organizational financial goals. Ensure and support an effective Project Review cadence focused on building awareness of and adherence to project budgets. Drive thinking around important financial decision making around revenue and EBITDA growth, specifically hiring as it relates to production needs and organic growth goals. Oversee, manage, and communicate all aspects of financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with GAAP. Lead the preparation of financial statements, reports, and analysis to provide accurate and timely information to management, stakeholders, and external auditors. Manage the accounting function, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions. Provide leadership and guidance to the accounting team, fostering a culture of teamwork, communication, accountability, and continuous improvement. Partner closely with the President to support the South Region and Trilon Group to set a collaborative and holistic approach to Trilon’s financial needs, including financial reporting, audit, and other compliance requirements. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise: Intellectually curious and collaborative demeanor that will facilitate a deeper understanding of the firm and its projects and processes. Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, CPA) preferred. Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience managing financial operations in a corporate setting. Relevant AEC or professional services industry experience preferred. At least 3 years of experience in a Controller role, overseeing accounting functions and financial reporting. Strong knowledge of all aspects of US GAAP; experience in public accounting preferred. Proven ability to develop and implement financial strategies to drive growth and profitability. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage and develop a high-performing team. Demonstrated history of streamlining processes. Experience supporting financial and FAR audits. Understanding of fixed-price/lumpsum, T&M contracts, and other common AEC contract types is preferred. Understanding of the ASC 606 revenue recognition method. Understanding of overhead rate calculations for engineering firms. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Tools: Knowledge of Deltek Vantagepoint and Excel proficiency preferred. We Offer: Excellent compensation package Outstanding holiday and paid‑time‑off programs 401(k) Plan and Match Career Path Development Program (Management & Technical Career Tracks) Mentorship Program Tuition Reimbursement Competitive health and dental insurance premiums Variety of voluntary benefit options Short‑Term Disability/Long‑Term Disability Company‑furnished life insurance Employee Assistant Program (EAP) Flexible Spending Account #J-18808-Ljbffr Mannik Smith Group